Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back again for another week of #TutuTuesday! I'm so thrilled you've all joined me for our weekly dive into the captivating world of ballet tutus, where we journey through time to uncover their fabulous history.
This week, we're taking a trip back to December 7th, 1943. Can you imagine, my dears, a time without those wonderful, fluffy tutus we adore today? While they were certainly evolving, the 1940s was a time of exciting change for the world of dance, and I’m positively tickled pink to tell you about it.
We find ourselves amidst the Second World War, a time when the world felt quite uncertain, yet there was a certain tenacity in the spirit. It's heartwarming to see that despite everything, ballet was flourishing. In fact, wartime restrictions meant that dance was an accessible form of entertainment, a much-needed escape for people in trying times.
But where are we in the world? Imagine cobbled streets, a gentle breeze carrying the aroma of tea and scones. Oh, wouldn't that be lovely! We’re in England, my dears. The wartime atmosphere didn't deter the magic of ballet; London’s Royal Opera House was buzzing, featuring ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle. Just like us, people then loved the spectacle and beauty of it all.
Speaking of the beautiful, I've discovered a treasure trove of vintage photographs of dancers from the era. The styles of their tutus are fascinating - more simple and functional than our voluminous tutus today. I particularly love the image of the beautiful Moira Shearer in a delicate tulle tutu – she was considered one of the era’s most renowned dancers. These early tutus were designed for ease of movement and grace, but they certainly didn’t skimp on the charm.
The iconic tutus we know and love, however, are still some years away. As the war ended, and society shifted towards a more extravagant fashion, the tutus we know today - made of layers upon layers of tulle - came to be. But imagine, my darlings, wearing one of those elegant tutus with a wartime dress – such a lovely mix of history and style!
One of my most recent discoveries - and a must for any tutu lover! - is a beautifully preserved ballet shoe shop in a London alley. Just imagine, darling, that beautiful worn wood flooring, the smell of leather polish, and rows and rows of dance shoes. It’s like a fairytale! Imagine the dedication of dancers who used their dance as a way to overcome the hardship and stress of wartime!
There is something truly wonderful about looking back, isn't there, darlings? To see the evolution of the tutu, the way its design has changed to suit the style of its era - it reminds us of the changing times, and yet, there’s a timeless beauty and elegance in this ballet form, both in the costume and the art itself.
Remember, darlings, just as tutus have evolved through history, so too can we, evolving our style and embracing our inner beauty and grace. And why not do it all in a little bit of pink?
I can’t wait to see you all next Tuesday! Until then, stay radiant and let the grace and beauty of tutus inspire you. Don't forget to join me at www.pink-tutu.com for all things tutus! And always, remember to twirl with confidence.
Yours in pink, Emma x
