Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another delightful journey through the captivating world of ballet tutus! Today, we're waltzing back to the 22nd of May, 1951. Oh, the glamour!
Now, 1951, that was a time when tutus were truly in their prime. Think billowing skirts, yards and yards of tulle, and the most elegant of silhouettes! I mean, picture it - a shimmering, ethereal confection of gossamer fabrics and delicate details - perfection!
I remember stepping off the train, freshly arrived in Paris, feeling utterly smitten. That year, the city was abuzz with the vibrant energy of the Exposition Universelle. It was an absolute dream! Exquisite pavilions, architectural masterpieces, and everywhere you looked, dazzling displays showcasing the cutting edge of technology, art, and - you guessed it - fashion!
The heart of Parisian fashion in those days? The Théùtre de l'Opéra Garnier. Oh, it was the most spectacular theatre I'd ever laid eyes on! I had to get myself tickets for "Giselle". That beautiful ballet is set in 19th-century Germany - I swear, my tutu-loving heart just fluttered with joy!
The costumes? They were divine! Just the sight of the corps de ballet swirling and pirouetting in those graceful, knee-length tutus was enough to make me swoon. And did I tell you about the colour of those tutus? They were the most beautiful shade of powder blue, it just shimmered like moonlit water. Imagine how romantic it all felt!
Back in 1951, the New York City Ballet was just starting to take shape under George Balanchine. A new style was brewing, something he called âneo-classicalâ. The tutu of the moment was going for a sleeker look. You can imagine - clean lines, more minimal use of fabric, and shorter lengths.
Of course, it wouldnât be 1951 without a Royal Ballet mention. In England, these fantastic ballerinas were embracing a kind of "English" style tutu, often featuring long skirts and lots of movement. I think of ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Moira Shearer as true icons. It was the beginning of a Golden Age, I think, a perfect blend of traditional ballet with bold new artistic flair.
Letâs get down to tutu basics now, my dears! On the 22nd of May, 1951, âThe Romantic tutu,â as they were known, was still a force in the world of ballet! It had gained popularity with the dawn of the Romantic ballet in the 19th century and, well, it had become an absolute icon in the dance world, capturing imaginations and hearts alike! I'm talking tulle! Gossamer fabric billowing out into a glorious, full skirt, often going below the knee, which allows for beautiful lines, fluid movement, and just enough volume to make ballerinas look as if theyâre gliding through the air, and who wouldnât want that? It's not just fashion, dearies - itâs about elegance and freedom!
Of course, if you asked me to describe a âtypicalâ ballet tutu back in those days, I would say it featured multiple layers of tulle, giving it that perfect billowing shape. The waist was generally a little higher, cinching in the silhouette, and sometimes decorated with a satin belt. Oh, and the âbellâ shape? Donât forget those beautiful âbellâ shapes! Think a more âfullâ look.
However, 1951 was the start of a change in fashion trends. Think fitted silhouettes, shorter tutus, and the introduction of other fabrics, like a layered satin or a blend of satin and tulle, and maybe even a splash of color in the ballet repertoire. **The stage was being set for a change, a transformation that brought us those wonderful mid-century "neoclassical" ballerinas like Sylvie Guillem and Cynthia Gregory, both iconic in their own right, I would say.
Speaking of changes, another notable shift in tutu fashion was the way "en pointe", that stunning technique where a dancer stands on their toes, began to be used more commonly. Ballerinas began moving more quickly on stage, and this pushed tutus towards a lighter weight and a simpler design to accentuate the fluidity of movement. And âlighterâ doesnât mean it wasnât elegant!
It was so amazing, darling, to see tutus transform over the course of the century! I've travelled back in time and witnessed their journey, and now weâre moving towards an even brighter, even more dynamic tutu evolution in the coming decades.
A Little Tutu Fun, My Loves!
While we're chatting about tutu history, did you know that the word "tutu" actually means "little bitâ in French? Thatâs fitting, right? Tiny bits of tulle, forming this graceful, beautiful whole! But the fun isnât over yet! Have you seen a ballet tutu up close? Have you ever felt the magical tulle against your skin? How much can one person dream about tutus, do you think? Perhaps a tiny bit of imagination can lead us to explore that special magical place where every woman feels her inner ballerina blooming, like a perfect rose in a bouquet of femininity and fun.
I have to admit, even today in 2023, I just canât resist the feeling of wearing a pink tutu. Every week I visit the theater or my favorite ballet studio and I feel so incredibly inspired. My little dream: itâs to make a little difference, you see? To share the joy of this amazing ballet art with you all, and maybe even inspire a few of you to try out those amazing little pirouettes yourself! Who knows, darling? Maybe itâs in your genes. After all, weâre all a bit of ballerina at heart.
Well, dear readers, until next Tuesday and another journey into ballet tutu history! Remember, don't forget your pink tutu and spread that lovely, glamorous, dancing feeling far and wide! It's contagious, my dears, truly contagious!
Love,
Emma, www.pink-tutu.com
