Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to my 6139th blog post on www.pink-tutu.com! As usual, today is all about ballet tutus. But, like every week, we're on a little time travel trip back to some glorious ballet history! Buckle up your pink tulle and hold onto your dancing shoes!
Today, we're hurtling back to a very special year in the world of dance, 1949! The year the iconic ballet tutu went through a real style transformation! I know, it might sound strange - what changes can you really make to a tulle skirt? Let me tell you, the differences were so big! The tutus worn then were so much bigger and fuller than they'd been just a few years before! I mean, can you imagine the space needed to fit one on stage!
But before we get all nostalgic, where are we today, you ask? We’re here in New York! Well, technically, we're in the Metropolitan Opera House, which has always been the epicentre of opera and ballet in America! The excitement is palpable; we are right on the edge of The Royal Ballet performing 'Cinderella' tonight. This very special production features choreography by the legend, Sir Frederick Ashton, who was known for his absolutely breathtaking, classical ballets, always with those gorgeous full, layered tutus!
It's not just Ashton's work that has brought us here to NYC. Today, my dears, is a big day for the whole ballet world! Why? Well, today, we get to see the debut of Margot Fonteyn! Imagine! A 20-year-old from Derbyshire, just like me, about to dance for the very first time on this incredible stage. That must have been the ultimate thrill.
But there is more! Today also marks the start of a whole new chapter for ballet tutus. The new style, with all the extra tulle, has changed how these elegant dance costumes move and how they interact with the light, bringing about this incredible, dreamy quality we see today on every dancer! It truly is captivating.
I have to tell you, before this, the tutu was a bit simpler and less dramatic, although still gorgeous in their own way. Just imagine the beautiful soft ballet dancers in those fluffy tutus, they look like magical fairies, and that's why I love this new style - it gives them such a beautiful flowing shape that complements their movement. Just like in this photo I've managed to find of 'Cinderella' – Look at the glorious fullness! I love how these massive tutus give the illusion of the dancers being so light and effortless in their movements.
[Photo of the 'Cinderella' cast, showcasing the new large tulle tutu style with the dancers looking elegant and graceful].
Of course, we are talking about a huge amount of fabric here! And that's one thing that caught my eye – can you imagine the incredible effort to create those? Each tutu would take hours upon hours to make. That's pure dedication, folks, and why we adore the dancers! Not only that but imagine how much extra tulle, every ballerina had to be fitted for, before they even stepped into rehearsal.
There's also the matter of transportation. Think of how big the tutu's packaging must have been – so big! A ballerina can't simply pack this for a tour! I think I’d need my own private carriage for my outfit changes! Oh! The possibilities! Imagine traveling by train with a team of seamstresses, and each carriage stuffed with layers and layers of tutu tulle! I mean, imagine how impressive the luggage for a whole ballet company would look!
But the most important element for the tutu change? Well, my dear readers, it's a real love letter to the art of fashion! These fluffy clouds of tulle give us an amazing insight into how fashion and ballet intertwine.
There are stories all over the world, on what came before this 1949 transformation. Even earlier, like in the 1800s, when we wore these more slender, classical tutus, made to give an idea of graceful lines. You know, the long pointed shoes, a whole world of beauty in its own right. It just proves, how we've seen some revolutionary changes in these beautiful garments.
But the 1949 update? It’s a change that changed everything! And with each year the evolution continues. That’s why I am constantly finding new things to tell you about in this history blog, right here on www.pink-tutu.com! It never gets old!
What do you think, loves? Which tutu is your favorite – the slim, romantic tutu from the 1800s, or the full, billowing tutus from 1949? Or perhaps you love them both equally? I would love to hear your thoughts on www.pink-tutu.com, be sure to tag your #TutuTuesday selfies with the link.
Before I get swept away into the tutu-making time warp, I better give you a little heads up on what's coming next week. Are you ready? I am going to whisk you back to 1933, in London, to meet the amazing Diaghilev, a real pioneer in ballet and a name synonymous with modern ballet. He's going to be presenting some innovative ideas in the world of dance and fashion. It’s gonna be spectacular, so keep your eyes peeled!
Until then, you beautiful beings! Be bold and let your tutus shine brightly this week. Let's fill the world with pink!
Love, Emma xxx
