#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1950-12-19

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your trusty Tutu Tuesday guide to the history of the most delightful of dance garments! Today’s date is December 19th, 1950, and I’ve zipped back in time to share a delightful little peek at the tutu scene half a century ago! Buckle your pointe shoes and let's waltz!

This post marks #6208 in my grand collection of Tutu Tuesday blogs, a collection I aim to extend until every single one of you is wearing a pink tutu!

I’m just back from a dazzling jaunt to the Big Apple. Oh, the energy! The fashion! New York was buzzing with a fantastic mix of old Hollywood glamour and fresh, youthful style. Now, this isn’t just a trip for my own enjoyment, you know! I travel the world using my talent (that’s me dancing, naturally!) and my wits (that’s me, too!). This means performing in dazzling ballet shows and street dances in the world’s best theatres, a ballet fan's dream, honestly! The funds I gather from each show are funnelled straight back into my precious time machine – which happens to be a rather elegant, antique railway carriage that transforms into a rocket-powered, tutu-shaped transport, naturally.

1950s tutu trends were as exciting as a swishing, twirling ballerina’s skirt. The iconic tutu styles were, of course, a vision in romantic tutus, with a focus on soft, flowing layers that accentuated the ballerina’s grace. There was a real love for traditional tutus – you know, the kind you see in "Swan Lake" with its elegant layers of tulle, all about light and movement.

The year 1950 also witnessed the emergence of the "pancake tutu," so called because the layers of tulle were stiffened and flattened to create a more structured shape. These were the tutus favoured for those sharp, athletic movements like the beautiful arabesques in "Giselle" – perfect for showing off a ballerina’s athleticism!

Remember, we’re in a period when ballet companies like the Royal Ballet in London and the American Ballet Theatre in New York were establishing their fame. This meant there was a real buzz surrounding ballet performances. People couldn't get enough of tutus – on stage and off! It was practically a fashion statement to go and see ballet. Oh, wouldn't it be utterly divine to have this passion for dance and beauty today!

Something that truly fascinates me about the 1950s is how the world was becoming increasingly fascinated by ballet. Remember, those old-fashioned Victorian notions that only girls were meant to dance – well, that was disappearing like a puff of fairy dust! Boys were discovering their love for the graceful, elegant world of ballet – and that meant tutu styles were becoming even more dynamic, more suited to all those high kicks and elegant leaps!

So, you see, dear readers, it's all about appreciating the beauty, grace and sheer joy that the tutu brings to the stage – and even to our lives! Tutus aren’t just for professional ballerinas!

Oh my, the New York Theatre District is absolutely electrifying. Imagine, darling, streets lined with brightly lit theatres, posters showcasing captivating ballet stories – simply magical! I had the absolute pleasure of seeing "The Nutcracker," which had been revived after years of being considered too old-fashioned. Oh, but the tutus! They sparkled and swirled – a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colourful enchantment! There was such a delightful mix of classical romanticism and this gorgeous, slightly more playful touch!

That evening, I found myself whisked away into the charming world of vintage fashion at a shop called “Pink Flamingo.” Just the name itself, it sends shivers down my spine, so full of glamour and retro elegance. There were some simply divine vintage tulle dresses with a whimsical tutu-esque touch that brought me right back to those 1950s dreams of twirling on the stage. Now, imagine if they started a line for pink flamingo pink tutus! A girl could dream…

Well, dears, I must whisk myself back to my own time – my to-do list is practically growing as long as a Tchaikovsky score! Remember, you can always find a little bit of ballet magic in your everyday life, a tiny twirl here, a slight “attitude” there! And if you're ever lucky enough to see a live ballet show – don’t forget, darlings, wear a pink tutu. I guarantee it’ll make the experience even more magical!

Until next week, darling, keep dreaming those Tutu Tuesday dreams and remember, the world is waiting for you to dance!

Your loving tutu enthusiast,

Emma