Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things pink and twirly are celebrated! Today we’re taking a grand tour back in time, boarding the train for a very special trip to 1948. This week, on #TutuTuesday, we’re celebrating the history of the tutu – and what a story it has to tell!
I know what you’re thinking – 1948! Is there even a tutu in 1948? Well, darling, hold on to your bonnets because the tutu, just like our dear Queen, is one for the ages. Let’s hop off this steam engine and into the fashion of 1948 – where a certain iconic style of tutu started making a splash.
Before we get lost in all the flouncy, frothy glory of the 1940s tutu, let’s think back to 1948 in general – it’s quite the fascinating year! It’s the year we see the first colour television, The Berlin Blockade gets all the attention in Europe, India finally gets her Independence. What a year!
For the real fashion story though, we’re going back to ballet! If you haven’t already realised by now, my dears, the history of the tutu is inherently intertwined with the history of ballet – like two ballerinas holding hands and leaping gracefully across the stage. And in 1948, ballet was poppin!
That's why we're here on #TutuTuesday – a day where we get lost in the past of one of the most graceful garments ever made! Today, my dear, I am not sporting a super voluminous Romantic or classical style tutu (think Swan Lake!) I'm more of a "I'm gonna twirl and spin all day” short tutu kinda girl - which was pretty popular in the ballet scene of 1948. They weren’t so fluffy then – that romantic and big volume of tutu would come back again in later years – think Giselle in all her dreamy romanticism –
*Why are tutus so wonderful, you ask? *
Oh my, the joy! They’re just so darn whimsical and ethereal. Think about it, my lovelies: you wear a tutu and you can become anything – a whimsical ballerina, a playful fairy, a shimmering sorceress! The possibilities are endless, just like those fluttering layers of tulle. You see that pretty pink dress you have, my dear – there's a secret little tutu wanting to be born out of that – trust me!
So, here in 1948, let’s peek into some of the exciting developments for the tutu!
First, you’ve got the rise of ballet as a profession in the UK. 1948 saw many ballet schools spring up – even those little girls (like myself!) living outside of London could experience the joys of tutus. With the expansion of ballet came a new wave of designed tutus, just for different styles of ballet, not just those fluffy Romantic ones.
Another wonderful thing happened in 1948! The birth of "The Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo"– These stunning ballet troupes started travelling to the US. It made a massive splash in the world of ballet (not to mention the fashion scene). In America they’re like "Wow! What’s that pretty skirt she’s wearing!" It started a fascination and appreciation for the tutu and ballet across the ocean. Now, with ballet growing in popularity around the globe, more and more tutus were needed! (I’ll definitely take a few of these new style tutus myself to Derbyshire – gotta add a bit of that sophisticated new tutu style in my wardrobe for when I travel – you can never have enough tutus – can you?!).
Oh my, and talking of style, The neoclassical ballet style reigned supreme. And with it, came the rise of the tutu we know and love - shorter, more fluid tutus that moved with the ballerina (instead of just hanging around the stage!). They had those fabulous shorter tulle skirts and those elegant leg-revealing designs – they moved with grace.
Did you know *"Le Lac des Cygnes" ("The Swan Lake") was still super popular in 1948! What an icon! In this performance, it’s all about the classical Romantic tulle! It's all fluffy, long, ethereal, and perfect for those sweeping leaps – talk about beautiful – the ballet tutu masterpiece. Now that really is romantic – and, dare I say, maybe too big for my everyday "shopping with my pals" day trip. (You really wouldn’t be able to fit that into a train!)
Oh darling, let's get down to business - because I need to do some shopping too, so you've inspired me (don’t we just love that about the tutu!) But, I've really had an amazing time learning all about 1948 and all its tutu treasures! I’ll let you in on a little secret - there’s just so much more to say about tutu history. So come back next week for another #TutuTuesday adventure, because you’re always going to see new styles pop up – just like the flowers! And maybe we can finally track down what was happening on July 20th 1948 – perhaps you have a clue - let me know on the pink-tutu website – just type your ideas in the comments below – maybe there’s a ballet show on that very day (a tutu gem, no less!) and don’t forget to like and share on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – you know it, right?! Now I've gotta go get myself to a store – what are the must have new trends in the ballet world (I want pink, obviously – and maybe a light-pink one as well – never hurts to mix and match)
Until next Tuesday!
Emma
P.S. Stay stylish! And never stop twirling.
