Hiya my fellow Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina! And, as always, I'm back to whisk you away to a magical moment in ballet history! Today we're stepping back in time, to the glorious 8th of June 1948! Buckle up your ballet slippers and hold on tight because, you're about to get whisked away on a fabulously feminine journey...
*(Tutu-licious travel Tip: Fancy travelling in style like me? Take a train journey through the French countryside, itās simply the best way to get that romantic āchasing your dreamsā feeling, whilst avoiding those pesky car fumes!) *
A Date with Destiny...and Dance!
June 1948, the war has just ended and Europe is breathing a sigh of relief! The world is getting back on its feet, with new ideas springing up like blooming spring flowers. And where does that take us, darlings? You guessed it, to the exciting world of BALLET!
On the 8th of June, the sun is shining in London, and if you happened to be walking along the street, you might have been lucky enough to spot the most divine ballerina ever, Dame Margot Fonteyn, gracefully gliding across the stage of the Royal Opera House! (Lucky, lucky ducks!).
Now, the Royal Opera House isnāt just ANY ballet theatre, you see, itās steeped in history, a place where ballet is king and tutu dreams come true. Just imagine being whisked away into the world of The Nutcracker, or whipped into a frenzy by the swirling music of Swan Lake - thatās what happens in London, my dears!
What's the Story Behind Today's Tutu Tale?
Our star for this #TutuTuesday journey is the utterly beautiful Margot Fonteyn. Her dancing is like a fairy tale come to life, a breathtaking story told through movements and emotion, and a perfect picture of the balletās renaissance after the war.
*(Quick Fact: Margot was born in 1919 - did you know, her nickname was āMargotā? - So fabulous! It's no surprise, with that elegant style she was a true original, just like me!). *
The ballet scene in London at this time is really buzzing with activity. People are thirsty for escapism, and for pure entertainment, so they head to the Royal Opera House, to get lost in the fantasy world of ballet, to escape everyday worries and be transported to another realm!
**(Travel tip: I found out you can actually stay at The Royal Opera House, what a magical dream! The only way to get more Ballet in my life, would be to get married to a tutu!)
Tutus Through the Decades: 1940s Chic
Oh, how I love to see what tutus looked like in different times. 1940s tutus had that wonderfully whimsical, feminine flair, that still reminds me of dancing at my local ballet school. You see, thereās something really romantic and poetic about those classic white tulle creations, all swirling and flowing, a beautiful metaphor for our own individual stories.
Think of how the ballet tutus change with every time period! In the 1940s they were more delicate, softer, theyād flowed more beautifully, reflecting the changing world and its emotions, a world just starting to find itself again, just like my favourite ballerina, Dame Margot!
**(Quick Fashion Fact: Love a tutu, but want it in a funky colour? In the 1940s, ballerinas wore pastel tones as a reflection of their sweet, feminine personas, which, you can guess, I totally adore! I mean who wouldnāt want a tutu that whispered āfemininity, glamour, and love!ā Well this pink tutu loving girl definitely does!)
Donāt Just Read about It, Live It!
Right now, in 1948, the ballets youāre likely to be seeing are classics like āGiselleā - one of my ultimate favourites. Just imagine the emotions flowing on the stage - love, passion, sadness - so expressive! I can practically hear the sweet music now - pure perfection!
Don't just be a spectator, my darlings, GET involved. Head to the ballet! Dress in your prettiest dress and tutu, or even get a bit creative! The ballet scene is an inspiring, uplifting world, full of vibrant creativity and beauty!
(A Bit of a Tip: If you can't get to the Royal Opera House in London, don't worry! I've traveled through time, and I know that the ballet is EVERYWHERE. So put on your favourite tutu and go and explore what's near you! Iāve got a sneaking suspicion, you might even find some fabulous vintage dresses - who needs modern, when you can have something with history to it!)
Fashion Trends for The Future
Remember, darlings, fashion always evolves. You've seen the amazing changes that the ballet has gone through already. And that means, I need you to think ahead to the future! Think of those long, graceful tutus, the way the dancers move with such power and elegance!
I love how we all get to express ourselves in the fashion world. Ballet is more than just dancing, itās a philosophy, a way of moving and thinking about ourselves - itās what I love to bring to my #TutuTuesday blogs every week, right here, at www.pink-tutu.com
**(Quick Travel Tip: Donāt forget those comfortable shoes for all the walking, and a light backpack for a spare tutu or a nice pair of gloves if it gets chilly ā and definitely bring an extra pair of ballet shoes if you get a sudden craving to dance. Think about what I say and what the stars whisperā¦ I just love that sense of adventure!)
A Pink Tutu Wish for the Future!
As a passionate ballerina and time traveller from the English County of Derbyshire, I feel so lucky to be able to share this part of history with you, but you know me! There's a reason I time-travel: to help us create a brighter future, filled with pink tutus! So, remember to be daring, to always strive to find a bit more ballet and a touch more magic in your lives!
Keep an eye out for #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday. In the meantime, dance like no one is watching, and never ever give up on your tutu-filled dreams!
(Psst, want to hear a secret from my travels? The ballet world is constantly evolving, and there are always amazing, brand-new ballet companies popping up. Who knows what incredible shows await us next? Think pink!
Love,
Emma š
