Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back from another jaunt through the decades! Today, we're stepping back in time to a rather special date: 18th June 1946. Hold onto your tutus, darlings, because we're going to dive headfirst into a world where fashion was blossoming and glamour was back in vogue after the war.
I know, I know, some of you might be thinking, āEmma, tutus! What about the war? Surely there were no ballerinas in those times.ā But believe me, darlings, the dance world kept twirling even in the most difficult of times. Ballet, in fact, became a symbol of hope and renewal, a beautiful escape from the hardship of wartime.
This week, we're not just talking about a specific tutu. We're actually getting to explore what tutus symbolised in 1946!
Now, imagine this, London, post-war. The air is still a bit crisp with the chill of the war's aftermath, but the sun is shining brighter, bringing with it a renewed sense of optimism. People are starting to enjoy the little things again ā a spot of tea, a sunny afternoon in the park, and of course, a trip to the ballet.
Think big, bold, and oh-so-elegant! The tutus worn on this particular day would've been quite different from what we know today. The silhouette would have been more fitted, almost resembling a full-length leotard, with a cascade of beautiful tulle at the bottom. These weren't your frilly, bouncy tutus, but a slightly more restrained, structured look, reflecting the spirit of the time.
As a true devotee of pink, it brings me joy to tell you, darling readers, that pink was still making its mark. The iconic shades of post-war fashion, though perhaps not as shockingly bright as we might prefer, were still elegant and beautiful. Think about soft pinks, blush tones, and those lovely delicate pastel pinks that bring to mind fresh flowers and tea parties. We wouldn't be caught dead in those dull pastels, would we?
Iāve also just seen the most beautiful tutu for sale in a vintage shop (naturally in pink). I can't wait to add this lovely thing to my collection and tell you all about it later!
This particular Tuesday in 1946 saw an extra special performance at Covent Garden - the home of British ballet, of course. A special matinƩe was held to mark the opening of the Royal Opera House's ballet season after its wartime closure!
I could hardly bear the thought of missing it - it must have been just magical! Not to mention, it was probably buzzing with the most glamorous clientele London could offer! Can you imagine, the stars of the show taking their curtain call in that historic building with an audience full of excited faces, all dressed up and ready to celebrate the return of something so beautifully timeless!
Just like ballet itself, the tutu evolved into an expression of what was happening in the world at the time. We may be seeing much more flamboyant looks nowadays, with all our dazzling tutus adorned with rhinestones, feathers, and a multitude of beautiful fabrics, but I truly believe the tutus of 1946 had an exquisite, timeless elegance that we still hold dear.
Remember, darlings, the magic of a tutu isn't about any one particular style; it's about how we choose to wear it!
Let me know, lovelies, are you wearing your favourite pink tutu today? What does the tutu represent to you? Let me know in the comments below, and donāt forget to use #TutuTuesday on all your pink tutu pics!
See you next week for more delightful dives into the history of tutus!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. If you want to add a touch of vintage charm to your tutu collection, keep your eyes peeled for vintage fabrics and trims - think delicate lace, beautiful silks, and the tiniest of pearls!
P.P.S. Did you know that my ballet tour is going ahead full steam? I canāt wait to show you the world of dance! Donāt forget, darling, if you want to find out how to travel in time like me, be sure to visit my āTravelling by Timeā page!
