Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, reporting live from the heart of... well, I'm actually not quite sure yet! The time machine decided on a surprise destination for this week, and it’s certainly whirlwinding! I'm hoping for a trip to Paris, maybe even London - I've been itching to see the Ballet Rambert and visit some lovely vintage stores!
But before I start reminiscing about fashion, let's dive into this week's #TutuTuesday history lesson, shall we? Remember, our aim is to spread the love of tutus – that fabulous mix of practicality and fabulousness - for the ages. And today, my dears, we're taking a leap back in time to September 18th, 1945.
A Time of Change: Post-War Fashion
Now, 1945 marks the end of World War II, and that means change – both for the world and for the wonderful world of dance!
Wartime rationing and a shortage of materials made it hard for everyone to be as extravagant as they might have liked. Think practical, shorter skirts, minimal embellishment, and simple shapes. However, as materials became more readily available and peace settled in, the designs started becoming a little bit more whimsical.
Ballet tutus were evolving too. While earlier tutu styles were long and puffy, after the war, designers began exploring shorter lengths, giving ballerinas a more agile appearance – ideal for those complex, graceful steps. You’ve got to have a little bit of freedom to really leap across the stage, right?
A Whirl of Colour: Tutus Through Time
Speaking of the stage… think about the colour! Have you ever considered the colour of a tutu in the context of the era it's worn? This year, the colours you would likely find in a dance studio would be subdued. There’s still a lingering effect of wartime practicality.
London Calling! (and the Royal Ballet)
Ah, well… I do love a good London visit. Looks like the time machine has heard my thoughts! This particular spot in time seems to be the heart of London - so let’s pop into the Royal Opera House and see what’s going on there today! You might think the Ballet would be a bit staid, but that couldn't be further from the truth! The Ballet Rambert, with its experimental contemporary pieces and beautiful movement, is one of the exciting groups I absolutely must see when I'm back in my own time.
Shopping Trip Time!
Well, as we've discussed, we have to acknowledge the fashion!
While today’s tutus are light and airy – a perfect cloud of soft, flowing fabric – tutus in 1945 would still be a bit more grounded. If you were in the UK this time, the popular style would have been called a "demi-tutu" – a shorter version of the traditional tutu that showed off ballerina’s graceful legs.
And for everyday wear? Think "new look" – fitted waists and flared skirts in colours that captured a renewed optimism! We might not see the return of excessive ruffles just yet, but who knows? With all this lovely movement, maybe the fashions are getting ready to become a little more fantastical.
Pink-tutu.com & More!
And remember, darlings, that little touch of pink is what keeps this pink tutu loving ballerina dancing! We may be jumping across different timelines, but my mission remains the same! Let's bring back the grace, the magic, and the fabulousness of the tutu.
Stay tuned, because next week’s #TutuTuesday blog is set to take you to the fabulous world of ballet!
See you soon, and do make sure to take your very own tutu out for a twirl this week!
Keep it pink!
Emma.
