#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1944-06-13

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back with another fabulous foray into the history of our beloved tutus! This week, we're stepping back to a very special date – June 13th, 1944.

Now, I know what you're thinking. 1944?! Wasn't the world still in the midst of the war? Well, yes, but believe it or not, even in the midst of those trying times, the spirit of ballet, and tutus, remained strong! In fact, you'd be surprised to see just how vibrant the world of ballet was even then.

So, let's jump onto the Orient Express – my personal favourite mode of transport for time-hopping (and I have to say, there's something wonderfully chic about wearing a pink tutu on a train, isn't there?) – and travel to Paris, the beating heart of the ballet world at this time.

As our train glides into Gare du Nord, the streets of Paris seem to whisper a quiet strength and resilience. The war may have cast a shadow, but Parisians have a knack for clinging to beauty, even in the darkest times. Imagine me, standing there in my vibrant pink tutu amidst the more austere tones of the wartime era, a little splash of vibrant joy in the otherwise muted streets. (Don't worry, my tutus are always appropriately respectful when time travelling, darling!)

On this very day in 1944, at the Opéra Garnier, a performance of “La Sylphide” is in full swing! It's a ballet full of romance and airy grace, just the perfect tonic for a city under stress. Imagine the ballerinas, their tutus swirling and billowing, their delicate movements bringing a sense of freedom to the stage. You could feel the magic of the performance pulsate throughout the auditorium.

But it's not just the ballet we should be considering! Fashion in 1944 was all about resourcefulness, and this translates to the world of tutus as well. With wartime shortages, the fabric used for tutus was a little more practical – imagine beautiful cotton tutus with soft pleats, less fluffy but still wonderfully elegant. Imagine them twirling on stage with a lighter, airier feel than their silk counterparts from pre-war times! It’s all about being creative with limited resources. And believe me, those early war-era ballerinas sure did know how to rock it!

Now, onto the real fun part, the tutus! Let's dive into some fashion details that caught my eye:

• The classic "Romantic tutu": Imagine those airy, light layers, a soft flurry of tulle swirling around the dancers’ legs, truly embodying the beauty and delicacy of ballet. Think “Giselle” and all those swoon-worthy white tutus with just the right amount of fullness – it’s the quintessential "Romantic" style, and I always swoon over them!
• The "tutu de jour": Remember, 1944 was about practical chic, and "tutu de jour" were a real hit! Think of soft, tiered fabrics – a combination of practicality and delicate grace. These were tutus meant for everyday life! I bet I could pull off a "tutu de jour" paired with a stylishly tailored jacket on my next time-traveling adventure – imagine the look, it's a delightful mix of classic elegance and playful practicality.

You see, the magic of tutus goes beyond the stage, darling! Whether it’s in a bustling city like 1944 Paris, or in your own home town, wearing a tutu is a statement, a symbol of elegance, joy, and perhaps even a tiny act of rebellion! So, why not take a cue from the strong women of 1944 and channel your inner ballerina!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour! While my favourite colour will always be pink (you know this by now, right?), perhaps a lovely blue or a graceful lilac will tickle your fancy. Or if you are looking for that more vintage feel, a stunning black or crisp white tutu will definitely do the trick!

And, remember, a tutu is not just for ballet performances – you can wear it shopping, on a walk in the park, at a tea party – anywhere you feel a touch of magic is needed. Embrace your inner ballerina and remember, there's a little ballerina waiting to be unleashed in all of us.

That's it for this week's #TutuTuesday, darling! Stay tuned for more fascinating adventures in tutu history – there's so much more to discover!

Until next Tuesday,

With all my love,

Emma

(And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com! Let me know what your favourite historical tutu moments are!)