Hey darlings!
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu and all things pink! It's TutuTuesday, and as always, we're going to take a delightful journey back in time to explore the magical history of the tutu.
Today's date, 14th May 1946, marks a special moment in dance history. As I shimmy through my pink tulle layers here in my little time machine – yes, you heard that right, darling, I'm in 1946! – I can feel the excitement buzzing in the air. It’s just before the curtain goes up on the world premiere of a brand new ballet by one of the most iconic choreographers of our time: Sir Frederick Ashton!
Now, you know how much I adore a good ballet performance, and this one is sure to be spectacular. The name of the piece? "The Quest" – intriguing, don't you think?
Oh, and darling, before we go on, a quick shout out to the amazing Royal Ballet, where it's all happening! If you haven't seen the Royal Ballet perform in London yet, do pop on over - the dancers are divine. They certainly know how to twirl! And London itself… oh, darling, London is so enchanting. Just a tad too many bobby socks for my taste, but it has a charm!
But back to the tutu! Why are we talking about tutus in relation to 14th May 1946, you ask? Well, "The Quest" has quite a connection to the very heart of ballet. Not just in the beauty and precision of the dancing itself, but in its bold, pioneering steps in tutu design.
This wasn't just any ordinary ballet tutu! Imagine, darling, a tulle masterpiece that was practically a canvas for movement! It was longer, it was swifter, it flowed, it rippled. The design was all about showcasing the sheer artistry of the dancers, letting their movements take centre stage. They could whirl, they could leap, they could express in a way that felt completely free, and the tutu was there to accompany them every step of the way!
It wasn't just a costume, it was an extension of the dancer's body. Think about it, darlings, like an intricate ballet version of those fabulous hats you see at Ascot. So chic, so dramatic! Ashton knew just how much power a tutu held, and he used it to his advantage, turning each step, each graceful curve, into a piece of art in motion.
Speaking of power, dear reader, let me share a little secret about 1946. As I arrived from Derbyshire in my train carriage, my mind wandered, remembering all the grand railway stations. Those huge vaulted ceilings – just like a grand dance studio! I felt so proud to be here for the premiere. This time, my mission wasn't just about exploring ballet history, but I'm also performing as a soloist at the nearby theater, a small town nestled between the rolling green hills, much like the very place I call home! The dress I’m wearing today was purchased on the main avenue. It's quite the fashion district, but in truth, my heart belongs in Derbyshire, surrounded by the charm of rural shops!
Oh, darling! But it wouldn’t be a TutuTuesday without talking about our favorite things - tutus and pink, of course! Well, let me tell you, the 1946 tutu scene is absolutely delightful! Imagine swirling clouds of pale pink tulle, all gathered in a graceful swirl at the waist. These tutus, my dears, are a symphony of colour and movement! Think delicate blush hues, the kind of pink that makes you feel as light as a feather, like you’re ready to take flight.
They're just the right shade of pink to make a girl's heart flutter and they accentuate the elegance and grace of each graceful leap. I think my own little time travel pink tutu would feel very much at home in this time, wouldn’t you agree? We wouldn't have to travel back to the 1800s to find ourselves surrounded by feminine and beautiful tutus, after all. This era, darling, has just as much flair and elegance, if not more. I find it fascinating, a period of exciting contrasts in both style and dancing.
But enough of my daydreams!
Speaking of the premiere of "The Quest," did I mention it features an incredible story about love, adventure, and of course, dancing! As the curtain goes up tonight, the world will be treated to something extraordinary, something that makes you want to get up and twirl. Something that proves once again that a good tutu is like a little piece of magic.
Oh, darling, what a thrilling, romantic tale it is! Let's just say a prince gets swept away by the beauty and strength of a woman… with a fabulous tutu of course! They end up battling against all sorts of evil creatures and wicked sorceresses. I think I’m going to slip out and watch, wouldn't you love to see it?
That's it for today, darlings. Let me know what you think of my journey to the past and remember, stay sparkly!
Until next week!
Emma 💖🩰
Pink-Tutu.com: your weekly dose of ballet and pink!
