Hello darlings!
It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here with another exciting blast from the past! Today's adventure takes us back to July 7th, 1952. Fancy that, it's been exactly 71 years since we took a dip into this glorious, ballet-filled time period!
Now, this blog post is extra special, as it's number 3499. I can hardly believe it, I've been sharing my time travel stories with you all for so long! I simply couldn't have done it without you, my wonderful readers!
So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favourite comfy spot, and prepare to be transported! As usual, my trusty pink sparkling Shire, Magic Meg, is waiting patiently to whisk us off on another fabulous time-travelling escapade. I'm wearing my go-to pink tulle tutu with silver sequins, of course! My matching pink velvet jacket is cinched at the waist, a little something to show I'm a proper 50's style lady on the go. Don't forget, you can see photos from all my travels on my website www.pink-tutu.com
A Trip Down Memory Lane - July 7th, 1952
Back in 1952, the ballet world was abuzz! One of the biggest news stories in the world of ballet this day was a little bit about my favourite thing - a ballet dress. I found an exciting article about the most fabulous new creation in dancewear - a tutu that wasn't made out of white tulle! Oh my, can you believe the audacity? Pink! You know I love me some pink, so I was over the moon to hear this! This new colour, apparently, had actually been in the works for a long time, even going back as far as 1894! Could you imagine, it was a scandalous new style then too?
The news also covered a delightful upcoming premiere for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet in London - The Tales of Hoffman! Imagine, a performance with all the magic and wonder of an opera, combined with the elegance and athleticism of ballet! Just reading about this beautiful production made my heart flutter with excitement! Oh, how I wished I was there, twirling amongst the starlets!
On the same date, 1952, the American Ballet Theatre, fresh off a tour through Italy, was busy preparing for an upcoming performance of Giselle in New York City. A performance of Giselle on any stage is a pure treat, but can you imagine getting to see this breathtaking masterpiece in New York?! My handbag's literally bursting with inspiration. Giselle just fills my heart with joy!
Oh, and this is just the start! The ballet world was abuzz on this date, bursting with life!
Speaking of life, my rucksack is almost bursting with interesting articles and sketches about all these different shows.
Fashion Through the Ages: What a Wonderful Time for Tutu Trends!
This era, just a decade past World War II, had such an amazing style! I spotted this fascinating article on the trendiest style of ballet dress on the ballet scene at the time. Apparently, a popular style had full and pouffy skirts (it wouldn't have suited me! I love a good fit on my skirts), but the ballet dancers of that time made them look absolutely stunning! I love that a touch of fashion always has a connection with dance. The world of ballet has such fabulous clothing! The ballet companies at this time seemed to be influenced by the style of the Victorian period, adding romantic, intricate embellishments and detail. I've even seen illustrations of ballerina slippers tied up with dainty ribbons. Just adorable! It’s amazing to see how these elegant looks continue to inspire modern fashion trends, isn’t it?
Now, on the subject of fabulous dresses, you know I couldn't resist trying on some of the fabulous dresses from 1952. There was a delightful boutique in a little village near a town square with cobblestones - I even spotted a phone booth, darling! And oh, they had the most beautiful array of ballet shoes!
I also found a fantastically interesting article on an era-defining performance by a rising ballerina star, Natalia Makarova, a Russian émigré! I got such a thrill seeing photos of this young and daring ballerina. Her costumes looked breathtaking. They just flowed! Her passion and artistry reminded me why I'm so drawn to the ballet. She was so incredibly graceful! The perfect combination of talent, style and daring! She was even known to adapt some of the existing ballet routines! Wow, what a woman!
I'll make sure I’ve saved a page of all this in my rucksack for when I write up a blog on her one day!
Meeting Some Wonderful New Dancers!
Now, no trip through time would be complete without meeting some fabulous local ballet enthusiasts, wouldn’t you say? And who better to get the inside scoop on 1952 ballet happenings than the dancers themselves!
I ventured into the charming little dance studios. (Now, imagine a quaint little building nestled down a side street and imagine the most fabulous ballet studio just calling for you to pop in and see! Of course, it's just my imagination! There are no actual time-traveling portals! Oh my! ) But still, it’s always fun to play make believe, isn’t it?
And so I imagined all these local girls just so beautifully dressed! Think of dainty tulle tutus with lace and ribbon decorations. It just felt as though the local dance teachers and the dancers were in their element. These lovely ladies taught me so much about their training regimen and about how they learned to take such graceful, smooth leaps! They also let me have a try! Although it's best I don’t do anything quite so acrobatic with a leather rucksack on my back!
It seems the focus at the dance school back then was always on classical ballet, so beautifully traditional! It’s amazing how a classical balletic foundation really stays the core of the dance world today, don’t you agree?
Sharing the Pink Tutu Magic!
As always, I'm on a mission to share the love of pink tutus wherever I go! It's a secret code, really - wearing a pink tutu is a symbol of ballet love and joy! This time I managed to sneak a few pink tutus into the boutique! Don’t ask me how, but somehow I just ended up leaving them behind for some little dancing darlings. They loved them! They looked simply adorable in those tutus! Now, when they’re at ballet class they'll be able to spread a little tutu-love of their own!
And to the rest of you, darling readers, please join me in this ballet-love journey. Spread the word of the magical pink tutu wherever you go! Every single one of you has a sprinkle of ballet magic inside, waiting to shine. So embrace the love of dancing and all the wondrous styles out there. From graceful twirls to the grand jetés, the power of movement and beauty brings us all together!
Until next time, dear readers!
Stay beautiful, stay bright, and stay tutu-licious! I'll be back in another 30 days for my next fabulous time travel blog, bursting with even more pink tutu joy and sparkling dance tales.
With all my ballet-loving heart,
Emma
x
P.S If you are in Derbyshire, England look out for Magic Meg and me! We sometimes appear in the park in the center of town to entertain children and grown ups who just love pink! Oh, and, if you happen to be there on July 7th, just maybe we will travel back in time again!
