Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your time-traveling, tutu-obsessed friend, back with another #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a spin through time, landing in October 1948, where we'll be diving into the fascinating evolution of the ballet tutu.
I can't help but feel giddy with anticipation as I click the dial on my time machine to this momentous year! Just picture it: Paris, my dear, dreamy Paris! It's the 1940s, the post-war world is abuzz, and I'm making my grand entrance onto the streets of the City of Lights in my favourite pink tutu, just bursting with joy to be surrounded by the intoxicating scent of French pastries and the whisper of laughter echoing from charming cafes.
1948 – A Year of Artistic Renaissance
Stepping into 1948 is like stepping onto a grand stage where beauty is always centre stage. A year of artistic rebirth, with theatre and dance being the beating heart of it all! The ballet world is in full bloom, and tutus are getting bolder and more dramatic, darling. Think swaths of tulle, perfectly pleated and flowing in graceful swirls - it's almost enough to make me weep with joy!
Now, I’m a huge fan of classical ballet, but this is when some new exciting innovations were happening, taking tutu designs on a wonderful, whimsical journey. Remember those gorgeous flowing Romantic tutu silhouettes of the early 20th century? This period was about refinement and taking things one step further. There's a fresh, daring playfulness that came through - imagine, colour was being embraced! Tutus started to appear in shimmering pastels, like my favourite candy-floss pink, of course, and bold, eye-catching hues like turquoise and sapphire.
The Perfect Tutu - It's a Matter of Timing!
Of course, tutus didn't appear overnight - they had quite the fashion journey. Back in the early 1800s, ballerinas used to perform in full-length skirts, which must have been a little bit restrictive! Imagine pirouetteing with all that fabric! The rise of Romantic ballet changed all of that, leading to the famous 'tutu', meaning "tulle", which is an elegant name, wouldn't you say? The Romantic tutu, a glorious vision in tulle, was so liberating, freeing the ballerinas’ movements. But, the real magic of the tutu started unfolding later, as styles became shorter and shorter – what fun for all!
The iconic "tutu" of today, you know, the one you imagine when you think of ballerinas - the short, fitted waist with that wide, frilled skirt – that glorious shape took flight around the mid 19th century. I always imagine the excitement, the delight of the dancers when they finally could stretch, swirl, and dance with true freedom! And just like that, the ballet tutu became the epitome of grace, movement, and femininity.
Tutus Through The Ages: A Fashion Flashback
It’s time to take a journey through tutu time and chat a little about the trends, the style, the stories behind each evolution. Just like a ballerina’s pointe shoe, tutus have adapted and blossomed alongside the history of ballet, don't you think?
We've had the beautiful 'Romantic tutu’, all billowing and voluminous, and the dramatic ‘classical tutu’, which was sleek and super flattering. These were perfect for grand classical ballets. Then, as dance moved with the times, the tutu also became modern! Ballet went through so many transformations, the 19th century's neoclassical and later modernist movements inspired new forms of expression. That means more movement for the tutu too! So, imagine a dancer in a ‘layered tutu’, with tiers upon tiers of beautiful, flowing tulle. It was amazing to see all these layers moving, giving an airy and light, oh-so- ethereal look to the ballerina on stage.
And in 1948…?
That's where I come in! The tutu is truly in its element by 1948. We’ve moved beyond the structured ‘classical tutu’, we’re heading towards new designs for neoclassical ballet. Ballet was a dance with an increasingly important relationship with music, costumes and the overall performance aesthetic. The tutu was a core component. I’m so happy that in 1948, ballet is full of colour, life, and artistic passion - a fantastic combination! It was also an era when dancers began to express their individual style, making it truly their own.
More than just dance – The Tutu, Fashion and Style
My lovely, little tutus - these wonderful, magical pieces of fashion - have always captured a spirit of joy, creativity, and artistry. The fact that they've had such a rich history alongside dance is a truly delightful twist, don't you think?
I adore shopping for vintage ballet tutus! The craft of creating those little masterpieces, the exquisite workmanship… ah - the thought of it makes me smile from ear to ear. I always look for those details - the intricate lace trims, the perfectly placed beads, and of course, those beautiful, fine, swathes of tulle! The quality, the craftsmanship… it’s something very special, my friends. It reminds me that these tutus aren’t just pieces of costume - they are expressions of a particular point in time, full of inspiration, grace, and beauty!
And oh, the history… oh the history! It’s so intertwined with fashion! Just picture that delicate, frothy tulle with it’s airy and playful beauty... It's all so lovely.
But what about the fashion outside the stage? I simply must mention the fabulous New Look by Dior that was all the rage in 1948! That dramatic, feminine, silhouette with its wide, full skirts – just beautiful! And this, darling, reminds me very much of the iconic ballet tutu shape. Did you know that it's not a coincidence? I think Dior was inspired by the ballet! Don't you adore how the beautiful elegance of ballet seeps into other aspects of our fashion lives?
*Today, you’ll find the Tutu everywhere – In fashion, in art, in street style... *
It’s not just ballet, though, right? The tutu is now part of a fashion world where anything goes. It is used everywhere. It's so lovely seeing it pop up in boutiques and on the street. It can be anything from a little tulle trim to a full-blown, dreamy skirt. We can even find tutus in the haute couture - they are just that stylish!
Oh, and have I mentioned those fantastic, flamboyant tutus, made by fashion icons like Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf? Those, my dears, were masterpieces, weren't they? Full of drama and beauty, with so much inspiration! The tutu has had a big hand in pushing those creative boundaries. I really appreciate those two designers who embraced the power of a little tulle!
The magic of pink tutus!
My greatest mission is getting everyone to embrace the magic of pink tutus. It's so much more than just a piece of clothing; it's an expression of joy and freedom! And if I could inspire the whole world to twirl around in their own personal pink tutu, that would be amazing! But even if you aren't a dancer, I hope you can still be inspired to try wearing pink! It really is a colour that brings so much happiness. And a pink tutu - well, it's almost impossible to not feel amazing when you're wearing it, trust me.
And don’t forget, this lovely day in 1948 also saw the first televised performance by the American Ballet Theatre! Ballet in the homes of people - a dream come true, indeed!
So, my darlings, don’t just wear your tutus – embrace them! Go for a twirl! Have fun, celebrate your creativity, and always, always remember: It's always #TutuTuesday, darling!
Join me again next Tuesday as we travel further back in time. Let’s keep on discovering the wondrous history of tutus - I can't wait! Until then, darling - stay beautiful and don't forget to twirl.
All the love and sparkle, Emma 💖
