Hello my darlings, and welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on Pink-Tutu.com! It’s your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, here, and today, we're taking a little time-traveling trip back to 17th June 1947, to explore the world of tutus just a little over seven decades ago!
This time period? Well, darling, let me tell you – it was all about post-war reconstruction and finding new life amongst the rubble. A bit like fashion, don't you think? We’re still figuring out what’s chic after a war. And just like this new era, tutus had a change of their own to make!
So, what were ballerinas dancing in back in the 1940s?
It’s not quite the puffy, bouncy, pink perfection you see in our ballets today. Back then, tutus were quite a lot shorter! Imagine a simple little frock with a frilly bottom, more reminiscent of a ballerina's practice skirt than the elaborate creations you see in today’s ballet shows.
Think classic ballerina white, too. No flash of bright pinks, greens, or yellows like you might find me wearing. While the "romantic tutu," the big romantic-style tutu, had its roots in the 19th century, it was not truly the standard in this era. Ballet costumes were still quite practical!
Think graceful lines, simple silhouettes and elegance. No frills, but absolutely no lack of femininity. We can't have that, can we, darling? Ballet, then and now, is about femininity.
Imagine the joy of seeing the dance on this day in 1947. It wasn’t all about grand performances; smaller dance schools were finding their footing again too! The theatre scene was a buzzing, exciting thing!
My journey this week led me straight to London, England, the heart of the ballet world back then. There was even a famous ballet company, the Sadler’s Wells Ballet Company, showcasing their talent in places like Covent Garden, that glorious jewel of theatre!
Fancy seeing a ballet in 1947, though? You would have to hurry. Back then, there weren't performances every week – those were for special occasions, so keep that in mind if you ever decide to hop on the time travel train, dear readers!
And let's not forget the other stars of 1940s fashion! A fashion revolution had started in 1947 with the New Look, an elegant, soft, feminine style made by Christian Dior, where a corset was worn underneath to give the illusion of a long and delicate feminine shape! It's incredible how styles blend, isn’t it, my loves? A soft, elegant silhouette like the dancers in those days… perfect!
I wonder, dear readers, would it be that much of a leap to imagine those New Look skirts as tutus themselves? I am certainly going to start experimenting with the styles! It’s just the perfect way to combine two fabulous fashion loves - my favourite style from the forties and, of course, my tutus!
That, darling, is the beauty of tutus! There's a world of elegance, beauty, and joy, from their simple beginnings to today’s magnificent displays of fluffy layers and sparkling sequins. You simply cannot resist a fabulous tutu!
Stay fabulous, dear readers, and don’t forget to come back for next week's Tutu Tuesday, where we will explore a fascinating new day from the wonderful world of dance history! Don't forget to subscribe and share #TutuTuesday on social media!
Now, it's off for me to find some glorious vintage-inspired pieces for the shop. The thrill of the hunt and the anticipation of adding fabulous finds to the website is a delight every time, darling!
Until next Tuesday, dear readers. Stay stylish!
