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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1948-02-10

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History – 10th February 1948 (Post 6059)

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another exciting instalment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History!

This week, we're time-hopping back to the 10th of February, 1948. Fancy a whirl back to a time when the world was buzzing with new beginnings? We're in for a treat, darling, because today we're exploring a time when the tutus were truly taking centre stage!

(Cue the dramatic orchestral flourish)

As I sit here in my darling pink tutu, sipping a spot of Earl Grey tea, it’s quite hard to imagine a world without ballet. The magic of tutus, the breathtaking choreography, the utter glamour – it's all woven into the fabric of our lives now. But it wasn't always this way, darling! Back in 1948, ballet was still finding its footing in the grand ballroom of society, like a shy little ballerina just stepping out for her first pirouette.

Tutus Taking Flight!

Now, while the ballerina world was still being shaped in the early decades of the 20th century, it was already a place buzzing with exciting new ideas. I’ve got to say, my dear, that tutus were really starting to make a splash! It wasn't just the length – these graceful garments were being embraced in all their fluffy, feathery glory. Imagine it, darling: short, knee-length, full, layered, pink tutus… The possibilities were endless, and the ballerinas were having a simply delightful time!

(And if you're wondering, my darlings, yes! Pink was definitely making a debut on the stage in those days, but we'll delve deeper into the chromatic wonders of tutus in a later #TutuTuesday.)

Where were the dancers twirling?

Think New York, darling. Think Paris. Think the bustling metropolis of London! The ballets of 1948 were truly international! Margot Fonteyn, that absolute treasure, was gracing stages in England, enchanting the audiences with her exquisite ballet technique. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Maria Tallchief, that iconic American ballerina, was sweeping audiences off their feet with her daring performances!

Travel, darlings, oh my, I do love a bit of travel! I hopped on the train myself, leaving Derbyshire, where my grandmother still tells stories of the village gathering at the hall for radio broadcasts, and headed towards London. The train, my favourite mode of transport! All that chatter, those shared secrets, the views that whip by...

The heart of London was thrumming, pulsating with excitement! I'd heard rumours of Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes** troupe touring the world back in the 20s. This legendary group really made the world sit up and take notice of the dramatic world of ballet, so in 1948 it was as though they'd set the world ablaze with their vibrant colours, groundbreaking music and dynamic costumes – including some very special tutus, my dear. Now, those were something truly special!

Speaking of costumes and tutus, did I mention? This Tuesday was special, darling! Let’s rewind back to that 10th February 1948...

What did we have going on? Well, in a little town in New York State called Poughkeepsie, a special event took place, the ‘Dance Recital’ at the Vassar College Chapel. We have it on good authority that it was a smashing success! I imagine all those delightful tutus, each telling a different story, twirling in the air. Imagine the sound of those graceful, delicate shoes! What a joyful day for everyone.

But back to the big wide world! In those years, ballet was truly evolving, like a chrysalis transforming into a stunning, magnificent butterfly. And guess who was making it all happen? Dame Ninette de Valois, the phenomenal powerhouse behind The Royal Ballet, who, in a masterstroke, made sure to set up an absolutely grand dance academy in the UK. The school at The Royal Ballet! (Can we just swoon? And give those dear ones a standing ovation?!). It wasn't long before The Royal Ballet was making its own dramatic mark, becoming a cornerstone of the artistic world in London, showcasing those magnificent dancers. I have it on good authority that it was the pinnacle of grace, style and poise – and we are forever in their debt for making the world of ballet so grand.

**(Don't you just love how these grand ladies have given so much to the ballet world?! Just think of it, they are the very reasons we can still wear pink tutus!)

*(I should probably confess, though…I find those early costumes slightly confusing. Tutus often were less about a particular colour, more about the feeling, darling! Pink certainly was starting to appear more and more on stage. Let’s face it – that shade speaks to a real flair for life, doesn't it? *

Fashionable Ballet:

Did you know that 1948 was a truly incredible year for fashion, darling? Think glamorous dresses with full skirts, big, wide, voluminous styles. Fashion was, as we say in Derbyshire, ‘going through a bit of a do’, darling, with bold colours and eye-catching patterns – like an explosion of art onto the world! You could almost see it happening on stage in the grand ballerinas and their stunning tutus. I believe they are now saying “new look!” for this era’s style. It’s truly quite amazing that such fabulous trends found their way onto the stage.

And speaking of fashion…did you know that even back then the tutu had to perfectly match the dancer’s physique, with just the right fabric, darling, for a dancer’s most delicate leaps? That’s a fascinating aspect of the art, my dear, as even then the world was mesmerized by the graceful and effortless artistry of the ballet world, made possible through these little fabric marvels.

Back in time, it seems that ballet wasn’t all tutus! I’m all for tutus, but some shows certainly didn’t have them at all! It all comes down to the specific show. This wasn't just about the dress, though! It was about the performance, about conveying an entire world through dancing! What could be more magical, darling?!

But let's be honest, my darlings, for us tutu enthusiasts, the costume makes all the difference! So thank goodness those designers put their creative minds to work, bringing life to such fantastic, enchanting costumes. I think I’ve probably seen every single variation in the grand theatres of the world. But who could ever forget that classic, sparkly tutu? And a ballerina’s love for tutus just gets deeper with each performance!

(Don't you just adore them? Who can say no to a good tulle? And all those layers, my dear? They create that swirling, swirling magic on stage, a true dance with the fabric, don’t you think? The best kind of twirling there is!)

So, what do you think, darlings? Let’s keep those tutus twirling, those shoes clicking, and that pink sparkling in our lives. Have you ever dreamt of wearing a pink tutu, darling? If so, share your vision! What’s your dream tutu look? And maybe – just maybe – one day we can all take to the streets with our pink tutus, spreading the joyful magic of this grand dance. Let’s bring the world together, one graceful pirouette at a time. Until next time, darlings! Happy Twirling!

Love always,

Emma (your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast)

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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1948-02-10