Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always in vogue! Today, for #TutuTuesday, we're taking a grand jeté back in time to February 27th, 1945.
Picture this, lovelies: The world is still reeling from the war, but there's a flicker of hope in the air. And what better way to embrace that hope than with a trip to the ballet, eh?
Now, you may be thinking, "1945, Emma? Didn't tutus look quite different back then?" Well, you wouldn't be entirely wrong! Today, we'll be exploring how the tutu evolved in this pivotal period.
As I step out of my time machine (don't worry, darling, I won't divulge the secret of my transportation!), I find myself in a world of elegance. My favourite pink tutu twirls in the crisp, post-war air as I make my way to the Royal Opera House, London.
The Royal Ballet, oh darling, they were the ones to watch! This period saw the rise of the legendary Margot Fonteyn, a dancer so exquisite she could make a feather boa look divine. And believe me, she was rocking those shorter, less voluminous tutus with grace and confidence!
Why, you might ask, the change from the voluminous, romantic tutus of the past? Well, dear reader, this period marked a new era of streamlined elegance.
The tutu, no longer simply a frilly dress for a ballerina, became a canvas for movement. A statement piece of choreography, reflecting the post-war desire for practicality and sophistication. The tutu evolved to embrace the demands of athleticism, emphasizing the lines and the artistry of the dance.
While still holding on to its traditional form, it was getting a little bit… short. This period saw the emergence of what we now call the "classical" tutu - those wispy, single-layer designs, the ones we see all the time in performances today. These airy skirts offered freedom of movement, allowing the dancers to soar and twirl with elegance and grace.
The colours, though, are a touch less pink and more muted in 1945. Beige and blush hues were in vogue. Still beautiful, of course! But it’s like my wardrobe has been stripped of its bright hues – a little bit war time, I guess!
It was during this time that ballet moved further away from its strictly-classical traditions. There were fresh new interpretations of old masterpieces, pushing boundaries and introducing new styles.
Now, while I love those classic, graceful ballet styles, it's not just about the clothes. There’s more to ballet than the tutus. You know I love them, darlings, but it's all about the dance! The stories they tell, the emotions they evoke - that's the magic of ballet, don't you think?
Let's have a little daydream! As I settle in to enjoy the show, I spot some exquisite ballet shoes. They are oh-so elegant in a light tan leather - a perfect match for my pale pink tutu, don’t you think?
As the final curtain falls on the performance, I feel like my time travelling spirit is lifted. The artistry of the dancers, the elegance of the choreography, and the sheer joy of it all make me realize that ballet is a truly timeless art form.
It doesn't matter if you prefer tutus in all their grandeur or a little shorter, it's all about appreciating the magic and artistry of the dance. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of elegance and grace?
So, darlings, as I journey back to my own time, I’m thinking about those beautiful short, classic tutus. How can we celebrate their versatility and style? Maybe a DIY tutu-making afternoon?
Join me in my pink paradise at www.pink-tutu.com, where you'll find plenty of tips and inspiration. And don't forget to wear a tutu every chance you get - let's fill the world with pink tutus, darlings!
And as always, keep your heads high, twirl often, and never stop dreaming of ballerinas! Until next week, stay beautiful and keep dancing!
XOXO, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on my socials and share your favourite #TutuTuesday photos!
