Hello my dearest Tutu Tribe! Emma here, back from another adventure in the swirling, shimmering world of ballet history! This month, I'm whisking us back to 1956, a time when ballet was blooming and blossoming like a beautiful pink rose in full bloom.
Now, I've got to tell you about the incredible trip I've just had, riding on the back of Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse, with golden hooves and mane, with a fabulous leather rucksack strapped onto my back - ready for my ballet adventures, as always. This time, I had my trusty vintage ballet shoe camera at the ready, to capture all those fabulous twirling moments.
I arrived on April 4th 1956, in the midst of Spring in Derbyshire - oh, the pretty, delicate flowers that were peeking through, making everything feel magical. There was something rather enchanting about stepping out onto those old cobblestone streets, with the scent of lavender filling the air.
1956: The Ballet Scene is Hot!The world of ballet in 1956 was a-buzz! There was a phenomenal performance of “Swan Lake" happening at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and oh boy! The Bolshoi Ballet company had never looked so impressive! They were absolutely captivating. The whole production felt so dramatic.
However, London was also sizzling with ballet excitement! The Royal Ballet, founded by the legendary Dame Ninette de Valois, was thrilling the crowds at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Imagine! Such incredible performances to enjoy, right on our doorstep! It made me want to grab my tutu and take to the stage right then and there.
Glamour and Grace in the Pink Tutu!
And speaking of the stage, the tutu style of the era was beyond fab! Ballerinas in beautiful tutus, their silken skirts billowing and swishing. Oh, the pinkness of it all - just look at the stunning photographs I managed to sneak into my rucksack! The tutus were so incredibly delicate - a bit more like an exquisite pink feather boa, rather than a stiff tutu like some of the tutus seen today. And, the length of their tutus - almost knee length - oh, it was like they were dancing in clouds! I just adored it. I mean, don’t we all just love the graceful movement of ballet, with every movement seeming like an invitation to fall head over heels in love?
A Dream of Paris in 1956!I did have a secret wish this time though. Oh, how I longed to have a little hop over to Paris! Imagine - Parisian cafes, art galleries filled with ballerinas’ sketches, and the most gorgeous stores with their windows brimming with exquisite ballet clothes! And just think about the fashion magazines - so inspiring for any tutu enthusiast.
What did we do about tutus in 1956?In 1956, many shops and haberdasheries, particularly in London and Paris, had sections devoted to ballet essentials and materials. It’s so easy to imagine these shops filled with vibrant sols of pink satin and tullle – perfect for sewing one’s own unique tutus! The fashion of ballet, right there on the shop floors! How wonderful!
I wonder, my dearest Tutu Tribe, do you ever dream of being back in 1956, waltzing the hours away in a tutu and ballet slippers, with all the joy and wonder that it brings?
* Until next time, darling tutus! Keep on twirling with those beautiful ballet moves, and be sure to embrace a pink tutu today, just for you! *
** Yours in a whirlwind of tutus,
Emma **
