Hello darling! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're zipping back to 1946, a year brimming with postwar optimism and a definite penchant for fashion (because let's be honest, a good frock can always cheer you up, wouldn't you agree?). As you know, dear readers, I'm a bit of a history buff, especially when it comes to the delightful world of dancewear! So grab a cuppa, a slice of Victoria sponge, and settle in for a delightful trip down memory lane, because today, we're all about the tutu!
The post-war ballerina's best friend:
Now, 1946 wasn't all sunshine and roses. The world was still recovering from a massive global conflict, and resources were scarce. Yet, despite this, fashion was buzzing with life! We're talking about the era of the New Look, the silhouette defined by Dior's exquisite designs, emphasizing femininity and glamour. And the tutu? It was experiencing a major resurgence, but not quite in the way you might imagine.
Think more practical, more graceful than boom. Think bouffant!
Classical ballet tutus, while still holding their place, were not as prominent in this era. It was a time of evolution, of dance redefining itself and, naturally, the costume evolving with it! You'd find the tutus shorter, with more forgiving shapes. Fabrics like tulle were becoming easier to get hold of (hooray for availability!) and these designs showcased a delicate balance of elegance and fluidity.
You can imagine the excitement as those new fabric designs became more available! My fellow ballet enthusiasts were eagerly snapping them up, using their new creative freedom to add layers, to accentuate shapes, to bring even more dimension to the tutu! A new generation of ballerinas emerged - stronger, more vibrant, redefining what a tutu could be. They were like butterflies with new wings!
Now, let's be honest, I love a good classic, the structured, majestic lines of a full-length tutu. There's something truly magical about those billowing layers and it truly evokes a feeling of fairy tale magic, especially under the stage lights! But it wasn't until the 50s, when this design started really taking off. But hey, it all takes time, like baking the perfect Victoria sponge! You need to allow it time to rise beautifully and be truly exceptional, wouldn't you say?
The Ballet Theatre's Triumphant Return!
If there was one major ballet event you wouldn't want to miss on this date back in 1946, it'd be the triumphant return of the Ballet Theatre after a wartime hiatus. You see, even during the war, ballet kept alive the spark of human spirit, but I'm sure there was nothing like witnessing these ballet companies return to the stage after the conflict! A momentous occasion! It would've been quite a sight to see the dance world come together with new enthusiasm for the graceful elegance of these ballets.
The world needed this - an affirmation that art, beauty, and the simple joy of movement would always prevail. It would be hard not to be inspired by these dancers, even just watching from the sidelines, as their tutus swayed with every movement. You could practically feel the collective energy flowing through the theater! The energy was so contagious you would probably have to buy an extra cup of tea afterwards to calm down!
But you know me! I just love an afternoon at the ballet, any chance I can get! And this is probably where I would be too - perched in the balcony seats, watching the action unfold on stage and feeling myself completely immersed in the drama. Maybe I would have a sketchpad handy, taking inspiration from those gorgeous costumes!
Fashion Inspiration? You got it!
So let's translate this inspiration from the world of ballet to our everyday world, shall we? In 1946, the look was about grace and elegance. Picture these ballerina dresses, so swirling and romantic, paired with dainty flats for a touch of practicality. They made every day feel like a fairy tale! And then we have that essential element, that magic touch - the ballerina cardigan. Yes, you read it right! You don't just need your ballet shoes to bring a bit of dance world to your wardrobe! These cardigans had those feminine elements, those playful touches. Sometimes, it was a small detail, like a sweet ribbon or button - that's all you really need for that finishing touch, a bit of extra flair!
Travel and Time Travelling Tutu Enthusiast:
While I am, as always, a staunch advocate for all things pink, you have to remember, this is a post-war world! Fashion, especially after years of restrictions, was about vibrancy and expression. Just imagine - a bright crimson cardigan, perhaps a scarlet dress with a flowing skirt, and those dancing ballerina shoes - what a breath of fresh air in the post-war era, don't you think?
If you haven't already, hop on a train for a vintage shopping adventure! You're sure to unearth hidden gems, just like those ballet performances! Or visit the theatre, witness the energy that pours onto the stage! If you can, do some ballet classes yourself, get those creative juices flowing, even just a couple of minutes every day. Ballet, after all, is about creativity, movement, expression. It's like the perfect recipe for a happy and fulfilling life!
And remember my darlings, even though you can't wear your favourite pink tutu to the local grocer (unless, of course, your local grocer is an avid supporter of all things fabulous!), remember there's no law that says you can't sprinkle that little bit of tutu magic into your daily routine.
Until next Tuesday, my dears, let's spread some tutudlicious cheer and get everyone swirling with excitement!
Yours in tutus,
Emma
(And if you have a vintage tutu story or pictures you'd like to share, do send them in! We'd love to hear them! And don't forget to tell your friends to join the Tutu Tuesday club, and maybe I'll even make a guest appearance in your local ballet theatre!)
xx
