Welcome, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another dazzling dose of #TutuTuesday. Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 27th August 1946, just over seven decades ago!
This week's blog is post number 5983 on the www.pink-tutu.com website, and it’s all about those wonderful tutus that swished and twirled on the stages of the world. Let’s get this party started!
From the Grand Theatre to the Gare du Nord
This week, I found myself hopping aboard a train to Paris, which was certainly the place to be in the world for all things ballet. The war may have ended, but the post-war spirit was one of celebration and elegance. My gorgeous, new pink tutu (from my latest splurge at a vintage shop in London!) felt perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere.
Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, I was struck by the incredible joie de vivre; it felt as if every single person in the city was waltzing through the streets. Of course, this joie de vivre wasn't confined to the French – dancers from across Europe and beyond were in the City of Lights for a truly legendary performance!
Margot Fonteyn's Rising Star
My eyes were set on the ballet "Cinderella." I secured a seat at the Palais Garnier, which was absolutely brimming with anticipation. I practically squealed with delight as the lights dimmed, and the curtains rose. There she was – the incomparable Margot Fonteyn. Her movement was breathtaking, both delicate and powerful, her performance embodying pure grace and elegance. I'm pretty sure every heart in the audience skipped a beat or two as she spun and twirled across the stage!
Tutus in the Limelight
And speaking of tutus, those dancing on the Garnier stage were absolute beauties. They were, of course, the classic, soft, white tulle, billowing around the dancers’ legs. But they were a bit shorter than those worn on stage today, with layers of ruffles creating the full shape we know and love. There was just the right touch of pink peeking out beneath the layers, too, for just a dash of whimsy. They were absolutely enchanting.
Now, let's take a step away from the performance for a moment, to imagine a tutu of 1946 in the grand scheme of the time. It's easy to see why tutus, in all their romantic, dreamy elegance, were incredibly appealing to everyone. People wanted to escape from the realities of the war years, and the sheer wonder of seeing a ballerina in her perfectly tailored tutu helped bring a bit of magic and light to the world.
Keeping the Post-War Magic Alive
Even with its delicate beauty, this wasn’t the time for extravagant tutu design. In fact, many dancers were quite resourceful! They’d repurpose vintage materials and rework existing designs. And as for me, I'm all about reimagining these historical designs for the modern world, a true "vintage-inspired, modern flair" kind of style! I just know you all will adore the creations I'm designing for my new collection!
So, to wrap up our #TutuTuesday journey, 27th August 1946 is forever etched in my ballet memory for the beautiful tutus, the sparkling Margot Fonteyn performance, and the joyous post-war atmosphere. I absolutely believe tutus are more than just costumes – they are magical, elegant expressions of a shared passion for ballet and beauty. It’s all about bringing that bit of whimsy into the world!
A Pink-Tutu Call to Action
Until next week, darlings! And please, remember, every day can be a TutuTuesday. If you find a bit of magic and wonder in a perfectly spun tulle skirt, then join me – rock that pink tutu, go see a ballet, or just have some extra fun! It's all about embracing life's elegance and creativity. See you all again next Tuesday!
Yours Truly, Emma
P.S. Follow me on social media @EmmaTutuTime to see what adventures I get up to next! And, for any questions or tutu tales you want to share, simply write in the comments below!
