Hello darlings! It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for another delightful delve into the fabulous history of the tutu! This week, we're going right back to the year 1946. Picture it – post-war Paris, the city of lights is twinkling again after a tumultuous time. There’s a feeling of excitement in the air. Fashion is blooming and everyone is looking to the future. The world is hungry for glamour and that’s exactly where ballet fits in perfectly.
Let’s take a trip back on the Orient Express! Now, you all know I adore a good train journey – the clattering, the scenery whizzing past – and the glorious feeling of journeying somewhere exciting. Let's imagine we’re on a Paris bound train – think stylish, fitted dresses, hats with a veil – oh, la la! And naturally, the ever-so-important, perfectly pink tutu, just to make a statement!
This trip, we’re going to a special occasion at the Paris Opera Ballet. They're celebrating their 100th anniversary – talk about a big bash! It was all in the grand old style too, with extravagant performances, incredible sets and dazzling costumes – I hear the leading ladies danced the most beautiful waltz imaginable. I mean, think Giselle, oh, the romance!
But hold on, my lovelies! 1946 is an interesting time when it comes to tutus! In a world reconstructing itself, we were actually experiencing a transition in tutu style! Just a little while before, ballerinas were wearing full-length tutus, which provided a flow and romanticism but restricted the dance. By this time, designers were going for the shorter, tutu-to-the-knee. Think lightness and grace - and more dynamic movements, just like my favourite choreographers in Paris are doing.
Now, let's get to the nitty gritty: tutus back then weren’t your classic ballerina pink. Ballet had embraced war-time restrictions! It was a time of austerity – making do and mending was the norm. So the tutus of 1946 were predominantly white and created from fabrics that had been around for ages. These were the days before high-performance dancewear that we’re lucky to have today. But think of it this way: even in the midst of the challenges of that time, those talented ballerinas in those graceful, short white tutus were creating breathtaking magic. And, isn't a touch of white every bit as lovely? It really adds that pure, innocent, elegant charm, doesn’t it?
If we're talking about the real 'ooh la la' fashion moments in 1946, it wasn’t just the tutus themselves – it was the whole 'dance-fashion' look, my dears! These Parisian dancers were so elegant: beautiful dresses and shoes worn after their performances, they knew how to accessorize, and their hair was in beautiful, classic chignons. I’m sure we’ve all tried doing the chignon ourselves – just a few strands of hair left loose to create that ‘effortlessly glamorous’ look!
Now, if you happen to be in Derbyshire, don’t think for a second that you can't embrace the wonderful spirit of those 1946 ballet shows! We are so lucky in the UK – so much ballet and performance is on our doorsteps! From local ballet schools in your nearest village, all the way up to those legendary, world-famous shows in the heart of London. You don't have to be a prima ballerina to enjoy all the wonders of ballet style. A visit to the local theatre for a ballet performance – whether it’s classic ballet or something new and inventive is a perfect way to experience those fashion vibes – and it’s absolutely magical for a Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking of London – wouldn't it be fantastic to pop down there for a spot of ballet and some shopping in Harrods? Maybe even see if there are any exquisite fabrics suitable for tutu-making – you know, I have a little project on the go… I know the wonderful boutiques in London can be expensive – but we’re after all, in Harrods, so it’s really about *seeing * the latest designs. It’s definitely a time for the 'ooh-la-la', wouldn't you say?
So there you have it, my little ballet fashionistas - another dose of Tutu history! Remember – no matter where you are in the world, there’s always time for a tutu – maybe a little tea party for your friends? Let's spread that love for dancing and tutu fashion, every single day. Because the world just feels brighter in a pink tutu, doesn’t it?
Remember, darlings: Stay twirling! See you next Tuesday!
Yours in all things pink and tutu-ific,
Emma
If you’d like to learn more about ballet, here are some useful links:
If you fancy adding to your tutu-wardrobe, here are some UK suppliers:
(Please note that these links are for information only. The links are not affiliated with the pink-tutu.com blog and have not been vetted for any other purposes.)
