#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1949-12-20

A Pink Tutu Christmas Story (with a side of 1949 Ballet)

Hello darlings! Emma here, your trusty Tutu Time Traveller, back from another whimsical adventure through the time-space continuum, and this week I’m feeling extra festive, it's #TutuTuesday, and Christmas is right around the corner! 🎄🎁

This week, I’ve jetted back to a very special date - 20th December 1949! Imagine, the world is buzzing with Christmas excitement, carols are playing in every shop window, and a crisp winter air hangs heavy in the atmosphere. Now imagine me, all pink tulle and sparkly smiles, in the heart of the London theatre district, ready to experience a piece of theatrical history.

Because, you see, it's the very year "The Red Shoes" made its big screen debut! 👠 You all know my passion for dance, and this cinematic masterpiece just blew me away! I mean, a movie about a ballerina whose magical red shoes force her to dance her life away?! Honestly, the suspense! 😲

But "The Red Shoes" was just one of the reasons I wanted to visit December 1949. It’s an amazing period for the development of the ballet tutu, so you just KNOW I had to investigate! 💖

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of tutu history, I need to spill the tea on a Christmas tradition that would make any tutu enthusiast's heart skip a beat! The Royal Ballet's "Nutcracker" season at the Royal Opera House. The show was first performed back in 1952, but this year was about to launch into the most beloved ballet season in London's history. And guess what?! 🤯 It's a season so popular they keep it going for nearly 6 weeks!

My favourite moment was seeing all the children in their beautiful costumes, some even sporting little tutus. Adorable, I know! 💕 And let's not forget the legendary ballet dancer Moira Shearer! Can we talk about her sheer talent? ✨ A true inspiration! I bet this show was just magical. I know I'll be catching a showing next time I visit 1949.

Now, let’s dive into some tutu-licious history, darlings! As we journeyed back through time, we discovered the amazing evolution of the tutu:

1832 - 1910: The Romantic Tutu Era: Imagine swirling tulle, dreamy chiffon, and ethereal grace! This period was all about expressing delicate femininity. Think La Sylphide, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. These ballets brought about the 'Romantic tutu,' and what do you think I'm wearing today? 😉

1910 - 1950: The Transition into the 'Modern' Tutu: As ballet continued its journey, tutus also had a makeover! Now, instead of a voluminous and almost gauzy creation, the tutu was a bit shorter, offering more freedom of movement. And remember those iconic tutus in "The Red Shoes?" Yup, those were made with the newer, 'pagoda' style! ✨

1950 onwards: Tutu Twists and Turns: From the sleek and simple 'Classical Tutu', which featured even fewer layers to help highlight dancer movement, to the bold 'Whipped Tutu', offering a structured silhouette. This new era brought new looks and the tutus have kept on evolving. We've seen everything from vibrant colors to minimalist designs. What a journey! 🎉

As I said, I'm from Derbyshire. I love my beautiful home, but it was the buzz and fashion of the London Theatre District that got my creative juices flowing. I was inspired by those dancing ladies! So when I'm not rocking the Tutu Travel, I love hopping onto a steam train to experience those historic theatres myself! The sheer opulence and wonder never fails to amaze me. 🚄

So, what is there to do in London for a Tutu Time Traveller in December 1949? Well, I love a bit of ballet street, where I can watch the famous dancers at The Royal Opera House! The 'Royal Ballet School' would be perfect, too, because, honestly, just seeing the dedication of those up-and-coming dancers, they just give me a tingle! 💖

As you can see, the tutu has been around for a while! Each decade adds to its history with a touch of magic, and who knows where our tulle dreams will lead us in the future? Let's face it, the ballet world would be rather boring without the magnificent tutu! 👗✨

Stay sparkly, lovelies, and keep spreading the tutu love!

💖 Emma, Your Tutu Time Traveller 💖