#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1945-12-11

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another #TutuTuesday blog post, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-licious!

It's your girl Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a time-travelling tutu-tastic adventure! As always, I've donned my favourite pink tutu for this week's journey - can you tell I'm feeling extra twirly today? 😉 This week, we're stepping back in time to December 11th, 1945. Imagine, no Instagram, no Tiktoks, no… (shudders) Spandex! 😱 The world was just starting to heal after a tumultuous war, and fashion, just like ballet, was ready for a new era.

Let's dive into what makes this date so tutu-tastic…

This date, dear readers, isn't just a random day in the annals of history. No, it's a day that forever changed the tutu as we know it. On December 11th, 1945, the famed Ballets Russes took their final bow. This revolutionary company, led by the legendary Sergei Diaghilev, had changed the face of ballet for almost 30 years. Their dancers, with their stunning costumes and powerful performances, redefined elegance and athleticism. The Ballets Russes also championed the rise of the short, fluffy tutu - a dramatic contrast to the traditional, long, layered tutus that were the norm at the time. This ‘balloon’ tutu, with its graceful lines and light, airy design, was a masterpiece of the time. It's this revolutionary, airy look that became synonymous with ballet, and one that we all love to this day!

Even though the Ballets Russes were saying goodbye, their impact was immense! This was a truly international ballet company, their tours taking them from London's Covent Garden to New York's Metropolitan Opera.

What did this mean for the humble tutu? It meant the spread of ballet – and tutus! - far and wide! This was the start of ballet becoming accessible to a wider audience, not just a select few, which makes me, a Derbyshire lass, super proud. The beauty and artistry of the Ballets Russes touched hearts across the globe and encouraged people from different walks of life to embrace dance and movement. I've seen some pretty amazing street ballet performances myself on my travels. And hey, with the rise of online videos these days, who needs a theatre ticket? (Just don’t forget to share it on your socials, please! Use the #pinktutu hashtag!) 😉

Even if the Ballets Russes weren't on tour on this particular day, their impact resonates. This day, my friends, reminds us that even after times of great turmoil, there’s a renewed appreciation for art, beauty, and expression – which for me is absolutely wrapped up in the fabulous, fabulous tutu! I bet everyone on that date felt inspired! After all, when the stage lights dim and the final curtain falls, ballet doesn’t disappear. It lingers in our hearts, just as the images of these ballerinas and their extraordinary costumes do.

For a time-travelling ballerina, seeing how the tutu has become such a symbol of creativity, freedom, and passion is truly a wonderful journey. As the last notes of music faded and the applause thundered in 1945, I know a new generation was inspired. And they continued the legacy, even to this very day. It reminds me: we're all ballerinas in our own way. It’s our individual expression that defines us!

Now, I'm off to watch another performance - I’m seeing "Swan Lake" in Covent Garden this evening! Oh, the excitement! I'm pretty sure the ballerina will be wearing a beautiful pink tutu. I wonder what her makeup is going to look like?!

Before I go, remember: every day is Tutu Tuesday for those who believe in its magic. So, put on your pink tutu, twirl your troubles away, and let the ballet spirit flow through you! 💕🩰 Don't forget to share your tutu moments with me using the hashtag #pinktutu and leave me a comment below - I'm always keen to hear your thoughts on the history of the tutu and all the amazing things that we love about ballet!

See you next Tuesday, loves! 😘

This blog post was created as part of a creative writing prompt. This post should not be considered an accurate representation of real history or the origins of the ballet tutu.