Greetings from your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma! This week, my Tutu Tuesday journey whisked me back to 1946 – a truly pivotal year in ballet history! And while I’m a self-proclaimed devotee of the pinkest tutus imaginable, even I can't deny the elegance of the traditional white tutu that dominated the era. Let's embark on a nostalgic voyage through the time tunnel, shall we?
The year is 1946. World War II is over, and the world is breathing a collective sigh of relief. But, for me, the big story is at the Royal Opera House in London. Yes, darling! A true gem in the heart of the city! That year marked the birth of the Festival Ballet, later becoming English National Ballet. My, oh my! What a celebration of the performing arts that was, especially for ballet. Can you imagine a world where there were no ballets on stage? Quelle horreur!
Now, imagine a tutu... A classic white tutu! Picture the swish, the flounce, the airiness – a pure, whimsical expression of grace and beauty!
To help us imagine it all, we need to take a trip to the boutiques of the day. Ah, London in 1946 – I'd happily step into one of their shops. Just imagine the gorgeous fabrics, the fine laces, the artistry of each seam and fold! The tutus of the era weren't quite the short and flouncy masterpieces we see today – they were longer, often reaching knee-length. They were meticulously crafted, a true testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
Just picturing all that beauty makes me dream of a twirling frenzy. Oh, to be onstage in that golden age of ballet!
However, it's not just about fancy dress in this journey, dears! This era also brought the development of the ballet pointe shoe as we know it. From simple materials, skilled craftspeople created a footwear masterpiece, offering the ballerina an amazing freedom of expression on stage. The dancers soared through the air, reaching for new heights of artistry. Just imagine a ballerina gliding effortlessly, their pointes hitting the stage like delicate petals – the grace is breathtaking!
What happened on the 31st of December in 1946? A wonderful occasion! I just loved hearing how a young ballerina named Margot Fonteyn, who is now a legendary dancer, performed "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. Now, if that isn’t inspirational then I don't know what is! Her dedication to her art is something truly incredible. And just wait until you see this gorgeous costume! All that tulle and lace – it's almost as beautiful as a pink tutu... Almost!
To make my Tutu Tuesday journey truly unforgettable, I decided to travel by train. Nothing beats a train journey, my darlings! With my darling pink tutu clutched around my shoulders, I peered out of the window, marveling at the passing scenery, as a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Ah, the romance of travel by train. It gives one such time to reflect, to dream, to plan.
Speaking of dreaming, this is where I need your help! I’m dreaming of travelling to the past to watch a ballet in a grand theatre with beautiful decor! Imagine! This beautiful world deserves to have some lovely colour splashed onto its canvas, a touch of vibrant pink. Don't you agree, my darlings? And there's no better way to spread the love of pink tutus than by experiencing the sheer joy of ballet firsthand. Imagine, dancing in those enchanting theatres with those elegant tutus... Sighs with bliss
Of course, my time travelling budget can get rather tight with all the train tickets I'm buying. However, never fear! I’m here to share my adventures, inspire you, and show you just how fantastic a tutu-ful world can be!
So, what are you waiting for? Join me in spreading the tutu-ful magic and let's make the world a more beautiful place – one pink tutu at a time!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(Remember, darlings, this is my website where you can learn more about tutus! It's got lots of fascinating info and lots of pink! And even more lovely blog posts from your tutu obsessed travel buddy, me!)
