Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post from the archives of ballet history!
Today, my vintage tutu takes me all the way back to 31st August 1948. London, darling, the very heart of the ballet world. You wouldn’t believe the outfits, the excitement, the energy! The Royal Ballet Company, they’re in their glory, with Fonteyn, Markova, and the legendary Ashton all dancing like nobody’s watching! 😉
Now, in 1948, the world’s just emerging from the war. There’s a feeling of hope and rebuilding in the air, and believe me, London was buzzing with creative energy. Theatre and ballet were booming – the perfect places to lose yourself in a different world.
Imagine this, darling. We’re stepping off the train, a grand Victorian masterpiece pulling into Paddington Station, all steam and grand entrances! We've travelled first class, naturally, clutching our theatre tickets and a new copy of "Vogue" magazine.
As we enter the beautiful, warm lobby of the Royal Opera House, it’s like stepping back in time – grand staircases, flickering gaslights, and the air buzzing with anticipation for the performance. The first thing I notice, even above the whispers and rustling of silk dresses, are the glorious colours: shimmering blues, fiery reds, elegant black, and the oh-so-stylish greys – a real nod to the "New Look" of Dior. But everyone was wearing some kind of delightful little skirt, long, mid-length, even the gents sporting knee-length shorts. Oh, how I loved that time. We’re not all about the big frocks just yet. You see, even with those adorable, tiny, bell-shaped dresses, those cute shoes, those adorable handbags, we have an element of fashion rebellion with skirts and jackets! It was a simpler, and even more elegant time.
We climb the sweeping staircase, our pink tutu bouncing with excitement (yes, even the tiniest of tutus can travel through time!). A grand lady greets us at the top with a nod and a welcoming smile – London is renowned for its theatre etiquette, darling. Now, in 1948, a “tututu” (a very un-refined term that didn't become widespread for decades!) might not be acceptable – you wouldn't want to stand out like a sore thumb amongst the chicest of crowds – but even in this age of elegance and grace, you know I’ve already caught eyes in the audience just from the little flash of pink at my knee! We might not be a proper tutu, but everyone always knows we’ve got something special under this dress. I always aim for stylish but practical in these travels. We have to make sure that tutu doesn't snag!
Taking our seats in the plush velvet boxes, we settle in and watch as the curtain rises. Tonight's programme: Ashton’s “Apparitions”, and the stunning Margot Fonteyn and Michael Somes are the stars of the show! Everything about the theatre just whispers glamour and magic. The stage lights shimmer and dance on the dancers’ bodies – it’s pure enchantment.
You see, darling, the joy of time travelling through fashion is seeing the magic it brings. Even back in 1948, with their glamorous outfits and graceful dance, people found escape and happiness through the art of ballet. Now, in a post-war world, what could be more perfect? The ballet's magical journey of beauty and triumph reflects the spirit of resilience, creativity and change taking place on the other side of the stage, here in England! This year they've even staged “Cinderella” for the 100th birthday of Diaghilev – oh, those magical costumes, and the beauty of those pink pointe shoes!
For a time traveller who is dedicated to the world of dance, this date truly represents a moment in time when ballet was finding a whole new audience – and the energy on stage simply radiated onto the streets. After the performance, a whole night of partying followed at the Covent Garden's most exclusive bars – now, these were times for celebrations, darling! We’d go to the theatre and be swept away by the energy of music and the magic of performance, and after, it would be all about champagne and glamorous dance venues, even dancing through the night, if you could!
And remember, darling, in 1948, London wasn't the only city swept up in the magic of the ballet. Across the continent, in places like Paris, Milan, and New York, similar movements were blooming, each city with its unique personality. There was a spirit of creative discovery in the air. Imagine, dear, the tutus in those days – so elegant, so simple, but yet so full of joy and the love for the art!
Now, as always, I love to remind everyone that even though tutus are a magical piece of attire, let’s never forget our responsibility towards this beautiful world! After our amazing trip to 1948 London, we returned with memories, and as we set about making a more conscious choice when we shop – a decision based on respect and love for both our planet and ourselves! A pink tutu that shines a little brighter when you know where it's been and who created it – that, my dear, is a tutu for our time!
Till next Tuesday, darling, keep your tutus bright, your dreams big, and let's keep that pink tutu love shining through!
XOXO
Emma 💖
Don't forget to join the discussion! What is your favourite tutu style? How do you think 1948 fashion and ballet might influence our trends today?
Come visit me on www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest fashion, travel, and ballet inspiration. And remember, dear reader, you’re always welcome to follow me on Instagram @pinktutublogger.
Happy #TutuTuesday darling!
