Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday history!
Today we're taking a little trip back to the 4th of June 1946. Now, if you’re imagining a time when the world was still recovering from a war and perhaps you picture some dreary fashions, think again! Fashion was just as vibrant and exciting as ever and, let me tell you, the tutus were looking extra glamorous!
Stepping out of my time-travelling carriage (which is, naturally, a powder pink, tutued horse-drawn affair - I try to be consistent!) and landing myself in the heart of…well, where would it be, darlings? You can't go wrong with the ballet capital of the world, Paris! So I've whisked myself away to the City of Lights for this trip. Now, I'll be honest, the post-war Parisian fashion scene had a bit of a "making do" vibe, with scarcity of fabrics and such. But in the ballet world? The tutus were still blossoming like spring flowers!
Now, while tutus had been around for quite some time, by 1946, they had truly entered their heyday. They'd moved on from their initial utilitarian role in ballet, where they were designed to offer a bit of bounce and practicality. Now, oh darling, these were statements!
I popped into the Grand Palais in Paris, and imagine my delight when I spotted the Ballets Russes! Now, these fabulous ladies had the tutus - think big, billowing skirts in gossamer tulle, practically floating with each pirouette! Oh, to have witnessed the skill of those ballerinas, their every move so delicate, each swish of their tutu like a symphony of movement. But hold your tutus tight, because you're not going to find those billowing, multi-layered tutus on everyone! You see, dear reader, these extravagant tutus had a story. They had been brought to Paris by Russian dancers, escaping the Russian Revolution. The beauty they carried in their movement became symbolic of hope and resilience.
Think romantic, fluttering silhouettes – no mere practical dancers' garment, oh no! This was the glamorous age of tutu extravagance! Now, while Paris might have been my final stop for this #TutuTuesday journey, you wouldn't be mistaken to find these lovely beauties in other ballets around the world. In England, Covent Garden was a bustling scene for those classic tutus too.
If you happen to have stumbled upon this #TutuTuesday a little late (I know sometimes my adventures take a while!), don't fret - my trusty time-machine has captured a glimpse of these tutu marvels in film too! A quick visit to the cinema (the big, grand theatres with velvet seats - oh so romantic!) and you could find a little bit of ballet magic. There were some lovely ballets filmed in 1946 that showcase those stunning tutus (with more elaborate details that we might not have access to here). You could get a feel for the lightness and movement of the time, through the eyes of a tutu! Oh, it would simply make a magical evening out for the whole family – if you want to share this #TutuTuesday love with the younger ones in your life, take them for a glimpse! They'll be hooked, I guarantee it!
Now, this journey has sparked such excitement! My darling reader, have I sparked some "What shall I do with my own tutu?" thoughts for you? We've got so much time to have some fun! Fashion has so much more to offer than the drab (and, I will say it – often practical) clothing we are often forced to wear. My advice? Start by embracing the fun, the bright, the pretty and definitely something that sparks joy, something that lifts your spirit with its colour and beauty and well…pink! (Or, for those not feeling as brave as yours truly – a classic white!) What will you wear to make you twirl? There is a tutu for everyone, don't be afraid to unleash your inner ballerina, just like the gorgeous ladies who graced the stages back in 1946.
Now, back to my usual time-travelling shenanigans – the time machine needs some refuelling (lots of glitter and a delicious cuppa! You’ll never guess how difficult it is to find good Earl Grey tea in 1946! ) I'll be back next Tuesday with another magical tale – we'll explore a different part of the world (there are many! The ballet has a reach across the continents), we'll explore a different era (the tutuevolution has had a very busy and interesting past!), and I'll show you some more beautiful and interesting things to keep you tutiful!
Until then, remember… keep twirling, darlings, keep twirling!
Emma
P.S. My dear, Derbyshire, my roots are ever near, I long to return! (Not by train sadly...my tutu seems to have some sort of adverse reaction to steam! Shrugs) It's always in my heart, and, you can always see those charming traditional dancers. Maybe a bit more classic** but oh so good. (If only they knew the power of the pink...)
Please remember, dear readers: this story is purely fiction, although there is a hint of truth to these fashion adventures. Don't travel through time alone! Take a friend, or perhaps some glitter! The tutu world is vast, full of beauty, and just waiting to be explored.
