Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another dose of tutu history for this week's #TutuTuesday! Today, we're waltzing back to the glamorous era of 1949. It’s a year packed with glitz and glamour, and we’ll be taking a peek at what the ballet world was up to! Now, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get twirling through time!
I’m so excited to share a little bit of my latest adventure, hopping on a train from my quaint little village in Derbyshire (where the air smells like honeysuckle and fresh meadows - oh how I miss home!) to the grand metropolis of London, the heart of all things elegant and theatrical. The moment I stepped onto the platform at Paddington station, I felt a surge of excitement. London was always bursting with something thrilling - a new ballet performance, a dazzling fashion exhibition, or simply the bustling atmosphere of Covent Garden.
Ah, Covent Garden! A truly magical place - full of street performers and enchanting music that just makes you want to tap your feet. My love affair with ballet started at the age of four, taking lessons at the local village hall in a pale pink tutu, naturally! Now, I spend my days discovering hidden gems of the ballet world, and trust me, they're everywhere. But let's get back to our time travel escapade for today.
On this date, June 7th, 1949, the ballet world was humming with a buzz of excitement - especially at Sadler’s Wells Ballet. It was their Gala performance! This was no ordinary evening, dear reader. The star of the show was none other than Margot Fonteyn! This elegant ballerina was already captivating audiences worldwide. She was truly the epitome of grace and ethereal beauty - a ballet goddess in a beautifully crafted tutu. I imagine the audience held their breath as she glided across the stage, leaving trails of enchantment in her wake!
This event also marked a special milestone for the ballet company, the unveiling of their new name: The Royal Ballet. It was a change of immense significance, celebrating their dedication to the art and earning them royal patronage! Such a prestigious title meant that ballet had truly entered a new golden age!
Can you picture it, my darlings? The excitement in the air, the swish of silks as the ballerinas took to the stage, the hush before each arabesque, the final applause that reverberated throughout the theatre. I can’t imagine anything more wonderful, can you?
Speaking of glamour, this year was full of fashion surprises. Let's talk tutus! The tutus of 1949 were all about exquisite details. Soft tulle, cascading layers, and intricate embellishments made these tutus truly works of art! The delicate femininity of these designs perfectly complemented the elegance of the ballet moves. I love how every detail was considered to create something absolutely magnificent.
For example, imagine a pale pink tulle tutu, with rows and rows of intricate beading around the waistband. The hemline is beautifully ruffled and edged with iridescent sequins. Or picture a powder blue tutu with swirling patterns of sequins, adding a touch of celestial beauty to every leap and pirouette.
Now, as for the colours that dominated the tutu landscape? Oh, so many beautiful choices! I love a good splash of pastel - baby blues, peachy pinks, and soft lilac hues, reminiscent of spring blossoms. You see them everywhere, and I wouldn't have it any other way. They look stunning onstage and perfectly reflect the delicate grace of the ballerinas. But let's not forget about those vibrant splashes of colour that always take centre stage! You can’t go wrong with classic shades of red and emerald green - colours that evoke passion and regal majesty. The 1940s also saw the introduction of jewel tones that add sparkle and brilliance - rich sapphire, vibrant emerald, and even the dramatic shade of ruby. These tutus simply make the stage come alive, don't they?
Beyond tutus, the whole world was awash in dazzling colour, both on the stage and on the streets! It was an era of experimentation, with bold colours, intricate patterns, and a dash of the whimsical! It wasn’t unusual to see ladies wearing striking ensembles that could turn heads! From full skirts in bold patterns to sleek jackets, women were breaking out of traditional clothing norms and embracing a vibrant and exciting new style. It was the perfect complement to the flourishing ballet world and truly captured the mood of the era.
Let's travel through time a bit more! As I continue exploring the fashion of the past, I’m fascinated by the evolution of tutus throughout history! What we consider the classic ballet tutu we know and love, the 'romantic tutu,' was popularized by Marie Taglioni in the mid-19th century. Before this, the ballerinas of the time were swathed in long, cumbersome costumes that often hindered their movement! Imagine being trapped in a voluminous dress trying to execute a pirouette! It wasn’t very elegant or easy, now was it?
Thankfully, the rise of romantic ballet allowed for the development of lighter and shorter skirts. That’s why the tutu as we know it, with its graceful layers of tulle, came into being! Imagine that! One bold step of change brought a revolution in fashion and ballet! Talk about a game changer. And you know what they say: a little change can make all the difference!
Now, while tututuesday’s blog posts are mainly focused on the ballerina, I do have to make a mention of those incredible gentlemen, the dancers! (I simply can't let those handsome men with their elegant dance moves be forgotten!) 1949 saw the rise of exciting dance innovations! Dancers were challenging traditional boundaries and showcasing stunning athleticism alongside grace. It's no wonder that ballets were such popular attractions.
The costumes for male dancers back then were also evolving, from traditional long trousers and leotards to the streamlined tights we see on stage today. Think about how the new style allowed for even more fluid movements, creating breathtaking leaps and stunning jumps that took the audience by storm! Just picture them performing intricate choreography with their graceful movements - mesmerizing, isn't it?
You know, looking back on the history of ballet really makes me appreciate the journey that ballet has been on! It’s like the dancers of the 1940s set the stage for the future, paved the way for exciting evolutions in costumes, choreographies and dance styles that we know today. Every era had its own unique brilliance, and every dancer had their story to tell. It's incredibly inspiring and truly highlights the enduring power of ballet to move and captivate.
My dear readers, don’t you just adore how ballet weaves together history, fashion, artistry and performance? The tutus that dance across the stage are so much more than just clothing - they’re part of the storytelling and represent the magic that happens under the spotlight.
Remember to tune in next Tuesday for another dazzling #TutuTuesday, where we’ll explore more fabulous moments in ballet history. Until then, go forth and spread the joy of tutus. Who knows, perhaps you'll inspire others to step into a vibrant pink tutu themselves. You might just be a fashion icon in the making, my dears!
Oh! Before I sign off, let's talk a little more about London. It’s simply bursting with life! There are new shows in town every night, with a dazzling display of theatrical talents. I'm off to explore some fashion stores to find new inspiration and see what London is showcasing. Who knows, I might just spot some gorgeous new pink tutus to add to my collection. Perhaps you’ll see me twirling in a new tutu soon - don't be afraid to come say hello!
Until next week, keep twirling!
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
