Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday adventure! This week, we're whisking ourselves back in time, all the way to January 25th, 1944. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, isn't it a bit, well, wartime to be twirling in a tutu?" But, dear readers, fashion never really goes out of style, even in the face of challenges. And believe me, a dash of pink and tulle was just what the world needed back then!
I took the train this week, all the way from my quaint Derbyshire home, to the heart of New York City, a true ballet hub. Now, New York in 1944 was a different world. The city was buzzing with activity, yes, but also simmering with tension. The world was in the grip of World War II, and everyone, from the glamorous society ladies to the everyday folks, was feeling the strain. Yet, despite the darkness, the theatre was alive. It offered an escape, a moment of magic.
Just imagine! On this day in 1944, the Metropolitan Opera House, a magnificent, grand dame of the performing arts, was playing host to a Wagnerian opera, with music so grand and voices so soaring that you could almost feel the weight of the world lifting. A perfect evening for an escape, even if the war still loomed large in everyone's hearts.
And speaking of magic, can we talk about tutus? 1944 may not be the year most people associate with ballet tutus, but the Romantic tutu - with its flowing, layered skirt - was starting to make its mark. These tutus, you see, allowed for a more graceful and athletic style of dancing. It was like a whole new world of movement had been unlocked! Imagine swirling, gliding, leaping, and soaring – all while looking like a whimsical fairytale character. It’s pure enchantment!
This was the era of great ballerinas, women like the incomparable Margot Fonteyn, a British star who shone on the stage with breathtaking grace and technical mastery. And let's not forget Alicia Markova, who graced London's Royal Opera House and the world with her exceptional talent. These ballerinas were not just performing, they were storytellers. Every pirouette, every grand jeté, was infused with a narrative, an emotion, that touched the hearts of everyone in the audience.
As I twirled my way through the crowds on 5th Avenue, feeling the echoes of these legends in my steps, I saw the same excitement and joy for the artform in the faces of everyday New Yorkers. People who'd likely just walked through snow-laden streets, tired from work, would stand for hours outside the Opera House for a chance to be mesmerized by the beauty of dance.
I, myself, couldn't resist adding a bit of my own pink to the proceedings! This period was known for its elegance, and, for me, that meant pairing my romantic tutu with a stylish fitted top and a smart jacket. I just can't help but sprinkle my signature pink wherever I go! After all, life is too short to not enjoy a little touch of colour and whimsy, don’t you think?
So, dear readers, when you find yourself thinking of 1944, picture this: The lights of Broadway twinkling, the rumble of trains in the distance, and a little bit of magic, twirling in the form of a pink ballerina tutu. Because even amidst the challenging times, there is always room for beauty, art, and a whole lot of pink.
See you next Tuesday, darling tutu enthusiasts! Until then, may your life be filled with joy, twirls, and plenty of sparkle. 😉
Yours in tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
