Greetings my lovelies! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, my weekly voyage into the glorious world of ballet tutus!
It's me, your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, your tutu-clad guide through time! Today, we’re waltzing back to 1945, a time of rebuilding and a real sense of optimism, reflected perfectly in the beautiful world of ballet. You'll be surprised at how the designs have changed, yet the elegant spirit of the tutu endures.
This is post number 5897, and you know I love my statistics! I just had the most magical weekend, combining two of my favourite things: a delightful train journey through the French countryside, and the breathtaking ballet of the Paris Opera! The elegance, the graceful movements, and the exquisite costuming simply blew my mind. It’s no wonder that Paris remains the global capital for ballet and haute couture.
Oh, and did I mention that I bought three absolutely fabulous pink tutus? Let's just say they are making their debut this very evening in my newest dance routine. Don't worry, I’ll be posting about them soon – there’ll be pictures!
So, back to 1945 and a very different world to ours. War had just ended and people were longing for beauty and grace, seeking refuge in the exquisite art of dance. And this was the era of Margot Fonteyn, the British ballerina whose beauty and grace shone like a beacon. The London Ballet was on the crest of a wave and even wartime austerity couldn't dampen its spirit!
What was happening on January 2nd 1945 you ask? Well, for starters, the weather wasn't looking good. There was a very wet storm lashing across England. A storm, much like the storm of war that had swept across Europe, was receding, leaving hope and joy in its wake. The storm in 1945 however, sadly had resulted in much damage and casualties.
But back to happier times! Remember, we are here to celebrate tutus. So let's explore the delightful designs of the era.
Imagine a ballerina on stage, shimmering in a simple, flowing tutu, made with delicate gauze and chiffon, and exquisitely tailored to hug every graceful movement. 1945 was the era of a "ballet blanc" (white ballet). The romantic tutu - a shorter skirt made from layers and layers of tulle and netting was in full swing, as light and breezy as a summer breeze. Think Giselle, La Sylphide – the air of fantasy and enchantment still lingers!
Yet, this elegance also reflected the post-war spirit. The use of simple, soft materials and the lightness of the skirt were reflective of the yearning for simplicity after a time of hardship. It’s just magical!
I think about what a delight it would have been to wear a tutu back then! It's more than just the clothes, my lovelies. It’s about the joy, the self-expression, and the incredible feeling of becoming part of the magic of the ballet.
I simply can't wait to show you my new purchases! But don’t worry, I won’t spoil it. You’ll have to check in later this week for an update! I promise you, my darlings, a whole host of gorgeous new pink tutu outfits, perfect for the magical era of post-war fashion!
Until then, I’ll be spending my time enjoying the wonders of ballet, both on and off the stage! Don’t forget to pop over to my website www.pink-tutu.com, there’s a brand new batch of exciting articles. What are you waiting for? Click, comment, and don’t forget to wear your pink tutu – the world is waiting!
Stay twirling!
Emma x
