Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another scintillating slice of ballet history. Buckle up your pointe shoes, because this week, we're taking a trip back in time to the glorious era of 1947 - think Hollywood glamour meets ballet elegance.
Now, picture this: it's a crisp May morning, and I'm standing backstage at the Royal Opera House, that iconic theatre with its grand arches and bustling energy. Today's the 6th of May, and I'm ready to soak in all the excitement of a post-war London, brimming with optimism and artistic spirit.
As you all know, I simply adore travelling by train. It's the most civilised way to travel! I boarded a plush carriage at Derby station, leaving my quaint little hometown for the capital. A trip on the train is the perfect way to unwind with a good book and let my mind wander through fashion inspiration. It also gives me the time to ponder about my latest obsession - researching how tutus evolved throughout history.
This journey, however, isn't solely about soaking in the glamour of 1940s London. It's also about peeking behind the velvet curtain, about the world of ballet, of graceful pirouettes and daring leaps that we associate with tutus. This era, after all, saw the resurgence of ballet as a performing art, with a spotlight shining bright on some of the most celebrated ballet companies.
The ballet world in 1947 was abuzz with talent. Margot Fonteyn, a legend whose artistry left a permanent mark on the stage, was captivating audiences at the Royal Ballet. Her performance in "Giselle" was a true marvel, and I bet the critics were raving! And of course, the famous "Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky had premiered a few years earlier, its dazzling costumes and opulent sets inspiring the fashion world - think billowing gowns, floral embroideries, and perfectly puffed sleeves - all in a pastel palette reminiscent of ballet tutus, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, let's delve into the fascinating story of how tutus transformed in the 1940s! This decade saw the emergence of what we call the "Romantic tutu". It's longer, more flowing, and utterly ethereal, and is perfectly embodied in the tutu worn by Giselle. The design embraces that "airiness", a feeling of lightness, and embodies the romanticised dreaminess of ballet. This design still exists today and has graced countless stages for many generations.
Just think about those beautiful soft pink hues that perfectly complement the delicacy of a ballet dancer's movements!
This Romantic tutu isn't just a beautiful piece of fabric; it tells a story. It reflects the romanticism that filled ballet and the evolving aesthetic of that time. I find it so inspiring - the intricate detail and flowing silhouette give the dancer's movements a dream-like quality. It's a dance between fabric and movement, elegance and artistry, a real spectacle.
It is said that the famous tulle fabric we often use in tutus today emerged in the 1940s. So we can say that those Romantic tutus helped pave the way for the elegant tulle creations we know and love today!
And you know me, darlings! A vintage tutu always captures my eye, especially if it’s in the softest shade of pink! It whispers of elegance, grace, and, of course, a dash of nostalgia. Imagine the beautiful ballet dancers on stage, swirling and leaping in these magical Romantic tutus, the perfect combination of beauty and elegance. It's enough to send any tutu enthusiast, like myself, into a spiral of pure joy!
Before I continue my journey exploring the London theatre district and trying on a few tutus in some fabulous shops on Oxford Street, I have to share a little nugget of news with you! The 6th of May in 1947 is a very special date because … drum roll, please… it was the Coronation of the very fashionable King George VI. That's right! The nation was celebrating the King and Queen in a flamboyant coronation ceremony and a glittering coronation ball. I bet it was a dazzling spectacle. The dress codes must have been amazing, and I bet the fashion magazines were buzzing about the trends. Now, wouldn’t you like to hop in my time machine and catch a glimpse of all that glamour? I bet the ballet dancers celebrated the King's coronation with a grand ballet performance at the Royal Opera House! Can you picture it - all those stunning tutus, sparkling with joy for their King!
Now, I must run. I can hear the alluring melodies of a ballet performance just around the corner! It’s a bit late in the day, so I’m not sure what kind of performance I’ll be attending. However, one thing's for sure: it's guaranteed to be an absolute triumph.
Stay tuned for my next #TutuTuesday post, and remember, darling, you never know where you might find the next vintage beauty!
P.S. Don't forget to keep a lookout for a certain elegant pink tutu!
XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
