Hello my lovelies! Emma here, back with another whirl through time for our #TutuTuesday! Today we're going all the way back to the glorious year of 1949! Ooh, what a year! So much to see, so much to do, so much toā¦ wellā¦ tutus! I love travelling back to this era, a bit like going to a ballet show in an absolutely beautiful grand theatre ā so much excitement and wonder in the air.
Paris: The Heart of Tutu Glamour
Our journey starts in the City of Lights, Paris, which is still very much the centre of the fashion universe. My, oh my, it's such a magical time for couture! Itās amazing to see these beautifully-crafted gowns swishing past in the streets, every fabric, every silhouette, a testament to the craft of a seamstress. But guess whatās really stealing the show?
The tutus!
This time period, in the aftermath of the war, has an incredible elegance. You have your traditional ballerinas like the fabulous Margot Fonteyn, gliding around in ethereal, flowing tulle, with such grace, they practically disappear. It's all about fluidity, delicate embroidery, and beautiful pastel colours. Just picture a ballerina in a blush pink tutu, adorned with tiny sequins, her movements so light and flowing, they make you feel like you're floating!
But itās not all traditional ā 1949 is also the dawn of some very avant-garde ballet. Imagine Serge Diaghilevās "The Firebird"! Now that's a spectacle! I mean, imagine the stunning plumage, the vibrantly coloured tutus and those dramatic, flowing lengths ā just divine!
The Ballet Scene Beyond The City Lights
We don't have to stick to the big city! In 1949, there are so many places buzzing with the magic of dance. Across the Atlantic in America, New York City Ballet is about to start their own wonderful adventure, bringing innovative new choreographies and stories to the stage. It's like a new chapter in the book of dance. The US ballet scene was truly a breath of fresh air, and just like our fabulous ballet dancers, they had a huge impact. They brought exciting, expressive tutus to the forefront, playing with fabric and layering. The costumes of Balanchineās "Symphony in C" ā simply phenomenal! So full of energy and passion, I adore it. Itās such a visual delight.
Time For Tutu Shopping
But wait ā can we talk about tutu shopping? Now, imagine yourself with me. Itās the 28th of June, 1949, and weāre wandering the streets of London, soaking in the post-war sunshine. We head down Oxford Street, with its abundance of shops. We step into Liberty London, which is the absolute go-to for a dreamy shopping experience, bursting with beautiful fabric and amazing crafts. They're famous for their delicate silks, cottons, and laces. If Iām looking for a blush-pink tulle, with a perfect soft drape and shimmering texture, Liberty is the place to be!
We donāt stop there, though! A little wander across the Thames and we are in the enchanting South Bank area. Imagine, the Festival of Britain is in full swing, creating an artistic frenzy that embraces music, theatre, dance and of course... tutus!
Now, who needs a pink tutu? I definitely do, because on the 28th of June 1949, there is something super exciting to watch! The āFestival Balletā, (which would later become the English National Ballet), are performing the world premiere of "Giselle". Can you imagine that? And weāll be right there, twirling away in a beautiful, romantic blush-pink tutu, soaking up all the incredible atmosphere! It's an era brimming with creative energy, passion, and oh yes... the allure of the tulle!
So why wait? Grab a tutu and letās get dancing. Make today a #TutuTuesday to remember! Don't forget to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com, and join me on this fabulous adventure through time.
Until next week, my darling tutu enthusiasts!
Emma xx
