Hiya, tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here! Today, we're embarking on a journey through the enchanting history of ballet tutus, stopping off at a particularly exciting date ā 3rd October 1950! Grab your teacups, darling, and settle in for a right royal tutu tale!
This week, Iām perched on the edge of my seat at the glorious Palais Garnier in Paris. Youāve just gotta love the city of lights - itās all romance, grandeur andā¦ well, tutus of course! Oh my word, the fashion! So, today's #TutuTuesday adventure will delve into the captivating world of ballet in 1950s Paris. A little bird told me you love the period - I reckon weāll all have a hoot!
Back in the 1950s
Now, I know, when we imagine ballerinas, we usually conjure up visions of frothy tulle tutus, all billowing and twirling. But, it's amazing to think back in 1950, the ballet tutu was still undergoing its evolution. In the 1940s and early 50s, we were right in the heart of that āromantic period,ā as I like to call it, and ballerinas werenāt exactly sporting our modern fluffy friend - yet.
For the record, our lovely tutus were mostly longer then, made with several layers of fabric for a lovely smooth silhouette. A classic example is that magnificent āThe Sleeping Beautyā tutu, which I adored when I went to see it in Paris a few weeks back!
In 1950, the dance world was changing ā more dramatic leaps, spins thatād leave you dizzy, and ever-so-slightly shorter tutus ā a thrilling step forward. That being said, the tutu of this time wasnāt all about flamboyant movement. The ballerina was still very much a beautiful, ethereal, almost goddess-like creature on stage.
Imagine ā a stunningly elegant ballerina, dressed in flowing, multi-layered skirts with elegant designs on their bodies. Such beauty! You can still see glimpses of this eraās grace in ballet performances even today!
A Look at The Fashion Scene
Oh darling! Donāt get me started on Paris in 1950! Thereās absolutely no one who understands chic quite like the French! And you simply can't talk about fashion without a quick trip to the glamorous Dior ateliers, just a stone's throw away from my little apartment in this dreamy city!
Imagine a scene from a film ā sweeping Parisian boulevards filled with charming ladies in Dior dresses and exquisite hats, accompanied by dashing gentlemen sporting tweed jackets and perfectly-tied ties! The air is practically crackling with sophistication and allure. Dior, of course, was the reigning king of couture and his New Look, all waists cinched tight with dramatic skirts, was quite the sensation back in '47! You can't help but notice it even now!
What Did The Fashion World Love in 1950?
The colours of the era are what really catch my eye. Beautiful, rich hues, with lots of soft pastel pinks, dreamy baby blues and the classic black. Youāll find these lovely shades echoing on the stage in the world of ballet - especially in Paris. The colours of the tutus and ballet costumes are almost exactly the same. The world is obsessed with pastel pinks. Can you blame them, really? We've always been kindred spirits, me and pastel pink, if you catch my drift!
Now, don't forget, fashion is more than just outfits ā it's an attitude, a confidence! The 1950s was all about elegant femininity, a chic silhouette and, let's face it, a sprinkle of flirtatiousness ā exactly what the tutu embodies. Thereās something magical about a tutu that radiates confidence and pure joie de vivre!
Time For Tea and A Spot of Ballet!
Before I jet off back to Derbyshire, England - did you know that October 3rd 1950 was also the birthday of a great British ballerina, Dame Margot Fonteyn, or the legendary Rudolf Nureyev! Such stars! You really canāt get more iconic. Ballet, Paris and London - thatās my life, darlings.
Now, if youāll excuse me, itās time for my weekly ballet class. I must make sure I look extra good in that brand new tutu I purchased from Paris! You know me, always striving to keep up with the latest fashions and traditions ā thatās how we learn to twirl our way into a better world, one tutu at a time! See you next #TutuTuesday, my dears, and remember - there's a pink tutu for every woman, no matter where she is!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
