#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1953-07-14

Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, we're twirling back to a time when poodle skirts were the height of fashion and "Grease" was just a twinkle in the choreographer's eye – the fabulous year of 1953!

Now, you might think that 1953 wouldn't have much in the way of tutu-licious trends, but hold your horses, dear reader! It was a year of big changes in the world of dance and fashion, and, as always, those changes had a big impact on the tutus themselves.

So, put on your most fabulous pink tutu, grab a cuppa, and settle in for a trip back in time with me – it's gonna be a whirlwind of frills and fun!

As any fashion-forward gal knows, tutus and fashion go hand-in-hand, a match made in sartorial heaven! So let's chat about what was rocking the world of fashion back in 1953, shall we?

It was a glorious time for skirts! We're talking full circle skirts, flirty petticoats, and those iconic poodle skirts that were all the rage. Even if we hadn't yet made it into the 21st century and seen the real poodle skirts of "Grease" come alive on the big screen, we definitely understood the idea of "poodle" with all those fabulous skirts that women were wearing.

Think back to Audrey Hepburn in her fabulous gingham skirt and crisp white blouse, or maybe the sassy ladies in "Seven Year Itch" in their sleek and chic, cinched-at-the-waist frocks - all so incredibly stylish!

Now, those ladies, if you really want to delve deep into the fashion of 1953, were most definitely not wearing full tutus to the office. That being said, let me tell you, they were wearing shorter, "cocktail length" tutus to dance halls and supper clubs!

Those full skirts weren't quite long enough for proper dancing and we wouldn't dare let that happen, would we?! No, darling. That's why they were, I imagine, happily popping a tulle skirt over their dress, with a petticoat to give it that fantastic volume for swirling! I must say that really made a statement! You had all the swish and glamour of a real tutu, but it could still be dressed down! It really did allow our dear dancing girls to get creative.

As for the tutus of the stage in 1953, I have it on good authority from my fellow time travelers (yes, a little bird whispered) that it was a time of innovation in tutus! While it was still the era of "romantic tutus" – think swirling fabric, a bit of puff, a bit of flow, really bringing out the beauty and grace of movement, - the designers were starting to play with more structure. I do love a good full romantic tutu, as you know. The swirling fabric! So magical!

Imagine that! Tutus started becoming more tailored, you might even say "sophisticated." Think about those structured, layered tutus with those amazing and daring shapes, perfectly matched with stunning and stylish body suits. They would have worn those on the stage! Now, that's a little taste of tutu history for you!

But the year of 1953, that wasn't all about tutu-tastic fashion!

Did you know, my dears, that on the 14th of July, 1953, the amazing Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey in London?! Oh! Imagine the tutus! That day was simply breathtaking, wasn't it? What a showstopping moment! And it was televised – imagine! That meant everyone could witness the occasion and soak in every glamorous detail.

And just picture it: those iconic Queen fashion statements with the coronation gown - truly awe inspiring - and I'd imagine some fantastic tutus in all of those fantastic, elaborate performances to commemorate such an important occasion, don't you think? Just imagine how it felt - such elegance!

You see, 1953 was a year brimming with inspiration – inspiring tutus and fashion! A testament to what our amazing dancing world was already bringing to life, and what we know we can achieve today with tutus as well. That year is a testament to what those beautiful, inspiring tutu and dance-driven performances that just truly captivated the world! It was truly the dawn of a beautiful new era!

I do hope that gives you a little more of an insight into 1953 and how I made the most of my time travelling and seeing the best of the tutus on offer back then!

Now, to make those leaps back into the past, you can probably guess how I make it all happen: dancing, of course, darling! That is after all, what I do to make a living. All the travel expenses, all the shopping - well, I make that work. How else would I keep this #TutuTuesday blog so full of sparkle?!

So how did I make it happen in 1953, with so many fantastic fashion trends to check out? It was totally glamorous! Imagine, darling - the quintessential way to travel back then. Yes, the train, the symbol of romance and excitement – and very fashionable indeed. That, my friends, was how I truly lived the real life. It felt so glamorous. Think plush seats, beautifully dressed ladies with handbags that were the size of little, delicious, hand-tooled suitcases and all the charm in the world. They loved their gloves and hats too, don't forget the hats. It was an adventure every time!

I love seeing how much fun everyone has getting dressed up in the period dress and watching those dance performances. And all that beautiful, beautiful ballet and theatrical flair – it's all very impressive indeed.

It definitely sets the stage for more fabulous tutu fun on future #TutuTuesday blogs, you can be sure of that.

Now I need to get out of this pink tutu and onto the stage. It's performance time! Until next Tuesday darling, don't forget, be sure to check out my pink-tutu.com website and get yourself a tutu, a little sprinkle of tutu in your life makes every day more exciting!

I'm Emma, your ballerina blogger, and I'm signing out with a pirouette!