Hiya lovely lot! Emma here, back for another week of #TutuTuesday and a deep dive into the fabulous world of the ballet tutu!
It's a gorgeous Tuesday here in…well, let’s just say it’s a secret. 🤫 Time travelling with a tutu on can get tricky when it comes to explaining where I’ve popped up to this week!
Anyway, back to today’s date – 20th March 1945. You wouldn’t think, from this date, that we’re actually quite near to the end of the Second World War. That said, here in the United States, it feels very much like things are getting back to a sense of normalcy. It’s the war, that’s the thing, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Just last month I popped along to see Margot Fonteyn performing in The Sleeping Beauty at the New York City Center. And let me tell you, the tutus! Just divine! The craftsmanship, the details! You see, this time around, with things easing a little, ballet is really thriving in New York City. The war gave many new audiences a chance to experience its beauty. Now, everyone’s out to celebrate the return of peace and ballet is playing a big part.
Even if this was a little bit of a stretch for many during the war, things are starting to look up, and let me tell you – pink tutus are very much en vogue!
So how was this iconic piece of costume changing in 1945? We’re now seeing the advent of lighter and more comfortable designs. Think tulle, so floaty and elegant. Designers like Christian Dior are working on their versions, with intricate lines and romantic swirls, all the while using fabric as a way to express freedom.
As you’ve already learned, tutus started out being the traditional classical style, a little stiffer with multiple layers. However, now we’re seeing a real movement towards more streamlined shapes.
Remember back in the 1920s? When ballerinas like Anna Pavlova were experimenting with shorter and less layered designs? That trend is definitely sticking around, and designers are experimenting with all kinds of shapes and layers. Imagine that, they’re making it their own! This brings such an amazing freshness and elegance to ballet and I must say – a tutu isn't just a tutu any more, it's a way to tell a story and reflect the mood of the time.
You see, my favourite part about the history of the tutu is the constant change! That evolution never seems to stop and, in 1945, there’s an abundance of this creativity as designers try to make this costume both functional and exciting. And don't get me started on the beautiful colours they're using! From dreamy shades of blue to vibrant oranges and pinks - oh my!
And speaking of pinks…I'm just about bursting with joy for a pink tutu outfit in honour of the 1940s revival trend! Now, my darlings, let’s face it, everything looks great in pink.
I mean, when you picture a tutu, you’re likely seeing pink. It’s a symbol of dreams and I find it hard to find anything else to pair with its* grace and beauty*.
Here's the thing: a pink tutu, to me, is just… it takes you to a world of dreams. Imagine you're twirling with a graceful lightness, the pink tutu making you feel like you’re floating above the clouds. ☁️
So how about you? Do you love a pink tutu, too?
Because here’s the thing…it’s just so utterly gorgeous! If you ever have a chance to go see a performance and they're wearing the traditional ballet tutu style with the longer layers of stiff fabric? It’s definitely a statement to behold. If they've taken that and made it a modern, shorter design, with a beautiful fabric, it’s absolutely magnificent. There’s really nothing like seeing those shapes come to life onstage!
If you want to explore the history of ballet further, just head on over to www.pink-tutu.com – where it's all about embracing your inner ballerina!
Of course, I’ll be back next Tuesday with a new #TutuTuesday post, filled with the stories behind this magnificent costume.
Until then, be sure to dream in pink, my lovelies!
Emma.
P.S. You can find me on social media, using #pinktutu
- Remember, this post is designed to fit the given prompt, but may not reflect historical accuracy in detail.
