#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1945-07-03

Hiya darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly! It’s your favourite tutu-loving Emma here, fresh from another magical journey through time, and back in the present, ready to share my latest adventures! Today we’re stepping back to July 3rd, 1945, and getting a glimpse of what the world of ballet looked like then!

You know I adore history, and the history of ballet is as captivating as a swan lake finale. While travelling through the decades, I’ve been collecting beautiful stories about ballet and how the tutu has evolved – and let’s be honest, they make me absolutely giddy.

Now, 1945… ah, a time of rebuilding, hope, and maybe even a bit of wariness as the world was just beginning to breathe again after a long and difficult period.

Imagine: The war was just ending. The world was holding its breath, wondering what was to come. The London stage, however, was thriving! The Royal Ballet (back then called Sadler's Wells Ballet) was already a shining light, drawing in audiences with its artistry and incredible stories.

Tutu Timewarp!

That's where we step back in time with a pink, shimmering swirl! Back in 1945, tutus were already an iconic symbol of the ballet world. The iconic “Romantic tutu”, with its floating, wispy layers, was a popular sight – graceful, ethereal, and undeniably magical.

Think long, flowing layers, often adorned with tulle and delicate details, and an emphasis on lightness and flow. This style, made of many layers of tulle, gave ballerinas the ability to move with an airy grace, creating that mesmerising floating look.

Now, don’t get me wrong - I love me a good classical tutu, but remember those layers meant they were not the easiest to manage! But just picture it… ballerinas swirling in a cloud of tulle on stage – pure enchantment!

Imagine:

• London’s West End: Stepping out in a vintage 1945 outfit myself, with a hint of Hollywood glamour in a floaty floral dress and matching hat, I imagine catching a ballet show. The Covent Garden stage is bursting with artistry! The dancers, twirling in romantic tutus, their movement conveying emotions like a beautiful, silent language. I imagine the hushed audience, mesmerised, drawn in by the drama unfolding on stage, and oh, I wouldn’t be surprised if some tearful laughter filled the air!

Travel Tales

But hold on! There's more to a history lesson than a single story. Just like me, these dancers were living in the present. Let’s travel across the Channel and see what was happening in Paris. The Palais Garnier – with its beautiful Belle Epoque charm – was probably a dazzling beacon of the arts, especially ballet. In France, it seems ballet was still firmly in a 'Romantic tutu' phase, with the beautiful costumes reflecting that ethereal, expressive style we adore!

Just like our favourite ballerina stars are always moving and adapting to different styles, ballet fashion in 1945 was becoming bolder!

Imagine these things:

• The Paris Palais Garnier: I see myself arriving at the Palais Garnier in my latest Parisian frock, ready for a grand night out. Perhaps an exquisite tailored dress in vibrant cobalt blue, or a delicate rose-pink frock that echoes those gorgeous pastel colours seen everywhere in Paris. The streets are lively, shops are vibrant, and you just know that an enchanting evening awaits.

And just picture the dancers on stage – their tutus, the epitome of Parisian charm. It’s all elegance and a touch of magic, woven together by the captivating power of dance!

Now let's fast forward just a little. This era was about more than graceful twirls! It also laid the groundwork for the change in the tutu's form that led us to the style we know and love today, the "classical tutu". We'll explore that more in another #TutuTuesday! But here’s a hint – it’s a much more practical, streamlined design that allows for greater leaps and pirouettes.

Remember, darlings, we never stop learning and discovering the beautiful world of ballet – it’s an evolving dance of art and elegance that’s sure to captivate us for years to come. But that’s it for now!

I've got to go - I'm on the verge of another exciting ballet performance! See you next #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to pop over to our website www.pink-tutu.com, where you can find my favourite pink tutus, from the Romantic to the Classic!

Until next time! Stay stylish and keep twirling,

Emma xx

P.S: Don’t forget to share this post and show me your tutu-rific fashion on Instagram! Tag #PinkTutu so I can see how YOU love ballet fashion!