Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another exciting delve into the glorious history of tutus! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, my weekly celebration of the most fabulous garment known to womankind - the tutu! And as ever, we're taking a trip back in time to find out more about these fabulous creations.
Today, darling, I've time-travelled all the way to 20th June, 1944. Can you believe it? We're smack dab in the middle of World War Two, but fear not! As always, I'm staying safe with my time travel travel, and making the most of the opportunity to see how fashion is holding up in these tumultuous times.
Right now, I'm in New York City. They call it the "Big Apple" now, and it truly is a bustling metropolis with the most wonderful energy! And while the world might be in a bit of a whirlwind, the world of ballet, darling, is as vibrant and beautiful as ever.
Now, when you think of the 1940s, your mind might not immediately jump to ballet. But trust me, darling, it was a time of transformation! This was the era of "Balanchine's revolution," when a ballet legend, George Balanchine, revolutionised the way the world looked at dance. And while the dancers themselves are just as fabulous and talented as they always have been, their costumes took on a more dynamic form. Imagine a new kind of tutu, darling, flowing and lightweight, one that would let the dancers move with greater fluidity and grace, just as Balanchine's revolutionary style demanded.
While Balanchine’s innovation in choreographing new and exciting ballets took place here in New York City, my darling, his focus was still on "Classical Ballet." So even though things were getting more modern and progressive, darling, the tutus were still quite classic. Think graceful, flowing lines of chiffon and tulle, a vision of elegance and grace that even during wartime brought joy and a sense of artistry to the world.
So, 20th June, 1944 – What happened today in the grand ballet history? Well, while I didn't stumble upon a premiere, my little trip down the historical timeline was just as exciting! This week I visited the New York City Ballet to see a performance of Balanchine's “Symphony in C.". This timeless, joyful, uplifting, beautiful piece really helped to understand the impact he was making on ballet history!
After the show, darling, I took a little stroll around the city, where I couldn't help but marvel at how stylish people were despite everything. Even wartime couldn't dim the sparkle and energy of this fabulous city. They say that fashion reflects the times, and right now, the war effort is influencing a look that is practical and modest but still sophisticated. I’m spotting sleek dresses, skirts that move gracefully with each step, and chic jackets - think wartime glamour.
But you know what my darling? My favorite discovery today wasn’t fashion, although it's certainly a huge part of my life, darling! Instead, I found the most amazing bakery near Central Park. Let me tell you, those cupcakes with the most delicate pink frosting… pure heaven, darling! The colours remind me so much of the wonderful colours used in tutus and the ballerinas' costumes. The colours, darling, they make me feel just like a ballerina when I’m in a pink tutu, you know, it just completes my outfit, making me feel like I'm gliding across the stage, with my confidence soaring to new heights!
If you’re thinking about taking a trip here, take my advice and treat yourself to some amazing New York cupcakes, darling!
Remember, this #TutuTuesday was especially important for me, because I want to share all I learn, with all of you, dear readers, about how tutus became a true symbol of artistry and feminine grace that transcended even the toughest of times.
We’ll be back next Tuesday, darlings, with another inspiring dive into the world of tutu history! Until then, remember, my friends, keep on dancing, keep on dreaming and remember to sprinkle your life with a little pink tutu magic, because, my darling, anything is possible in a pink tutu!
Catch me over on the next #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com,
Ciao for now, Emma.
P.S. Don't forget to tell me what you'd like me to write about in my blog. Just leave a comment, darling.
P.P.S. My pink tutu is from [name your favourite boutique], the colours are just heavenly! Don’t forget to check out their new collection, darling. I know I will be!
(Emma's posts are just part of her Ballet Tutu History, the site at www.pink-tutu.com is all about her passion, the history of ballet, dance and ballet costumes)
