#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1946-12-17

Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-traveling fashionista, bringing you another exciting #TutuTuesday post. Today we’re twirling back to 1946, the year I found myself nestled in the heart of New York City. Let me tell you, this city was humming with post-war energy and a burgeoning love affair with all things ballet.

It’s always thrilling to dive into the history of tutus, and the years following the Second World War are especially fascinating. Just a little over a year ago, wartime rationing and the spectre of the conflict hung heavy. Yet, in 1946, fashion was starting to bloom anew. Think dramatic silhouettes, cinched waists, and the emergence of vibrant colour! This sense of reinvention, of blossoming optimism, was reflected in the world of ballet, too.

Now, it wouldn’t be a #TutuTuesday without some talk about tutus! 1946 saw the resurgence of the Romantic tutu. You know, the gloriously ethereal layers of tulle that we associate with ballerinas soaring across the stage. This period marked a significant departure from the rigid, practical tutus of the wartime years. The romanticism of the Romantic tutu embraced femininity and fluidity, echoing the growing sentiment of liberation and hope.

It's so intriguing how fashion and the ballet world seem to speak the same language. 1946 was all about expressing individuality after a period of constraint. You can almost feel the tutus rustling with a renewed sense of expression!

Speaking of the ballet scene in 1946, a new and vibrant company had just been founded - The New York City Ballet! Founded by the renowned choreographer, George Balanchine, this company promised a fresh approach to dance and design.

Their groundbreaking performances, infused with a thrilling combination of athleticism and elegance, captured the hearts of New Yorkers, who flocked to their performances at the City Center Theater. These audiences embraced the new styles, not only in the dances but in the costumes. The tutus worn by these incredible dancers became even more integral to the show.

A Glimpse at History in Pink

Oh, and you simply must know, my dear tutu enthusiasts, that a most magical ballet was premiered on the 17th of December, 1946 – The Nutcracker! While the Nutcracker story wasn't entirely new, this particular adaptation by Tchaikovsky was truly a revelation. This is one ballet I travelled all the way back to New York just to see!

Think vibrant colours, lush storytelling, and – my favourite bit! – delicate, perfectly layered pink tutus. They were so pretty! If there’s one reason why I love travelling to the past to witness ballet history, it’s for these little moments of fashion brilliance.

Time-Traveling Shopping Spree!

After enjoying the spectacular The Nutcracker at the City Center, I simply had to venture into the wonderful world of fashion! New York was abuzz with design houses brimming with exciting new collections.

There was so much to see – new patterns, textiles, and the emergence of those fabulous postwar silhouettes. And you simply can’t talk about 1940s fashion without mentioning the Dior New Look! It was all about celebrating the feminine form in beautiful, graceful lines. And these dresses were all just asking to be twirled! I found the most delightful vintage dress, the colour of blush-pink with a flowing, twirl-worthy skirt. Perfect, wouldn’t you say?

Let’s take a little inspiration from 1946 and inject some romance into our modern-day wardrobe! Why not experiment with textures? Think soft tulles, velvet accents, and dreamy layers that will help you embody the romantic spirit of this time!

And, of course, what's better than a tutu? Nothing! I suggest you embrace the power of pink! A pop of colour goes a long way, don't you think? You can always add a playful touch to your everyday outfits with a pink ballerina-inspired bow. Remember: it's all about making those twirling dreams a reality!

I’m so excited about how our pink tutu trend is taking off, spreading from the stage into the hearts and wardrobes of everyday people. Remember, dear readers, our goal is to bring a touch of magic and ballerina style to the world, one pink tutu at a time!

Keep your tutus twirling and stay fabulous! Until next time!

This post is number 5999 in our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. You can check out our other fascinating historical posts at www.pink-tutu.com, or hop on over to our social media for more ballerina-inspired fun!

Remember to leave a comment and tell me your favourite ballerina moment! I'm so excited to hear your stories!

Until next week, remember to dance your heart out!

Your pink tutu friend,

Emma