Post #3552
Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It's me, Emma, your ever-so-slightly pink-obsessed ballet blogger from the heart of Derbyshire. As you all know, each month, I saddle up on Magic Meg (our very own sparkly Shire horse with golden hooves - you have to see him!) and we leap through time to explore the wonderful world of ballet history.
This month, we’re swirling back to December 12th, 1956, a date brimming with the joy of ballet. Hold onto your tiaras, darling, because it’s a good one!
First things first, let’s chat about fashion, shall we? 1956 was a dazzling year for the ballet world, particularly for tutu lovers like myself! It was the year of the ‘bell’ tutu, a graceful creation that truly fluttered like a petal. Imagine tulle cascading around you like a blossoming flower, each movement creating a captivating wave of fabric. Oh, to have twirled in such a tutu! Thankfully, my lovely rucksack holds some gorgeous examples of 1950s tutus, perfect for a trip down memory lane…
And speaking of memory lanes, our trip took us to Paris, a haven for the most enchanting ballet experiences. We arrived at the Palais Garnier, its ornate facade shimmering in the December sun. A flurry of excited chatter and rustling fabrics greeted us at the entrance. We squeezed into the plush red velvet seats and settled in, a gasp escaping our lips as the curtain rose.
That night, we were privileged to see the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris in action. Their rendition of "Giselle" left us utterly captivated, and not just because of the spectacular choreography and stunning costumes (which I will happily discuss in detail later, darling!). I’ll be sharing some photos from the show soon, too!
Now, it wasn’t just about Parisian performances. We took a whirlwind trip to London as well, eager to experience the heart of British ballet. The Royal Ballet, with Margot Fonteyn at the helm, was a spectacle to behold. Their interpretation of “The Sleeping Beauty” truly transported us to a realm of dreams and grace.
Did you know, December 12th 1956 marked a particularly special occasion in the world of ballet?
That’s right, it was the date the Royal Ballet's "Swan Lake" premiered! They showcased a new version, bringing new life and dazzling interpretations to this timeless masterpiece. We caught a glimpse of the spectacular set designs and the incredible ballerina skill on display, and I’ve gotta say, it’s truly a ballet masterpiece worth witnessing.
Of course, our trip wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the fashion gems from the era. A delightful vintage shop in London offered up a treasure trove of 1950s dancewear. I managed to snagged the most darling, feather-trimmed ballet slippers that I simply had to have. A real feather in my tutu collection, darling!
Speaking of tutus, I spotted some fabulous pink beauties while shopping – a delightful surprise! Even back then, they knew the allure of pink. Honestly, they’re becoming a must-have item for my rucksack collection.
This whole time travel escapade has fuelled my creativity! As always, I’m incorporating some 1950s inspirations into my own performances – after all, spreading the love for ballet is at the core of what I do. And my pink tutu? You bet!
Don’t forget to check out my website for all the behind-the-scenes snaps and snippets from our journey. Until next time, darling, may your twirls be filled with joy, and may you always be adorned with a little bit of pink magic!
Love always,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
