Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another exciting episode of #TutuTuesday! 🩰 Today, we're travelling back to 1946, a year that marked the end of a long and turbulent era. While the world was recovering from the Second World War, the world of ballet was experiencing a delightful resurgence, just like the blossom of springtime.
For this post, I've travelled to Paris - oh la la, what a fantastic city for a ballerina! 🇫🇷 The French are known for their fashion, their chic style, and their passion for art, which of course includes ballet! It seems the whole city is ready to welcome a splash of colour and joy after the drab greys of war.
But before I start talking about tutus, I've gotta tell you about my incredible journey. I hopped on the Orient Express from Derbyshire, a grand railway adventure across the continent, so elegant and luxurious. The carriages are decorated with plush velvet and mahogany, and the windows frame the ever-changing landscape in a symphony of colour. It was like a ballet itself!
Now, about the tutus! What were dancers wearing in 1946? Think shorter, more fluid designs with soft lines, a departure from the grand and elaborate romantic era of yore. We're moving away from the traditional, almost costume-like, styles of yore and embracing a new wave of elegance and movement.
As the world began to breathe again, designers and choreographers sought to reflect the spirit of the times - a renewed sense of hope, beauty, and grace. It's no surprise that ballet tutus, too, were transformed, becoming a beacon of elegance in the post-war world.
One particular innovation worth mentioning was the 'C' Tutu. This tutu, introduced by Russian dancer Olga Preobrajenska, revolutionised the look of the ballerina! Gone are the long layers of tulle that limited movement, replaced by a more open design, a half-skirt that allowed for a fluidity and grace that mesmerized audiences. This shorter, more lightweight design, inspired by classical Grecian garments, enabled dancers to express themselves more freely and to showcase the beauty of the body in motion.
Imagine, the iconic elegance of Margot Fonteyn twirling on stage in a 'C' Tutu, dancing her way into hearts and inspiring generations. It’s not just about how the tutu looked; it’s about how the dancer looked within it - it truly allows them to soar and inspire, almost as if they’ve stepped out of a dream!
On February 12th, 1946, the world was already witnessing the magic of ballet again. In the same city that housed iconic ballerinas such as Anna Pavlova and Tamara Karsavina, a new generation of dancers were gracing the stages of the world.
There's no better feeling than slipping into a perfectly fitting tutu and experiencing that incredible sense of transformation. It's more than just an article of clothing - it's a statement, an emotion, a piece of art! The way the tulle drapes and swirls as I move…it's captivating!
Remember, dear readers, ballet isn't just a show, it's a celebration of life, artistry, and the human spirit. The next time you see a ballerina, appreciate the dedication, hard work, and artistry they put into each performance. And the next time you see a tutu, know that you're looking at an expression of dreams, passion, and boundless beauty!
Stay fabulous,
Emma xoxo www.pink-tutu.com Post #5955
