Hello darlings, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re taking a little trip back in time, all the way to the 2nd of September, 1947. I'm your ever-so-slightly time-travelling tutu enthusiast, Emma, and I'm bubbling with excitement to share with you what a truly momentous year 1947 was for ballet, fashion, and well… everything, really! This is post number 6036 for my little pink-tutu corner of the internet – www.pink-tutu.com - and believe me, every post is just as much of a joy to write as the last!
I simply adore the thought of being whisked back to the roaring 40s. Just imagine: bobby socks, vintage Dior dresses, and the joy of a post-war ballet show! Ah, the excitement! The world was just beginning to find its feet again after the war, and let me tell you, a touch of pink and twirling tutus were just the tonic needed!
Before I go whisking you off on this fabulous historical adventure, let's pause for a moment and chat about how I manage these little time-travelling escapades. It all boils down to… ballet! Yep, you heard that right. My little secret? I’m a performer. Ballet is my passion, and that passion allows me to fund these time-jumping escapades. It's rather delightful! One moment I'm taking a bow on a stage, the next I’m exploring history's hidden treasures – and, of course, all while rocking my signature pink tutu!
So, where were we? 1947! You'll be thrilled to know that it was a phenomenal year for ballet, darling! Ballet performances, after a wartime pause, were booming again, and everyone was so eager for a bit of joy and artistic expression. Think dazzling gowns, handsome princes, and delicate pointe shoes – the quintessential elements of a delightful performance.
What was on September 2nd, 1947? Ah, such a glorious time to be a ballet enthusiast. There wasn't just ONE show, but oh my, two wonderful ballet performances going on at the same time!
First up, the Royal Opera House, where we find Margot Fonteyn, one of my absolute ballet idols, performing the exquisite role of Odette-Odile in the ever-so-romantic Swan Lake. Frederick Ashton himself choreographed this particular performance – what a dream! If only I'd been there to witness that iconic performance in all its glory. It was the very ballet that launched Fonteyn into international stardom and made it so well loved today.
Meanwhile, across the pond in New York City, the New York City Ballet was treating their audience to Symphony in C by George Balanchine. His Serenade had also opened on 23rd March that same year, giving the whole ballet world a whole heap of new moves to try!
Now, when I'm talking about ballet shows, darling, let's be honest, it's more than just the performance itself! It’s about the anticipation, the excitement, the glamour, the stunning outfits, the elegance of the stage, and, oh, don’t forget the after-party – those elegant cocktail dresses with glittering embellishments! Talk about an excuse to channel your inner ballerina and embrace that divine femininity. We just loved a little drama, didn’t we? And oh, how much I'd adore dressing up in a perfectly chic post-war gown and twirling along to a sweet symphony of strings, just like they did in 1947!
But let's not forget the tutu! My dear lovelies, this is my time to shine! The history of the tutu – ah, it's simply divine. In the 40s, tutus, like the clothes women wore, were still influenced by the elegance and refined taste of the past, but a little more comfortable thanks to new fabrics like rayon. We are talking about full-length, flowing, dreamy skirts – a cloud of tulle around each and every ballerina, light and airy, like a perfect wisp of smoke! Isn't it simply beautiful?
1947 saw some pretty fabulous designs that are truly iconic even today. One designer that pops into my head immediately is Christian Dior – who didn't love a good New Look silhouette, eh? Imagine flowing tutus made from fabrics he designed with a bit of ballet style inspiration! They really embodied that spirit of 1947 and post-war glamour.
In 1947, ballet and fashion were intertwined. Ballerinas, as ever, set the trend and became symbols of style and grace. And just think – that little bit of glamour helped spark an explosion of fashion that spread throughout the world. And let's face it, anything that involves dancing and pretty outfits, you can count me in!
So, darlings, I think I have inspired you to whip up some fun memories with your favourite tutus (a lovely shade of pink of course!), whether you're getting ready for a grand ballet night or even just for an evening at home. Let's keep this ballet magic alive and always celebrate those beautiful tutus that continue to grace our stages, screens, and closets!
That’s it for this week's #TutuTuesday! Make sure you check out www.pink-tutu.com to explore past blogs and enjoy this fabulous, twirling world. Don’t forget to share your own tutu moments – from performances to fashion finds. It’s all about the sparkle, darlings, and tutus are just that extra dose of magic that every girl deserves!
See you all next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday history.
And as always… keep twirling! 💖
