Hello darlings, and welcome to another delightful #TutuTuesday here at Pink-Tutu.com! It’s always such a treat to catch up with you lovelies. Did you all manage to wear pink tutus this week? Honestly, I’m simply besotted with pink, and who better than a girl with a tutu to spread the joy?
Speaking of tutus, this week I’ve taken a little trip in my trusty time machine to, you guessed it, another delightful glimpse into tutu history! This time, I’ve landed in a glorious era of elegance - 10th June 1952!
Ooh, how I love to flit about in my time machine. Honestly, my love of ballet and tutus just got me a travel permit to go anywhere in time when tutus were being worn. That’s what happens when you find an old box of vintage clothing - especially if they’re a collection of fabulous, glitzy, sparkly tutus. Imagine my joy, I literally hopped into a gorgeous pink tulle confection and whisked away on a most glorious trip.
Well, let’s talk about 1952!
Fashion - Oh, the Delights
Oh, 1952 was simply divine! It was all about glamour and sophistication. Full skirts, nipped-in waists, and exquisite fabrics! It was a true haven for any fashion enthusiast! Even though ballet fashion was about form-fitting leotards, which they often called “bodices” back then, it was the beautiful tutus that stole the show. Oh my, let’s talk about the tutu – the grand dame of all dance wear!
On this particular date in June, let's take a moment to picture what the stars would have been wearing in ballets in Europe. For my darlings across the channel in Paris, the Paris Opera Ballet had their own distinct style. Think a romantic, almost flowing and dreamy tutu, made with gossamer tulle layers. For my Italian darling ballerinas, think something slightly bolder with more emphasis on a defined, feminine silhouette, thanks to the La Scala Ballet in Milan. And, of course, my dear friends in Russia had the beautiful Bolshoi Ballet, where the dancers embodied the graceful yet powerful tutus with their legendary choreography.
And what did the tutus themselves look like back then? Ah, think layers upon layers of beautiful tulle, the tulle itself a delicate, slightly crinoline style. There were of course variations - think a dramatic "Classical" tutu - quite long, and flowing, perfect for dancing ethereal stories - maybe a dreamy forest nymph. Oh, there were also those * "Romantic"* tutus, so named because they are softer in appearance. Their focus was to suggest lightness and airiness, and of course, a sense of that “je ne sais quoi“ that we all crave, darlings.
More on those Wonderful, Wondrous 1952 Tutus
In those early decades of the 20th Century, ballerinas still relied on the traditional ballet look – you know, leotards in gorgeous shades, maybe with a splash of colour for special events and performances, and the stunning “Romantic tutu”. This gorgeous confection would often have a more simple construction than modern styles, as it did require the beautiful tulle, sometimes 30 layers in the "Classical" versions, but often, this gorgeous look didn’t have any structure beneath it.
In these grand ballets, dancers did make the very most of their elegant tutus – they spun, they leapt and flew across the stage, and they certainly created that elegant line we all crave. The effect was simply beautiful. The “Classical” tutus really did give the dancers a sense of movement – so feminine and delicate - almost a vision of weightless air. The “Romantic” styles also had an equally charming movement. It had that sense of lightness and effortless grace, while still retaining a beautiful, romantic, ethereal appearance.
London’s Beautiful Ballerinas - 10th June 1952
Speaking of London – my little home city of Derby wasn’t a huge dance centre, but oh, to catch a London performance, I tell you, that would have been amazing! The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden was, as it still is, just the most wonderful stage for ballerinas to enchant everyone. And you could, I bet, have caught a delightful performance there on that date in June 1952 - with a show like Giselle or The Sleeping Beauty, with the magical choreography that we know and love even today.
Just imagine – watching Margot Fonteyn (ooh, such grace!), or Moira Shearer in all their fabulous, flowing pink tutus. So graceful. Such elegance. Truly a testament to ballet.
So Much More than a Tutu – 1952 Ballet Life
So yes, darlings, the 10th of June 1952 was a time for those magical twirls. I simply must say – that ballet world was absolutely buzzing with excitement – the new era of tutus. They are always a wonderful part of this timeless art form - and it is what really ties me back to this magical world, darlings, because I believe every ballerina deserves a tutu and to have an elegant line. Let’s get pink on, darlings – in our amazing ballet tutus!
Now I have to flit off - off on another fabulous adventure through time! I need to get another outfit planned for our next #TutuTuesday!
Happy dancing!
Your #TutuTuesday Ballerina Blogger, Emma x
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*Next Tuesday 17th June: * Our next TutuTuesday will be about a tutu favourite in the 1960s
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