Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to the ultimate symbol of elegance and grace – the tutu! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to take a trip through history with your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, Emma!
This week, we’re putting on our dancing shoes and stepping back to 1946! The war has just ended, the world is breathing a collective sigh of relief, and a new era of fashion and culture is about to dawn. Buckle up, lovelies, it's gonna be a whirlwind!
Before we embark on our journey, allow me to indulge in my favourite activity: a bit of shopping! Just the other day, I discovered a vintage shop nestled away in the cobblestone streets of Paris. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the most divine pastel pink tulle fabric – just perfect for a new tutu, don’t you think? I must admit, I can’t wait to create something special with this beautiful find!
Now, back to 1946! We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for ballet. The wartime austerity is finally fading, and audiences are eagerly returning to the theatres, eager for a touch of escapism. London, especially, is abuzz with activity, with the Royal Opera House being a focal point of cultural revival. Just the other day, I had the pleasure of attending a magnificent production of "Swan Lake." The choreography, the music – pure magic! And the tutus! The tutus! Just breathtaking. The graceful movement of the ballerinas as they floated across the stage was a sight to behold. Honestly, I was absolutely mesmerized. I even managed to snag a souvenir from the gift shop – a beautifully embroidered programme – which I now proudly display on my vanity table.
But it wasn't all about traditional ballet, darling. During this period, ballet took on new forms! We see the rise of ballet schools popping up all over, particularly in London and the US, where there’s a newfound emphasis on training and the pursuit of professional careers. This surge in interest fuels the popularity of ballet performances, and, of course, those iconic tutus. Even here in Derbyshire, my charming hometown, local ballet studios are thriving. You wouldn't believe the beautiful costumes I see on those aspiring dancers - simply dazzling!
What else is going on in the world on this very day? Let's consult my trusty Time Traveller's Guide! Oh my! On May 7th, 1946, there’s a whole lot happening! It's Victory in Europe (VE) Day – the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Imagine the sheer joy and relief rippling through the world, and we find this festive atmosphere reflecting in the arts, fashion, and of course, in ballet! There's also a great deal of focus on post-war rebuilding, which, as you can imagine, translates to some beautiful architectural design and exciting new ballet venues – perhaps even featuring pink tutus? We can always hope!
While we are on the subject of new venues, have you been following my adventures in London lately? My recent travels to this vibrant city have been quite the adventure! I even managed to catch a ride on one of those marvelous double-decker buses! You have to experience this, darlings. Imagine, travelling in style with the breeze whipping through your hair, with the City of London spread out below! But be sure to wear something colourful and festive – after all, we wouldn’t want to blend into the crowd.
As a time traveller, I make a habit of attending ballet performances around the world - and what better way to fund my excursions than by captivating audiences with my own ballet skills! From the majestic stages of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre to the intimate studios of Tokyo, I’ve experienced the transformative power of dance. I believe that each of us has an inner ballerina yearning to break free, so embrace it, darlings! Put on your pink tutu, throw on your best smile, and get out there and dance your heart out.
Speaking of my personal favourite colour, the pink tutu continues to hold a special place in my heart. I often find myself gazing at those ethereal silhouettes – a swirl of pink tulle and lace – conjuring up images of ballerinas gracefully leaping through the air, capturing the hearts of their audiences. In a world filled with endless possibilities, why settle for ordinary? Embrace the whimsy! The next time you head out to a performance, maybe experiment with a hint of pink in your attire. You'll be surprised at how a touch of pink can instantly transform your look.
I must say, my travels have exposed me to the most amazing tutus in a vast spectrum of colours. But no matter the colour, the silhouette of a tutu remains enchanting. Think of it – a testament to artistic expression, beauty, and endless creativity! From the traditional white tutu of the "Swan Lake" to the playful pink of "The Nutcracker" to the bold crimson of "Don Quixote" the tutu is more than just a costume – it's a canvas for stories, dreams, and breathtaking dance moves.
Until next week, darlings! May your days be filled with joy, grace, and an abundance of beautiful tutus!
With a pirouette and a flourish,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
