#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1948-06-01

Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, here with another edition of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a trip back to 1948, the year of...well, lots of exciting things! 🎉 But for us, it's all about the tutus, darling.

Before we dive in, let's just admire the fabulous, sparkly, and totally pink tutu I'm rocking today! It's vintage, naturally, from 1948. It's got a sweet, little-girl charm with just the right amount of bouffant. A perfect piece for celebrating a time of real change in ballet and, let's be honest, a time when fashion was definitely embracing some vibrant colours - think big skirts, big dreams, big everything! 🤩

Now, rewind with me. Imagine this: 1st June, 1948, and the world of ballet is still buzzing from the premiere of The Sleeping Beauty just over a year ago! This landmark performance by the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company (now the Royal Ballet) really put Britain on the world ballet map. We're talking huge crowds, roaring applause, and critics gushing about the intricate choreography, stunning sets, and the exquisite dancing.

This was a time of renewal and optimism for the ballet scene. In 1946, the Royal Opera House was devastated by fire. That's why the Sadler's Wells Ballet had to find a new home, and boy, did they make the most of it! London's Covent Garden Opera House became their stage and a symbol of post-war rebirth and hope. It was here, on this very day, that Margot Fonteyn, one of the world's most legendary ballerinas, was gracing the stage with her exquisite performances. Now that's a bit of history for you! 💫

As we step back further in time, let's explore the world of the tutu, shall we? It's funny to think that just a century before our time travelling shenanigans, the iconic tulle we know and love today simply didn't exist.

The romantic period (18th and early 19th centuries) in ballet was all about billowing layers and a sense of dreamy flow. Think long, billowing skirts of silk or gauze that were very elegant but weren't what we'd call a "tutu" today. Then came the advent of tulle in 1830s. This lightweight, sheer fabric became a game-changer! It allowed for airy, graceful movement on stage while also creating the much-loved dramatic silhouette.

Imagine those amazing twirls and leaps you see in class! That kind of airy freedom was unheard of in those earlier ballet days, where long gowns often hampered the dance. Imagine trying to do a pirouette in that! 😨

Now, while tutus have always been central to ballet, 1948 is interesting for a few reasons. For one, ballet was becoming much more accessible for everyone. A burgeoning post-war economy meant more people were getting to experience ballet, with new audiences hungry to see this magnificent art form. This also meant a surge in dance studios popping up all over Britain, where aspiring young ballerinas dreamed of one day joining a professional company like Sadler's Wells.

And let's be honest, the post-war era was a time of vibrant, expressive fashion! This new energy found its way onto the stage, creating exciting trends in costumes. Think sleek, sculpted tutus with elegant detailing and playful use of colour - not just the traditional white. Imagine a pink tulle with a delicate floral design... 🤫 Maybe I should ask the little bird to create a new tutu for next week...

That brings us to our "pink tutu mission," my lovely readers! While the early 1940s saw ballet become increasingly accessible for many, let's admit it, ballet often remained tied to the white tulle. But times are changing. It's time to let pink reign supreme! We're embracing the colour that symbolizes elegance, joy, and the unwavering optimism we find in ballet! 🌸💖

So, who wants to wear a pink tutu this weekend?! 💃 Think of the adorable photo opps and all the compliments you'll receive! Don't be shy; wear it to a ballet performance, a garden party, even just to pop to the shops! The world is our pink tutu stage!

Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday as we embark on another adventure into the fascinating history of ballet, and perhaps find more amazing vintage tutus along the way! Remember, to be as fashionable as possible, you gotta look to the past, right? 👠✨

Keep twirling, Emma 💖