Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the history of our beloved tutus, bringing the enchantment of bygone eras right to your screens. Today, we're whisking ourselves away to May 20th, 1947 - a date bursting with elegance and a dash of post-war optimism!
(This is post number 6021, by the way, if you're new to the #PinkTutu family! Welcome, darlings! Make sure to sign up for my newsletter - I send out little bits of inspiration every Friday!)
Before I spin off into the enchanting world of 1947, let me tell you, darling, that finding the perfect tutu to wear to the opera last night had me dancing around my flat all morning! Pink, naturally, but with the most divine hand-sewn pearl embellishments. I could hardly wait to show it off!
Now, back to the past! 1947, a mere two years after the war, was a time for a lot of hope and a little bit of hardship. And, in the realm of dance, tutus were embracing this sentiment. You've got to remember, dear reader, that tutus had already established their status as ballet royalty by this point. The full, billowing Romantic tutu, much like our own modern-day tutus, reigned supreme. Think wispy layers, romantic designs, and swirling, beautiful movement!
But this time period brought a slightly more practical approach to tutu design as dancers, perhaps influenced by the war, were craving simpler, less opulent designs. The post-war years demanded a new level of efficiency - less layering, less bulk, and more focus on movement and functionality. Imagine a graceful dancer floating effortlessly on stage, but in a lighter, less constricting design, allowing them to express their every emotion!
(Isn't that just *divine, darling?! I truly believe we should have a bit of both practicality and romantic flair, don't you?)*
What was on stage on May 20th, 1947, you ask? Well, a quick scroll through my favourite vintage ballet magazines tells me we were lucky enough to have a double bill of enchanting productions at the Royal Opera House! Imagine that - two nights of pure balletic magic!
The first night showcased the ballet "La Fille Mal Gardée" - a light-hearted and truly delightful story of love, courtship, and a rebellious young girl's yearning for freedom! Just think of those stunning Romantic tutus, billowing and swirling, highlighting the graceful, joyous movements of the ballerinas. Oh, to be back in that moment! The music, the energy, the pure elegance.
And for the second performance, "Swan Lake" stole the show! That haunting beauty, the tragic tale of a young maiden transformed into a swan! Again, imagine those breathtaking tutus! The sheer white fabric - oh, so elegant - beautifully complementing the Swan Queen's transformation. Just the very image makes my heart flutter!
(I'm off to try to find a vintage production of Swan Lake now, my dear readers. I think I need a little bit of magic, myself!
But wait! The ballet world wasn't the only place buzzing with excitement on May 20th, 1947! It's a landmark date for Christian Dior! Yes, dear reader, this day saw the launch of his New Look! A bold, beautiful redefinition of feminine fashion, all flowing lines and extravagant shapes! Can you picture the *bold and the romantic coming together in fashion and ballet?! I can see it perfectly - just a hint of pink in the fabric, maybe a hint of embellishments....Oh my darling, imagine the stunning*!
Of course, I had to find out more about Dior's New Look. Did you know the average woman needed over 50 metres of fabric for a single skirt! Can you imagine a tutu like that? My darling, it would be a magnificent creation indeed. But perhaps, for all its beauty, that would have been just a little too extravagant, even for me! I think a smaller tutu* could do a marvellous job of showcasing this trend, wouldn't you?
But enough about the past! My darlings, as I often say, the best fashion trends are the ones we make ourselves! Remember that pink tutus can make every day a little more glamorous and exciting. And don't forget, your very own #PinkTutu awaits! Until next week, darling, stay stylish and always keep those tutus twirling!
Sending you all a great big dose of #TutuLove!
Love, Emma
P.S. If you've got a favourite vintage tutu look, please share it with me on #PinkTutu! I'm always on the lookout for inspiration from the past, present and future!
