Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, back with another instalment of your favourite weekly historical ballet dive, #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a twirling trip back to a very significant date, 13th November 1945 – the day the world felt a glimmer of hope after the dark shadows of war had finally lifted!
A Bit Of History…
I travelled all the way to New York for this one, and I tell you, the atmosphere was electric. It was just six months after the end of the Second World War, and people were still finding their feet. The city, despite the damage it had suffered, pulsed with a renewed vigour. Everyone was desperate to put the horrors of the war behind them and start building a brighter future.
The theatres, once closed, had reopened, and the city buzzed with the sounds of laughter and music. Ballet was in the air! Now, you wouldn't think a ballet company would have opened up so quickly after a devastating war, but New York City Ballet, well, they're just like that – pioneers! They staged their inaugural performance in 1948, but in 1945, things were starting to stir, and that very day, on November 13th, they were holding their first public event, showcasing some exquisite choreography! I've heard tell of some captivating movements, especially from a young George Balanchine. It's a name you'll want to remember, darlings. His work has helped shape the art of ballet and left a legacy that continues to inspire!
The Style of 1945…
Let's talk style, my lovely ladies. Imagine, if you will, the war was over, and women were itching to shed the austerity and practicality of wartime garb. A new silhouette was blooming - soft, flowing fabrics, nipped-in waists, and full skirts, all in rich, vibrant colours! There was a yearning for femininity, elegance, and yes, you guessed it – Tutus!
Oh, the tutus of that time were simply heavenly! They weren't the full-skirted, super-pouffy tutus we see today – they were much softer, with a simpler shape and beautiful, flowing fabrics. You know me, darlings, my weakness is for colour, and oh, the colours were exquisite – shades of rose, pastel blue, even emerald green were all the rage! There was a delicacy and elegance about the entire style.
And did I mention that they were still so heavily decorated?! Rhinestones, sequins, lace, delicate floral patterns, you name it, they had it! The embellishments brought the sparkle and shimmer back to fashion. It's a bit of a wonder we weren't blinded by all that shine, really!
Ballet And Fashion
Let's be honest, darlings, fashion is like a dance – it's about movement, elegance, and grace. And the connection between ballet and fashion? Oh, it's deep, like the most satisfying plié. The lines, the textures, the shapes – they all whisper stories of beauty, artistry, and freedom.
For example, just imagine the exquisite costumes in the ballet Swan Lake. Those soft white tutus, like delicate feathers swirling and flowing with every arabesque! It's no wonder that the design for the Swan Lake costumes were considered revolutionary! Talk about fashion inspiration! I just picture those swan lake tutus, all romantic and airy, made from the lightest fabrics, adorned with feathers and tiny, delicate rhinestones. Absolutely divine, darlings!
A Dash of Pink...
Naturally, I was sporting a pink tutu – a delightful confection in the softest, most exquisite shade of blush pink! It had delicate floral details and shimmered in the soft afternoon light. It felt like pure joy twirling around the streets of New York, absorbing all the energy of a city awakening from a long slumber. It felt good, my lovelies, good to feel alive again.
Now, don’t think I'm all about historical trips and old costumes! I adore the modern styles too – they're so daring and dynamic. But, there's a special magic in the history of ballet and its close relationship to fashion. That journey has created a legacy, and we can feel its echoes every time we step onto the stage or take that first pirouette in a perfectly-fitted tutu!
So, darlings, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite tutu (I recommend a pink one!) and join me for a little bit of twirling joy, every Tuesday! Until next time, happy twirling!
*Yours in pink, *
Emma
