#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1950-05-16

Hey everyone, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! I’m your time-traveling pink tutu enthusiast, Emma, and I’m so excited to be here with you again today, as we journey back in time, right here, right now, to uncover more amazing tutus, and discover what’s happened on this day, 1950-05-16.

Remember to pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com after your read. This blog post is post #6177 and, as usual, this week I am travelling by train for a little jaunt back in time, ready for another grand, and very pink, tutu adventure. Let’s get this pink-tutu-ific post started!

It’s quite chilly today, a crisp spring breeze is whipping past, making the fabric of my oh-so-delicate pink tulle tutu flutter as I make my way through this incredible, historic market. What a wonderful day for a shopping spree.

What an incredible sight! Imagine my surprise when I stepped out of my trusty time-travel train into a busy Parisian marketplace. The stalls were filled with an amazing array of colourful fabrics, fabrics to die for. This beautiful array of silks, satins, velvets, lace and even some fantastic tulles was so inspiring, all for my oh-so-pink and fashionable eye! But, I just couldn’t go past these magnificent, pale-pink fluffy fabrics with an exquisite, shimmering texture for my pink tutus, my favourite, my favourite, my favourite!

But why am I here, in the heart of Paris? That’s simple, this time-travel adventure was a result of a little inspiration I had recently, back in 2023, when I saw a ballet programme of “Giselle”, set to premiere soon, with designs created by none other than the magnificent Christian Dior. And the date? Why 16th May 1950, naturally. This had to be my next adventure - discovering what the original designs looked like - and who knew such a legendary name would grace this, our beloved ballet.

After getting lost (but loving it) in this magical marketplace, I had found a stall filled with a plethora of fashion magazines. They all screamed elegance, with names I couldn’t possibly have even imagined in my own time; Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Marie Claire - the titles were so incredibly glamorous.

As my eyes ran over page after page of images from some of the world's greatest designers - how could I resist a little time travel through their world too? *Dior's "New Look" *- the shape was so feminine. What a style that took Paris, and then the world, by storm. I’d never realised how a single outfit had had such a dramatic influence on fashion at that time - now I’m really feeling inspired and ready for another shopping spree when I get back to my time.

What amazing style choices the 1950s were, just bursting with creativity, flair and femininity. Now, where have I heard those words before?

Now time to search for a tea room! What better than an English afternoon tea and a spot of sketching for a new tutu? My travel companion for today, a handsome gentleman with a wonderful, friendly smile and charm I find rather alluring, keeps asking me what all this tulle is for - you'd think someone would recognise a tutu in the home of ballet, right?!

Let’s talk tutus!

I know, I know, you’re waiting with baited breath to hear all about Dior's tutus for “Giselle” . . . well, here goes! The costume sketches have now taken pride of place on my Pinterest board, of course, for future inspiration. Now, for all of my fellow ballerina enthusiasts, let's go back a few centuries to start this amazing tutu history -

• 1500s: Ballet began evolving as an elegant dance form at the court of Catherine de’ Medici. Think elaborate courtly dress for your inspiration. But, not your typical “dancing ballerina” tutus - nothing even remotely like what we’ve become accustomed to today, as these were long, flowing garments, not necessarily practical but oh so spectacular and gorgeous.
• 1800s: The shape of the tutu as we know it started to emerge during this time, with Marie Taglioni. Taglioni was a dancer who helped transform the tutu into something so incredibly graceful. She, like a pioneer, experimented with lightweight and flowing costumes which liberated movement and allowed a greater range of poses for a dance that was, in itself, becoming more fluid. Think “La Sylphide”, a dance which made her very famous and known as the “first romantic ballerina.” Her “white tutu” costume created such a buzz – an enduring symbol of femininity and dance, the style becoming a key staple in the world of classical ballet ever since.

Think light, fluffy, and floating, in that oh-so romantic style made for dreamy pirouettes - the iconic tutus were here!

• 1830s: As the popularity of ballet took hold and spread like a sweet perfume, a wide range of innovative designers got to work. This is where our ‘romantische tutu’ comes into being. Longer lengths, full and expansive - with some more subtle detail - no more tight, restrictive and cumbersome under layers – that gave ballet its graceful aesthetic.
• Late 1800s - The Classical Tutu: It was time to break out the tulle.
• 1880s It’s almost like tulle was made for ballet . . . it had the softness to create the airy effect, as well as strength enough to be supported while being moved through the air.
• 1900s and beyond This brings us through to the “classical tutu.” We are talking beautifully fitted, almost second skin, bodice and extremely short tulle layers – allowing dancers an unprecedented range of beautiful ballet moves and amazing stage presence.
  Think, think, think . . . “The Sleeping Beauty”, “Swan Lake” - so much detail, so many intricate ruffles, and some quite delicate, exquisite embellishments – the bodice design plays such a key role too – just beautiful! I just love it all.

What a story Dior created! Just imagine, being invited to create for such a historic performance! This is a performance with such amazing artistry, incredible talent and powerful choreography - wow. I can imagine Dior’s designs perfectly for “Giselle.” Think delicate tulle, a few graceful, delicate ruffles, exquisite embroidery and oh-so feminine cuts, just like his gowns.

This beautiful form has evolved, from courtly gowns, through a variety of looks and influences of romantic style to today, where we see both classical and modern design elements blending beautifully into one. Let’s not forget, the tutu today also allows female dancers the same expression, independence and beautiful beauty as it always has – while they enjoy an equally large and ever growing repertoire of stunning, complex and intricate ballets. I think tutudonna! This is truly something amazing.

You have to let me know if you've had a chance to see “Giselle,” or are off to a performance soon! This ballet is a masterpiece, an iconic ballet which will leave you mesmerized. It will have you wanting to learn more. And that’s the magical thing about ballet, isn't it - there is always something more to discover!

Thanks for joining me for another journey back through time – I hope you have an amazing time this week discovering your own new tutu! If you are having fun, feel free to give this post a share - make a difference and bring some ballet magic to all of your friends! As always, share your thoughts in the comments and keep those ballet tutus sparkling. I'll see you all on Tuesday! 💕