#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1948-03-30

Hello darling tutus! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-traveler, ready to take you on a whimsical journey through ballet history. Today, we're waltzing back to March 30th, 1948! Imagine: bobby socks, poodle skirts, and the thrill of a brand-new dance studio opening in London! Oh, what a glorious time to be alive and twirling!

This week, I travelled back to 1948 just to see "Swan Lake". The grandeur of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre still sends shivers down my spine. The dancers, in their graceful, sweeping tutus, transported me to another world! Those Russian ballerinas are known for their impeccable technique and fiery spirit. I simply had to catch this show and soak up all the beauty and magic.

But my trip wasn't just about the ballet! Oh no, darling! 1948 also saw the grand opening of a ballet studio here in London, and I had to check it out! Can you imagine the thrill of being a budding ballerina back then? Picture this: sleek, minimalist barres, beautiful wooden floors polished to a shine, and a room filled with the gentle music of a piano, with ballerinas practicing their plies and bourrees! Pure magic!

And let's not forget fashion, darlings! While tutus might not have been on every high street back then, they were still absolutely essential for a proper ballerina. The elegant white tutus with their perfectly shaped bodices were so very flattering and, of course, ideal for all those high kicks and graceful jumps! And the delicate fabrics, the layers of tulle... ah! Just perfection. I must confess I have a tiny weakness for vintage tulle!

But fashion wasn't just limited to tutus, darling. There was a wonderful excitement around vintage dresses and the rise of "New Look" fashion. Think full skirts and cinched waists, a little bit of glam for every ballerina, even outside the studio. I mean, let's be honest, who doesn't love a bit of femininity and elegance?

I have a feeling the ladies of 1948 wouldn’t say no to a little pop of colour. So, my Tutu Tuesday outfit today is a vision of soft pastel pink with a dash of sparkle. I'm wearing a beautiful full tulle skirt, paired with a fitted pale pink blouse, the perfect mix of feminine flair and effortless elegance. To add a touch of that 1948 magic, I'm accessorising with a pearl necklace and a gorgeous pink-crystal hair comb! The look is as classic as it is romantic, just like ballet itself, darling!

This trip back in time, from the grandeur of "Swan Lake" in Moscow to London's buzzing streets, was such an exciting adventure. Now, let me tell you, I’m completely captivated by London in the spring! Imagine, beautiful cherry blossoms lining the streets and sunny picnics in Hyde Park - the perfect setting for a waltz or two!

And that’s just one of my destinations this week! Tomorrow I’m whisked away to Paris, darling! Can you believe that "Le Corsaire", one of my very favorite ballets, premiered in Paris way back in 1856! Paris, the city of romance and light, is bursting with inspiration, I just know it.

So darling, keep an eye on the blog for next week’s adventures - there'll be plenty of Paris fashion to discuss, beautiful ballets and, of course, lots of tutu inspiration! I’ve a feeling my Paris wardrobe is going to be very pink. Until next Tuesday, darling tutus, keep on twirling!

• "Swan Lake" Premieres in Moscow: While it first premiered in 1877, this was a major production that sparked widespread appreciation of Tchaikovsky’s music and the classic ballet.
• New Ballet Studio Opens in London: This was a pivotal time for the development of ballet in London and is likely linked to the growing popularity of dance after the Second World War.
• "New Look" Fashion: This fashion movement, defined by fuller skirts, cinched waists, and luxurious fabrics, captured the spirit of optimism following the war and became a global phenomenon.
• Royal Ballet Founded in 1931: This established a strong British ballet scene with its signature elegance and sophisticated style.

And lastly, my little birdies, a fun fact that caught my eye in the newspaper today... "Frozen peas" are starting to become a popular delicacy in Britain! Who knew? I think my favourite use for them would be for a beautiful Tutu Ice Cream sundae. (More on this later.)

Stay radiant and dance-filled, darling tutus,

Emma x