Hey there, fellow tutu lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com for another installment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History. It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, back from another jaunt through time – this time, I've landed in the magical year of 1949!
This is post number 6148 for you history buffs out there, and I must say, I’m absolutely giddy about sharing my findings with you. 1949 was a fascinating year for ballet tutus. The war was over and the world was finally starting to heal, which made for a real sense of celebration in the dance world. Now, don't be thinking all frilly frills and saccharine sweetness! Ballet was still evolving, the costumes were getting more elaborate, and the dancers were bolder than ever.
Oh, my dear readers, let me paint a picture of this wondrous era! Think opulent fabrics – billowing silk, ethereal tulle, and shimmering sequins. Imagine graceful silhouettes – the traditional "bell" tutu still reigning supreme but starting to incorporate new elements for a more fluid and dynamic look. Picture bold colour palettes, moving beyond the typical white, pink and ballet pinks to embrace jewel tones, like a lush emerald or sapphire blue. These colours just pop under the theatre lights!
So, let's rewind the clock!
It's 25th October, 1949 and I'm in New York City, the epicentre of ballet in the Western world. There are simply incredible dance productions all over the place! Today's date happens to be the opening night of Ballet Theatre's season at the Metropolitan Opera House, with a program including Jerome Robbins’ Facsimile, Anton Dolin’s Pas de Quatre, and Agnes De Mille's Rodeo.
Can you imagine? Imagine me, decked out in my dazzling pink tulle, shimmering under the gaslight theatre lights – a vision of pastel joy, flitting from one legendary performance to another! But let's talk about the tutus, darling!
For Pas de Quatre, you’d be seeing dancers adorned in stunning white tutus, just dripping with lace and perfectly poised in the timeless elegance of the romantic period. Then, for Rodeo, think rustic charm! The tutus are crafted from more substantial material and designed to reflect the lively choreography, a perfect combination of strength and grace. A perfect testament to the versatility of this wonderful piece of garment. Of course, no one will forget that classic, fluffy, swirling romantic tutu for Facsimile.
The sheer extravagance of it all is positively dizzying. It's not just the dancing and the designs that make the ballet so mesmerising, though. The music, the lights, the atmosphere, everything blends together into a glorious and enchanting tapestry.
What really grabbed my attention though is the change in the tutu for the corps de ballet. The designs were less of the traditional "bell" form, they were softer and more flowing, they resembled the lines of a skater's skirt - much lighter and airy! These lovely ladies move so effortlessly in this new design, almost like a whirlwind of tulle and feathers!
You see, darling, it wasn't just about fashion and trends – it was also about evolution. Dancers wanted costumes that enabled them to express themselves fully and gracefully. And they were looking to develop a look which matched their artistry.
After the performance, I made my way to Bergdorf Goodman – I mean, what's a trip to 1949 without a bit of shopping, right? My eyes were absolutely feasting. The selection was phenomenal: gorgeous silk dresses, elegant hats and shoes with bows – oh, the shoes! You wouldn't believe it – a symphony of colour and style. I almost picked up a fabulous fuchsia number, but I was too focused on tracking down that elusive ballet shoe – the one that perfectly encapsulates this era.
That night, after a delicious supper of lobster Thermidor (did I mention food was delicious back then?) and a show stopping performance from Maria Tallchief (still going strong!), I sat down to journal, a practice that I always adhere to during my trips to the past. There was such an amazing energy about the world - hope, optimism and the desire for a better tomorrow! And at the core of all of it, was a genuine love and appreciation for the beauty of art – especially the breathtaking spectacle of ballet!
My lovely dears, if you're craving a dose of this vibrant era, why not make your way to a performance yourself? Ballet remains as popular as ever and the experience is a joy for the soul. Who knows what treasures you might uncover?
Don't forget to tell your friends and family about your Tutu Tuesday adventures too – share my blog, spread the joy and perhaps even find a way to wear your own pink tutu! After all, life's too short to be boring, right?
Till next week, darling!
Love,
Emma
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