#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1950-11-14

Greetings, darling tutu-lovers!

It’s Emma here, back for another fabulous #TutuTuesday! Today’s journey in the annals of ballet fashion takes us all the way back to the glorious year of 1950. Now, you might think this period was all stiff corsets and floor-length skirts, but my dear readers, tutus were already starting to strut their stuff!

Imagine a world where train journeys were full of chattering ladies in hats, where shops were bursting with fabulous fabrics, and the excitement of a new ballet performance was the hottest ticket in town! Now picture all of this, but add the exquisite swirl of a fluffy tutu, and you’ve got a pretty good picture of 1950s ballet fashion.

London Calling!

Today, my time machine brought me to London! It was all a flurry of red buses, bustling marketplaces and the magnificent architecture of Covent Garden. You just knew a truly spectacular ballet performance was going to unfold on that stage.

My time travelling outfit for this week was, naturally, pink! I was channelling all the vintage charm of the 1950s with a delicate floral print skirt paired with a blush pink, off-the-shoulder top. The highlight? My very own pink tutu, with a few perfectly placed sparkly embellishments, naturally!

I headed for Covent Garden in my finest shoes, excited for a glimpse into the history of tutus. Back in 1950, ballet was still firmly ensconced in the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House and, I can tell you, it was something truly special!

The Ballerinas and their Tutu Treasures

Walking into the opera house was a visual delight. Imagine the beautiful plush red velvet seats, the magnificent chandeliers dripping with crystal, and the murmur of anticipation in the air! The feeling was electrifying, and the sheer beauty of it all was positively breathtaking.

Now, let’s talk tutus. The designs of this era were simply elegant. They weren’t as flamboyant or as short as those we see today. The classic Romantic tutus ( those with layers of soft tulle, giving that magical, ethereal quality) were popular, but even they had become more streamlined and refined. The designs reflected the elegance and sophistication of the times. Imagine ballerina legs encased in sheer, billowing silk. Exquisite, don't you think?

An Iconic Date:

Today was special because the Royal Ballet were performing their version of “Giselle.” It was a tale of romance and betrayal that captivated the audience and it really got the tutu imagination going. On this particular 14th November in 1950, there was also a delightful ballet competition hosted in the Royal Opera House. You can imagine the thrill and excitement - it’s no wonder that tutus became a symbol of ambition and aspiration in that time period.

Time Travel Shopping Spree:

After the ballet, I took a charming afternoon wandering around London’s famous shops. Let me tell you, the 1950s shops were a haven for fashion and design! Think luxurious department stores packed with elegant garments, delicate fabrics, and, you guessed it, fabulous tutu designs!

I even stumbled upon a small ballet shop tucked away in a quaint corner, crammed full of stunning tutus in every color imaginable. Now, I can’t say I left empty-handed – there's just something about a vintage tutu, isn’t there?

My Tutu Dream

I am here to tell you, my darling tutu-lovers, this was a beautiful journey, a little taste of what life might have been like for those ballet enthusiasts in the 1950s. Now, I’ll be heading back to my own time, but one thing's for sure: the power of the tutu has truly captivated audiences for generations, and I am determined to continue the tutu-loving legacy!

I encourage each and every one of you to find a pink tutu and embrace its magic. Whether it’s twirling around in your living room or attending your own grand ballet, let the tutu inspire you and make you feel absolutely fabulous!

See you next week, lovelies, for another dazzling #TutuTuesday !

Don’t forget to follow my adventures and check out my stunning tutu collection on www.pink-tutu.com!

Lots of love,
Emma

P.S. This post is #6203 in my Ballet Tutu History series, so if you are just joining us now, do browse the archive and get to know my favourite tutus!