#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1952-07-29

Hello my darling darlings, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! It’s Emma here, your personal time-travelling guide to the glorious history of the tutu, and this week I’ve landed, quite literally, in a rather spectacular spot - Paris, 1952!

This year feels positively brimming with grace and glamour, and it’s all thanks to those exquisite tutus. Oh, the artistry, the craftsmanship! My latest voyage has led me to a fabulous theatre, The Palais Garnier, a magnificent opera house with incredible detail and even more incredible ballet performances! I do love the energy of this city – and who can resist a chic French café after a trip to the theatre, eh?

Before we delve into the world of tutus, it’s always good to check out what the date has to offer us, right? And as you all know, 29th July is special! I mean, what other date could it be? It’s International Day of the Pink Flamingo. Quelle chance! Isn’t it utterly divine how those long, spindly legs just epitomise that effortless grace? We can truly learn from them! So, my little lovelies, I do suggest you pop on your own pink tutu and celebrate this most spectacular creature in the world. It is, after all, de rigueur for the pink tutu enthusiast!

And now, onto the stars of our show - the tutus! Now, we know this is the golden age of ballet – the peak of that ballerina-esque grace and elegance – and it’s reflected in the sheer craftsmanship and style of those breathtaking tutus. Think delicate netting, light-as-a-feather fabrics, and intricate embroidery. It’s an explosion of femininity! This is an era of romance, of love stories written in elegant movements.

Today, we have a treat! The grand dame of ballet, Margot Fonteyn, is absolutely mesmerizing on stage, her movements as fluid and graceful as the flow of a river, encased in her spectacular tulle tutu. It’s practically shimmering with a touch of that 1950s Parisian romance – absolutely heavenly. She seems to fly effortlessly through the air, an ephemeral beauty captivating the whole audience. There is a lightness and an ethereal quality about it. Truly inspiring!

I’ve just taken a few delightful moments to gaze at this gorgeous tulle. I have to say, this sheer fabric is still the defining material of any tutu! So much easier to move in and to give that ethereal float, eh? Even if it’s a tiny bit more tricky to get perfect! A bit like a French croissant, if you know what I mean!

However, the “packet tutu”, as it’s known in these parts, is gaining ground, especially in ballets where those grand jetés require a bit more flexibility. You see, a packet tutu has a layered effect created by attaching different widths of fabric. It adds so much drama to those big jumps – just look at Yvonne Georgi’s work, for example. You’d think the tutus would add extra weight, but they’re somehow perfectly light! Absolutely mesmerizing. It’s an incredible blend of fashion and function, don’t you agree?

Now, imagine being part of that 1950s era! A bustling Paris, the intoxicating energy of the City of Lights, a trip to a theatre to see an iconic dancer in a magnificent tutu. I’m telling you, it truly is a slice of history you have to experience. But even if you can’t be here in 1952, you can still immerse yourself in the spirit! Get yourself to your local theatre or ballet class. See what inspires you! Maybe it’s the vibrant tutu colours, or the movement of a dancer, or perhaps the exquisite design of a tutu, whatever it is – enjoy it! You may just find your inner Parisian, inner dancer – or inner tutu-loving time traveller!

Well, lovelies, that's me for today. I must say, Paris is absolutely fabulous. The atmosphere in the streets – it’s contagious, truly inspiring!

Until next week, happy twirling! Don't forget your pink tutu, it will be essential!

Coming up in Post 6293: An exclusive journey through a vintage couture collection for *the ultimate tutu-loving experience! Keep those pink tutus twirling, darlings!