Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of all things tutu, sparkly, and fabulously feminine. This week, we're taking a trip down memory lane, specifically to 3rd October, 1944. 🚂 Buckle up, buttercups, it's time for a historical fashion adventure!
It's been such a whirlwind this past week. I just returned from a wonderful trip to New York City, where I caught a divine performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House. The costumes, my dears! Such elegance, such fluidity, such… tulle! It truly made my heart flutter, and I have a newfound appreciation for the iconic beauty of classical ballet. And who wouldn't, when it’s just brimming with exquisite grace and artistry? 🦢
But enough about my trip. Today, we're going to journey back in time, right into the heart of the 1940s, to discover how our beloved tutus were evolving during those iconic wartime years.
Now, 1944 wasn't all bombs and rationing, my dears. Though the war raged, fashion was still flourishing, albeit with a slightly different feel. Remember those fabulously glamorous films, like "Casablanca"? 🎬 It’s a classic! Even amidst the somber wartime atmosphere, glamour never quite died out. The emphasis shifted towards practicality, with many ladies opting for practical styles like pantsuits, dresses with long sleeves and fitted skirts. And, yes, you guessed it, the tutu was present! It may not have been as elaborate as the 1930s, but it remained a symbol of feminine beauty and freedom, even in a world that needed to be strong.
This is why I adore #TutuTuesday, because it brings out the essence of femininity within us. I’m from Derbyshire, a county known for its stunning scenery. The rolling hills, the grand houses, it all adds an undeniable air of classic elegance to our English roots, just like the tutu. ✨
Our darling tutu wasn’t limited to ballet alone either. They were even spotted on children, whether it be during their ballet classes or even their everyday attire! Imagine a tiny girl twirling around in a fluffy tulle tutu, a perfect example of childlike joy! 🌸
Did you know that even the silhouette of the tutu changed with the times? The bell-shaped, flowing skirt of the classical tutu gradually transformed into a slightly narrower shape, hugging the legs more closely. Just like in any time period, trends kept changing, yet the tutu remained a popular fashion element! 💕
But it’s not all just about fashion, my dears. It’s about finding the inner dancer in every one of us. And in a world brimming with change and challenges, there’s a lot to be said about finding joy in something as simple and beautiful as a ballerina's dress. 🥰
And speaking of finding joy, I simply can’t end this blog without telling you about an exciting announcement for Pink Tutu.
As you know, I love the theatre, and the ballet, of course! This is how I fund my time-travelling shenanigans! My most recent performance, which I mentioned, at the Metropolitan Opera House was a dream. And I am delighted to share with you all that I am performing again soon! 🎭
This time, it will be a fundraising performance for a charity called “A Little Twirl”, an organisation dedicated to bringing dance lessons to disadvantaged children. Their mission resonates with my love for ballet and its power to uplift and inspire. 💫
For those in New York, I will be performing on the 12th of October at the Carnegie Hall. A wonderful venue! You can find details of the performance on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. All proceeds will go towards "A Little Twirl" and I can't wait to see you all there!
And lastly, my dears, let's not forget to embrace our inner ballerina and never forget to twirl! It’s all about enjoying ourselves! I hope you all have a lovely week, full of sparkly fashion and endless twirls! 💕
And don’t forget, be sure to leave a comment, follow me on all social media, and tune in next Tuesday for another fabulous adventure into ballet tutu history! ✨
Until next time, my lovelies!
Love,
Emma
xx
