#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1946-12-03

Hey everyone, it's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another pink-tastic adventure! Today's journey takes us back to the magical year of 1946, a time when the world was starting to recover from the horrors of war and people were ready to embrace a little joy and…well, you know, a whole lot of pink tutus! 😉

Now, as I'm sure you know, I have a particular penchant for pink. But it's not just any pink. I'm talking about that fabulous, bubblegum-hued, 'I-could-eat-this-shade-of-pink-and-never-stop' pink. You know, the kind that screams, "Life is beautiful and tutus are even more so!" So naturally, when I popped on my time-traveling ballet shoes and landed in the middle of 1946, my eyes were immediately drawn to the gorgeous colours that were becoming increasingly popular! After all, after years of rationed and wartime blues, the world was yearning for some bright, cheerful colours, like, say, pink!

Before we delve into the history of the tutu itself (because yes, tutus were indeed already making their grand entrance onto the stage back in '46), let's talk about what else was going on in the world. I know you love a bit of historical context, don't you?

First and foremost, Christmas was just around the corner! And everyone was getting into the festive spirit. If you can imagine, my dears, there was this enchanting ballet adaptation of "The Nutcracker," featuring a spectacular ballerina in a bright, beautiful, pink-hued tutu, so captivating that I actually went out and bought my own replica! It's right there, proudly displayed in my tutu-closet back in Derbyshire.

But it wasn't all tutus and candy canes! It was a time of momentous changes – like, say, the United Nations being established! That was HUGE. Not only was the UN paving the way for a more peaceful world, but it was also making an effort to, well, not exactly promote tutus (although that would be AMAZING), but to ensure international cooperation, which, I think, is the ultimate "ballet for humanity", don't you agree?

Then there was the development of the first computer! Imagine, that wonderful whirring, clicking, and blinking machine, paving the way for everything we rely on today - social media, online shopping for the perfect pink tutu…well, maybe that last one wasn't around back then, but hey, a girl can dream!

However, life in '46 wasn't all sweetness and light. As much as I adore a little pink and glitter, I always try to be aware of the realities of history. 1946 also marked the beginning of the Cold War, which, unfortunately, brought a whole lot of tension and fear into the world.

BUT, and this is the crucial part, it was also a time for recovery and optimism! People were rebuilding, families were being reunited, and even though things were still tough, they were finally looking towards a brighter future! And wouldn't you know it, that spirit of optimism was shining through in the colours that people wore – yes, including a lot of fabulous pink!

Okay, back to the tutus! Imagine the excitement and elegance of the classical ballet world in 1946! It was an absolute tour de force of tutus. There was the graceful, delicate "Romantic Tutu," with layers of tulle that fluttered around the legs, and the grand* "Classical Tutu," boasting those iconic, rigid, circular shapes.

Now, picture this, ladies and gents: you walk into the ballet theatre, the orchestra is tuning their instruments, the lights are dimming, and BAM! – you’re met with a spectacle of magnificent, fluttery, full-bodied tutus. Just think of those billowing layers, shimmering in the spotlight! Don't tell me you wouldn't swoon just a little!

Even outside the world of classical ballet, the “Petticoat” style was taking centre stage, making its way into women’s everyday wear. It added that gorgeous fluffiness to skirts and dresses, making them feel like graceful ballet outfits. Remember that whimsical "poodle skirt" style that became all the rage? Well, let's just say that "poodle skirt" wouldn't have had its characteristic bounce and volume without the fabulous tulle! It’s like those poodles just became a little bit more glamorous when they embraced their inner ballet.

So, what do you think, my darlings? Are you ready to slip into your own little pink tutu and go on a time-travelling ballet adventure? You might not find yourselves in 1946, but who says you can't channel those vibrant colours and gorgeous tutu designs in your very own modern ballet experience? Go on, embrace the fluffiness, the femininity, the magic!

Now, what is your favourite style of tutu? What are you looking forward to this week? Tell me everything in the comments below! And remember, the best way to keep the pink tutu spirit alive is to wear it proudly, and, well, you know, inspire everyone around you to embrace their own inner ballet dancer! See you next week, same time, same place for another #TutuTuesday adventure! Until then, dance with abandon! 😉 💖

(P.S. I may or may not have had a little too much fun with my tutu-inspired time-traveling outfit this week...but hey, that's just part of the charm, right? You should have seen the looks on people's faces in 1946 when I waltzed into the theatre… Absolutely priceless!)