Bonjour, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to take you on another whirl through ballet history! This Tuesday, we're stepping back to April 2nd, 1946. Picture it: the war's just ended, the world is still figuring out what to do with itself, but you know what? Ballet's still going strong! And guess what else? Tutus are thriving!
Let me paint you a picture, darlings, of the glorious world of tutus in 1946.
I hopped on a glorious train journey to Paris. Honestly, who needs planes with the charm and romance of train travel? It’s simply the best way to admire the countryside whizzing by. And oh, Paris, Paris, how I love you! So much beauty, style, and joie de vivre. Imagine waltzing through Parisian streets with a magnificent, fluffy tutu billowing in the wind. Such a delightful spectacle!
The Paris Opera was practically vibrating with excitement as we gathered for a delightful evening performance of "Giselle". The costumes, oh the costumes! There was a glorious array of shades from ivory and cream to black and charcoal, a world of elegance. Now, although those tutus may have seemed a little "mature" compared to my fuchsia favourite (seriously, pink was MADE for tutus!), it still took my breath away. The artistry and design were simply remarkable. And when the ballerinas swirled in a flurry of elegant fabric, I was utterly smitten. I knew right then and there that ballet, like a good pair of shoes, was made for beautiful moments.
Later, I headed over to a beautiful little cafe. The perfect place to sketch, plan my next trip (Budapest in a week – what are the real fashions like?), and enjoy a petit glass of rose. Yes, even with rationing still in effect, Paris always finds a way to stay glamorous, and I do love the French attitude, don’t you?
But my darlings, Paris isn't the only place experiencing a tutu renaissance in 1946. Back home in England, ballet was starting to regain its footing after the war years. Now, a little bit of Derbyshire fun fact: Did you know Dame Margot Fonteyn was born in Derbyshire?! Yes! The Derbyshire lass herself was dazzling the world with her elegant performances. It makes me proud to call this little corner of England home. I must admit, seeing her in those spectacular classical tutus at Covent Garden sparked my love for ballet from a young age. You can definitely say my passion for tutus comes from that very spot, and well, I was going to do something to share the love of these beautiful garments, right?
So, 1946 was a truly exciting year for the world of ballet. The world was beginning to find its footing again, and ballet was, once again, an art form for everyone. It truly made my heart soar to see tutus twirling and bringing joy and inspiration to audiences, and in fact, to those who create those beautiful garments and those who wear them too! The artistry and craftsmanship involved were, frankly, exquisite.
Now, darling readers, I have a mission for you this week! It’s a simple one, and truly brings joy to the world:
Wear your tutu with confidence! Don't let the war's end or anything else stop you!
And of course, remember #TutuTuesday is every Tuesday right here on pink-tutu.com - come on over for more fashion adventures and stories about these delightful, magical garments!
Till next Tuesday, darlings, keep dancing, keep twirling, and remember...
Everything's better with a tutu!
Yours in Pink,
Emma
