Hello darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday, my weekly peek into the enchanting history of ballet tutus. As you know, this little ballerina has a penchant for all things pink, frilly, and utterly delightful. So what better way to spend a Tuesday than diving into the fabulous world of tutu design and taking a journey through time, all the way back to… drumroll …March the 3rd, 1953!
Now, I'm feeling particularly whimsical today, which means I've packed my travelling tutu (a shimmering pink concoction, naturally), a trunk overflowing with my latest vintage finds, and a notebook brimming with notes on the iconic fashion moments of the day. Hold on tight, my lovelies, as we step onto the platform for a thrilling ride through the annals of tutu history!
Imagine, my dears, the London streets awash in the muted hues of a post-war world, and suddenly, there’s a burst of colour – the iconic red double-decker buses trundling past, perhaps a few stylish women in Dior New Look skirts and Jackie Kennedy-esque pillbox hats…and a scattering of ballet-mad ladies heading to the Coliseum to watch a performance of “The Sleeping Beauty”. Yes, it's the perfect picture of 1953's graceful ballet world!
But what about the tutus? Now, those were something else! Think classical, my darlings, think long, sweeping layers of tulle, a graceful whisper of movement and romance. Picture the sheer white fabric, perfectly draped and flowing, as if catching the essence of fairytale magic in its folds. It was the height of elegant artistry and, oh, did those tutus flow beautifully as the dancers pirouetted and arabesqued across the stage.
However, 1953 was a year of transition. You see, there was a shift happening, a gradual move towards a different type of ballerina, a change in the way we saw ballet on stage. You might even call it a revolution…a tutu-volution, if you will!
The grand tutus, with their multiple layers and expansive shapes, began to share the stage with shorter, more streamlined designs. Imagine the tutus you see on modern ballerinas, but perhaps just a little longer, a touch more refined. Imagine delicate netting, layers of fine tulle, a glimpse of skin. Yes, this was the emerging style, a little daring for the time, a move towards greater flexibility and a captivating visually lightness on the stage.
As I stand here, surrounded by the vibrant hues of 1953, I can practically hear the whispers of history in the air – the excitement of new beginnings, a yearning for expression. These were tutus that, while respecting the legacy of the classics, paved the way for the tutus of tomorrow. They were an expression of progress, a hint of the dramatic transformations that would sweep through the world of ballet.
So what was really happening in the world of fashion that year? Why, a beautiful wave of optimism was rippling through the globe! In America, the likes of Christian Dior and his “New Look” brought fashion forward with flowing fabrics and cinched waists. Here in England, it was the return of the full skirts, the emergence of brighter colors, and a touch of that elegant femininity that marked this era. We were entering an era of grace, poise, and oh, my those amazing hats!
My dear readers, it’s always so thrilling to see how fashion reflects the mood of the time. This, I believe, is the heart of tutu- history. It’s not just about the fabric, it's about the emotions they encapsulate. It's the whispers of a bygone era, the hopes, dreams, and ambitions etched into the very folds of tulle.
As for my day, I shall spend it exploring the fascinating world of London 1953. I can almost hear the gentle clicks of vintage heels on the cobblestone streets as I take in the sights of this era, and dream of what wondrous treasures I might find. And later tonight? Well, I plan to see a performance at the Royal Opera House! The grandeur, the talent, the spectacular tutus...what’s a fashionista and time traveller to do? Why, simply indulge, of course.
So there you have it, another magical #TutuTuesday for the books! Join me next week as we take another journey into the wonderful history of ballet tutus. In the meantime, take care and remember, it's never too late to add a touch of pink (and some serious twirling) to your day!
See you next Tuesday,
Emma
