#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1955-06-21

Hey everyone, welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things pink and tutu-rific are celebrated! This is post number 6443, and this week, as always, it's #TutuTuesday!

It's me, Emma, your resident time-traveling, tutu-obsessed, pink-loving blogger, straight from the heart of Derbyshire. Today we're taking a trip back in time, to June 21st, 1955! Buckle up buttercup, because we're going on a nostalgic journey to discover what tutu trends were gracing the stage almost seven decades ago!

Now, picture this: the year is 1955. The iconic silhouette of the New Look by Dior is still dominating the fashion scene, with full skirts and cinched waists reigning supreme. Music is pulsating with rock n' roll and jazz, and a fresh sense of optimism and fun is buzzing through the air.

But, for us tutu lovers, what does this mean for the ballet world?

Well, it was a time of exquisite evolution for ballet! Remember how tutus were initially conceived as light, wispy skirts for dancers? Well, 1955 marked the period when those dainty little designs started to develop into something even more flamboyant! We’re talking about the emergence of what is called the ‘Romantic tutu’, which introduced layers upon layers of tulle for an even more graceful and theatrical effect. Picture, if you will, delicate floral designs, playful layers of silk and satin, and more tulle than you could possibly imagine! Imagine ballerina dancing with an airy flow and delicate femininity. It was just breathtaking. A real ballerina’s dream.

Think of the elegant tulle tutus we saw in the ballet "Giselle," with its whisper-light, layered skirts, the delicate layers of tulle floating effortlessly through the air with each turn, each leap, each dance. That kind of tutu is all about portraying a sense of dreaminess, romance, and ethereal beauty, and in the early 1950s, these romantic tutus really stole the show.

But, my darling tutu enthusiasts, that’s not all! As you may know, the 1950s was also a golden age for classical ballet.

And guess what?! All those graceful, elegant and delicate tutus that embodied romantic ballet had an impact that continues even today.

You see, around this time, ballet was gaining popularity like never before, and the stage was becoming a more elaborate spectacle, which translated beautifully to tutu styles. More emphasis on colour palettes with breathtaking textures. Ballet was making its mark on the global fashion scene and the rise of ballet schools brought tutus to the dance classes of aspiring dancers and ballerinas of all ages.

In 1955, a talented group of talented dancers such as Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, and Erik Bruhn started to mesmerize audiences with their exquisite moves and those ever-so-magnificent romantic tutus. They gave classical ballet the kind of fresh appeal it needed and brought the graceful allure of those tulle wonders to the world. The influence of such artistry on the tutus worn today is immense, and even I, with my futuristic, time-traveling wardrobe, must confess that those 1955 romantic tutu designs are truly inspiring.

But let's be a little less focused on stage costumes, because the spirit of tutu fashion spread even beyond the realm of the theatre. It was a time when the allure of the tutu reached new heights!

Let me tell you, in 1955, ballet tutus were inspiring more than just dancers! You could find these gorgeous garments cropping up in various everyday outfits. Picture chic women of the 1950s walking down the street wearing a sleek A-line dress with a little pop of colour provided by a tutu tucked in over the bottom – the embodiment of grace and glamour! Talk about turning heads! And that’s not even mentioning how the iconic tutu style seeped into party dresses and even bridal wear. Now, wasn't that simply lovely!

The most influential tutus were and still are those created by the master tutu maker, Madame Karinska. She worked her magic with tutu design from the early 20th century until her passing in the late 1970s and even today her creations are held in museum collections across the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum here in London.

Speaking of tutus inspiring people in their day-to-day, one of the most memorable moments I saw in 1955 (which involved a magnificent tutu, by the way!) was a show by the New York City Ballet, directed by George Balanchine. Now, he’s the ballet choreographer responsible for so many amazing ballet techniques, that were all the rage during that era.

Balanchine's creativity and innovative ideas truly made ballet a fascinating and beautiful art form. But, back to the tutu! What caught my attention was this little detail. He choreographed a dance piece, “Symphony in C," and I’m talking about a real visual feast of swirling, delicate tutus. It was like a fairytale brought to life. The dancers wore those lovely airy tutus designed by the renowned artist, Karinska and it looked breathtaking. That visual spectacle, that elegant and graceful performance with each ballerina moving like a whirlwind, still inspires and enchants to this day.

And that brings me back to 1955!

Now, we’re not just talking about tutus gracing the stage or adding a sprinkle of femininity to a street-style outfit, there was an inspiring ballet show at the Royal Opera House on this very date: June 21st! That’s right, my lovelies, it was the night for "The Sleeping Beauty."

Now, I’m not one to toot my own horn… ok, perhaps I am, but those who know me know I simply love tutus and this story truly touched my heart.

Imagine this… it was an extraordinary performance! Every detail, from the exquisitely embroidered tulle to the romantic and vibrant colour combinations - a complete sensory spectacle that mesmerized the audience and I got to see it live! It was the quintessential princess ballet featuring beautiful ballerina dancers wearing magnificent tutus! Talk about the magic of the past coming alive! It was an event I still remember vividly and I even went out on the town that night after the show and felt a little extra confident because, well, you can't deny a tutu just puts you in a great mood. But, my darling tutu fans, you know what makes 1955's “The Sleeping Beauty” stand out for me? The music, of course! It’s that enchanting and dream-like music that truly adds an air of majesty and mystique to every movement, every spin, every twirl of the tutu on stage.

The thing is, those 1950s ballet shows were always captivating. And for me, the tutus that appeared in those iconic ballets back then have continued to influence even modern tutus of today. And if that’s not a legacy of fashion, then I don’t know what is!

So, there you have it, my dear tutu-loving friends, a peek into the world of tutus in 1955, when they truly danced onto the world's stage. From a whirlwind of inspiration on stage to the grace of a tulle skirt swirling on a Parisian boulevard – it was a year where tutus were both magical and influential.

Let’s not forget: Those romantic tutus, from their simple beginnings to the breathtaking, majestic spectacles they became, have left an eternal imprint on dance history. Now, how cool is that? But you know, they also have this extraordinary quality: tutues have always been and always will be the essence of feminine glamour. I think the way we dress with our tutus can make our own special memories to look back on as I'm sure those 1950s ballerina's still remember their shows!

But I gotta run now, darlings. A ballet class is calling and I can’t resist my passion for twirling with my favourite pink tutu. You've been inspired. Make it happen. It’s time to unleash those pink tutus! Catch you next Tuesday!

And please keep sharing your love for the ballet and tutus by leaving a comment below or reaching out on Instagram. And if you are planning a trip to a theatre this week for a ballet show, go with a big pink tutu on to enjoy your night out. Don’t be shy!

Lots of pink-tastic love, Emma 💖