Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where the tutus are always pink and the tea is always brewing. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another journey through the magical history of the ballet tutu!
This week, I've whisked myself back to the 7th of August, 1945, a momentous year in history for so many reasons. But today, we're going to focus on a slightly less serious topic - the glorious world of tutus, of course!
Imagine, if you will, the year 1945. The war has just ended, the world is starting to breathe again, and everyone is ready for a bit of glitz and glamour. While life might be returning to normal for many, the world of ballet was still holding onto some wartime trends - and let's be honest, there were some quite lovely ones!
The first thing you'd notice about tutus in 1945, compared to their more extravagant predecessors, would be their simplicity. Wartime meant a focus on practicality and resourcefulness. Think shorter skirts, often just above the knee, made from simple, sturdy materials like cotton or satin. They weren't afraid of a bit of colour, though! A gorgeous, vibrant blue or a playful green could definitely add a splash of excitement to any stage.
Now, don't let me mislead you, these tutus still boasted beautiful design and elegance, they were just slightly more grounded than the grand ball gowns of old. It was the perfect mix of sophistication and a touch of war-time grit - the best of both worlds, really!
Speaking of elegance, a popular trend during this era was the "knee-length" tutu, favoured by dancers such as Alicia Markova and Margot Fonteyn. This style perfectly highlighted their graceful movements, and let them effortlessly glide across the stage like butterflies on a breeze!
But it's not just about the tutu itself, darling. It's the whole look, the complete package. A classic white, low-cut bodice, a shimmering swarovski necklace, and the occasional cheeky, colourful flower tucked into the hair for a touch of whimsical whimsy. They weren't afraid to experiment with their attire, making sure each dance told a story with every little detail.
While 1945 saw many changes in the world, one thing remained steadfast: the power of ballet and the beauty of the tutu! And, dear reader, as you can see, they were simply magnificent even in the aftermath of such a challenging period. It’s a reminder that even in times of great change, the allure of a gorgeous tutu is always sure to bring a smile to your face.
To illustrate my point perfectly, the Royal Ballet was about to premiere a brand-new production of "The Sleeping Beauty," a spectacular fairy tale ballet. They even managed to secure one of my favourite ballerinas for the lead role, Margot Fonteyn, known for her beautiful technique and graceful performances. So, if you want to glimpse the 1945 tutu style, you simply must seek out recordings of this beautiful production!
As for my day, it wouldn't be a real #TutuTuesday without a visit to my favourite vintage clothing store. You wouldn't believe the gorgeous 1940s-era tutus I stumbled upon! Some stunning satin numbers, with elegant knee-length skirts and delightful splashes of colour - it’s enough to make any tutu-loving heart skip a beat! Of course, I couldn’t resist bringing a few treasures home with me - I'll be sure to showcase them in my next post, so keep an eye out!
But, remember darlings, #TutuTuesday is not just about historical trends - it's about expressing yourself through dance, fashion and beauty. So go on, throw on your favourite tutu and twirl with a joyful abandon!
And remember, life's a little bit brighter when we embrace a touch of pink - so let's make every day a #TutuTuesday!
Love,
Emma
xxx
