Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back for another delightful dive into the history of the most glorious garment ever invented: the tutu! 🩰 This week, I’ve zoomed back to January 31st, 1956, and let me tell you, the world of ballet was abuzz with excitement. I’m so excited to be sharing this fabulous day with you in #TutuTuesday Blog Post #6475 on www.pink-tutu.com!
It was such a delight stepping off the train at Gare du Nord in Paris and seeing all the elegant Parisians flitting about. I even spied a gorgeous lady wearing a bright pink, slightly longer tutu on her way to the opera! My, my, it’s so thrilling to see just how fashionable and ahead of the times the French ladies are. 🇫🇷
As I meandered through the city streets, I couldn’t help but marvel at how tutus were not just confined to the stage, but starting to creep into the fashion scene. It's almost as if a secret whispering was going around, "Hey, you know that floaty, dreamy dancewear? Let's bring it into the everyday!". I mean, just imagine a delicate pink tulle skirt peeking out beneath a stylish coat… the sheer elegance of it!
So, back to our Parisian ballet date!
It was a beautiful Monday in Paris and I found myself in a blissful ballet daze at the Palais Garnier, that exquisite theatre brimming with ornate decorations and whispered conversations. What a treat to experience the magic of ballet at its finest! The dancers spun and leaped like swans, with each twirl making their tulle tutus bloom outwards in a symphony of fluttering beauty. They truly embodied the poetry of movement! This night’s ballet, Swan Lake, starring the captivating prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, was simply sensational. I found myself caught up in her delicate movements and the expressive grace of the swans she transformed into.
I must confess, the Parisian ballet scene is nothing short of exquisite! The theatres, the costumes, the performances - everything is just so wonderfully romantic. And I swear I felt my tutu vibrate in excitement right alongside the stage lights! This truly is a dance haven where the tutus soar.
Oh, I can’t wait to visit this very same theatre tomorrow night for a second helping of the exquisite Swan Lake. My day would not be complete without shopping for the perfect pair of ballet shoes to go with my ever-growing collection of tutus - my pink tutus of course! You wouldn't believe the shop windows around the city! I’ve found so many incredible fabrics and trims! I swear, my dream wardrobe just got a lot more fantastical! I already feel the twirl of inspiration!
Let's jump back in time to January 1956 now to see where our tulle-loving adventure began. Just after the Second World War, it seemed like the world was ready for a burst of colour and a little dose of joy - tutus were ready to take flight! 🕊
The Tutu Revolution in the Post-War Era
Following a period of hardship and austere living, people craved a touch of elegance and whimsical joy. This desire was echoed in the resurgence of classical ballet.
It's in this magical moment that tutus truly came into their own as an emblem of hope, beauty, and artistic expression. They were more than just dancewear, they were a symbol of a new era, one filled with glamour and delight!
A Short History of the Tutu
The tutu, you see, has quite the fascinating journey, its story almost as captivating as a classical ballet. In its early days, a tutu was nothing more than a practical dance skirt – it gave dancers the freedom to move, allowing their movements to flow freely. Imagine a skirt with less fuss, that allowed dancers to express their bodies to the full.
By the end of the nineteenth century, tutus had gained a new dimension, becoming a beautiful work of art on its own, with the famous The Romantic Period bringing forth romantic, flowing skirts known as the "bell-shaped tutu," inspired by the shape of a bell. They weren't as long or as full as their modern counterparts, but you could say they started the magic!
But the Classical tutu as we know it today had its origin around 1837, when the Russian ballerina Marie Taglioni famously danced La Sylphide. For that role, she wore a short, almost ankle-length tutu with an extremely airy, flowing, and layered form. What a fabulous moment!
The 1950s, a vibrant era of cultural change and artistic blossoming, saw the tutu take its position on the world's stage! I’m loving these fascinating timelines, isn’t it a delight?
What’s Trending In 1956?
The ballet world was quite different then. Ballet shoes, made from fine satin or leather, often came in delicate shades like blush, or in crisp white – such timeless colours that always create such a dramatic and elegant statement! They’ve evolved beautifully into what we have today!
Let’s talk about tutus! In the 1950s, they were just beginning to venture beyond the traditional white. We’re talking about lighter, more fluid styles of tutus that are just magical and so pretty! The colours were starting to shift too, from vibrant reds and blues, even touches of silver!
They weren't quite as daringly short as those of later years but it’s wonderful how fashion and style are always evolving. I just love seeing how tutus are becoming more exciting!
There’s another beautiful ballet performance tonight – a full programme of choreography that was popular with a London theatre back in 1956. They featured amazing ballets, such as Giselle, Swan Lake (that never gets old!) and La Bayadère. Such incredible ballets for a spectacular show!
I’m finding it almost impossible to not buy at least ten gorgeous tutus during my travels. Can you blame me? I think I might make a special trip to visit the legendary Marie Taglioni – we must chat about our mutual love of tutus!
Fashion & Inspiration
You see, my dears, I simply believe in spreading the love of tutus and I am here to say it’s so clear: tutus aren't just for the ballet stage; they're for all of us, embracing the beauty of graceful expression, creativity and individuality! Let’s be creative and playful. There’s always something magical in making tutus a part of our everyday world. I say let the tutus flow and celebrate our love of dance. Isn't it time to find your inner ballerina?
You know what? The world was simply bursting with tutus and all things ballet back then - it truly was an era that defined grace and beauty. They say everything comes full circle in life, and you see it just shows, even our love of tutus, fashion and our world will always keep coming full circle - how wonderful!
Now my lovelies, you’re about to leave your fabulous fashionista Emma in 1956! I have a ballet performance to catch (who would have guessed!) I am planning on seeing another performance at the iconic Sadler’s Wells Theatre! Just the perfect place to enjoy all those beautifully elaborate sets and bright lights that just sparkle under that magical stage. And who knows what vintage finds I might spot as I head out the door! I just can't wait!
Don’t forget to catch my #TutuTuesday Blog next Tuesday. You're sure to get another fantastic journey and fashion finds - all just because we LOVE tutus! And hey! Maybe it’ll be another pink one for me.
Much Love,
Emma, your Pink-Tutu-Wearing Time-Travelling Ballerina xx
p.s. If you have any interesting tutu tidbits from January 1956 (or anytime!), feel free to leave them in the comments!
