Bonjour, mes amies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina extraordinaire! Welcome to another edition of your favourite weekly #TutuTuesday journey through Ballet Tutu History! Today, I'm whisking us back to a glorious September day in 1944 - the 26th to be precise. Buckle up, my lovelies, as we take a peek into the world of tutus at a pivotal moment in time.
As ever, let's grab our tiaras, our best ballerina shoes and take a sip of something pink before we start!
You know I love to start my #TutuTuesday blogs with a snippet of my travel experiences and as you all know, I do prefer to journey by train - the smell of old-fashioned leather and the clackety-clack rhythm of the wheels set my creativity buzzing. And for this trip, I just had to wear my gorgeous dusky-pink lace tutu - perfectly paired with a blush pink cashmere cardigan, of course!
And for our time-traveling escapade to 1944, I landed myself right in the heart of Paris - a city that always feels bursting with art, culture and yes, fabulous fashion! It's no secret that Paris and ballet have been inextricably linked for centuries - a partnership born from an unwavering passion for artistic expression, beautiful design and sheer elegance.
So what did our ballerinas in 1944 look like, you ask? Well, darling, let's just say they were already in the midst of embracing a bold and new era. Picture this: tulle skirts that danced just so, delicate fabrics whispering stories of femininity, and those perfectly placed ribbons and bows, adding a dash of playful sophistication to every movement.
Of course, there was an underlying air of practicality amidst the glamour. We can't forget the post-war world in 1944. Rationing was still in place, but, I imagine even with limitations, our dancers found a way to infuse their outfits with their signature style. It's this spirit that continues to fascinate me! We can look to the past and appreciate how creative they had to be with materials to express their own version of a dance masterpiece.
And speaking of masterpieces, did you know...
On the very same day we're exploring - the 26th of September 1944 - a truly magnificent event graced the Paris stage. The Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas presented "Giselle" in its original French. It was truly a celebration of everything ballet, bringing together the crème de la crème of dancers.
Can you imagine, my dears? Seeing a piece that ignited the hearts of so many ballet lovers - and on top of it being enveloped in that atmosphere, that buzz of excitement? It’s why I time travel, I truly believe I was born for these special moments, moments of breathtaking artistry.
A little peek behind the curtain:
While on the topic of this extraordinary performance, a rumour in the theatre circles claimed the famed ballerina Tatiana Riabouchinska, who took the stage as "Giselle", graced the role in a shimmering tutu that was so intricately adorned it made my breath catch! A symphony of silver and silver thread, delicate beading, and soft chiffon. The description itself transported me right to the theatre.
Sigh And that, my dear ballet lovers, is precisely what tutus do. They transport us, make us dream, and set our hearts soaring! Whether we're in a swirly, multi-layered tutu or a minimalist number with just the right touch of elegant simplicity, they remind us that it's not about the amount of material, it’s about the power to convey something so much deeper.
But what about the wider world, darling? What did the fashion scene in 1944 look like?
Well, remember the fashion icons of this era: Dior, Chanel, and the rise of the New Look. Imagine their influence upon dancewear. Think flowing lines, sharp silhouettes, and a certain femininity that redefined fashion standards. In essence, these designers' inspiration reverberated through dancewear, ushering in a more graceful and feminine silhouette for ballerinas.
And of course, we can’t forget our Derbyshire connection! This part of the world has played a massive role in my passion for dance. As a young dancer, I trained in my beautiful little village in Derbyshire. My little town is truly an inspirational place for budding dancers. I'm quite confident the fashion inspiration in my hometown definitely helped develop my love for graceful looks.
Remember, darlings, when I travel to different times, I also see a connection to my own love of ballet history, especially the fashion side!
Now, let’s indulge in a moment of pure fashion joy, shall we?
While it's impossible to find my dream pink tutu in this time period (although, my time travelling skills might lead to that someday!) But I’m always on the hunt for inspiration - maybe some inspiration will come to me as I travel through time in search of a lost pink tutu design... The one to launch the “wear-a-pink-tutu-revolution!”
Think about it:
- Imagine the power of pink! Pink isn't just a colour, it’s a mood, it's a feeling - one that speaks volumes of joy, elegance, and above all, a little touch of magic.
- The Pink Tutu: A beacon of hope: A bright pink tutu against the backdrop of any world will instantly bring a little oomph and je ne sais quoi!
- Why not start a little "Pink Tutu" revolution? The world could use more pink - a colour to brighten our days, inspire laughter, and remind us of the joy of being us!
I am just a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina travelling through time - but it’s always possible to make our dreams come true. And to finish off our trip down memory lane - why don’t we imagine all of us, dancing down the avenues of the city - Pink Tutus - a spectacle to behold? You bet, it would be magnifique!
*Well, dear friends, that’s all for now! As always, join me next Tuesday for another edition of #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! *
Until then, may your twirls be high and your spirits brighter than the blush of a dawn in pink.
Au revoir, mes chères!
Emma
