#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1950-04-25

Hey darlings, it’s Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com, back again for another exciting journey through #TutuTuesday – our weekly exploration of the magnificent history of the tutu! Today’s date is a bit of a treat: April 25th, 1950 - and my time travel machine has dropped me right into the heart of a ballet-obsessed New York. It’s electric!

Oh, darling, the energy here is practically fizzing with excitement. The ballet world is absolutely abuzz - a whirlwind of rehearsals, performances and, of course, exquisite fashion! Even the train ride in, a plush carriage crammed with theatregoers on their way to the iconic Metropolitan Opera House, had an almost palpable anticipation. I couldn’t help but peek at everyone's stylish attire – such sophisticated chic! Every lady with a delicate corsage and an even more delicate-looking waltz-worthy frock. Oh, and the gentlemen? Dashing in their well-cut suits, hats perched at jaunty angles, with charming little pocket handkerchiefs. Pure elegance.

Of course, nothing quite sets the pulse racing like a new ballet, does it? I had tickets to “Giselle,” which is currently enjoying its heyday here in the States! The story of a young girl seduced and betrayed by a nobleman, with her ensuing madness – all wrapped up in an unforgettable score - it’s an emotional roller coaster with the most glorious costumes.

You can practically see the echoes of past #TutuTuesday topics here in “Giselle,” darling! Think of the Romantic era ballerinas, how they paved the way for these modern-day, lightweight tutus, with their delicate, diaphanous fabrics! Imagine those white cotton skirts, a mere shadow of a skirt - gasp, how practical, darling, compared to the hoop skirts of the era, I know!, which flowed and danced so gracefully, even a whiff of breeze would make them swirl, wouldn't it? A real dance of ethereal elegance!

“Giselle” perfectly embodies this spirit, showcasing some exquisite choreography by the brilliant Alicia Alonso, one of the world’s most beloved ballerinas, alongside a breathtaking performance by the incomparable Margot Fonteyn – who truly is a legend. Her leaps, her movements, all a whirlwind of graceful storytelling and an absolute pleasure to watch, every single moment of it! And of course, no one does that exquisite, poignant “mad scene” better! Her tutu… swoon! ... it perfectly matched the dramatic turns of the story – imagine flowing layers of tulle, cascading down in ethereal waves, echoing her character’s emotional turmoil. Just magical, darlings!

After the performance, it was off to the most fabulous new fashion emporium called Bergdorf Goodman – what a find! It's a real fashion paradise with everything imaginable from fabulous furs to divine shoes - and, darling, you know I just had to investigate their dress-making section for all things ballerina-worthy! Imagine – a floor filled with rows upon rows of gleaming silk and gossamer lace! Heaven! And let me tell you, my dears, they had the most incredible selection of ballet fabrics I’ve ever seen. My purse (well, actually, I’m secretly using a credit card, don't tell!) has definitely felt the pinch, but what's a time-traveling fashionista to do? It’s simply irresistible! Now all that remains is to start sketching out some divine new tutu designs for my next pink-tutu-clad adventures!

Oh, and of course, what better way to finish this post, than to tell you about what makes April 25th, 1950, so special for ballet history? Well, my darling, it's the anniversary of the opening of the first professional ballet company in New York, the “American Ballet Theatre,” in 1940 - it’s celebrating its tenth year! So there we have it, ten years of dance brilliance, showcasing everything from exquisite classical ballets, like “Swan Lake”, to contemporary masterpieces and thrilling performances by the crème de la crème of international talent. That's what makes the American Ballet Theatre truly exceptional, darling – their innovative spirit, a willingness to break the boundaries and showcase something really new and thrilling, like the fantastic new production of “Firebird” by Stravinsky, I'm dying to catch that!

As my time travel watch reminds me, it's time to journey back to my own time again - the past was truly fantastic! And as for the question I’m always dying to know, darling, can we learn something from the fabulous, fashion-forward ladies of the past? I'd say we certainly can! These ladies weren't afraid to push boundaries. Think about it – they redefined what it means to look feminine and chic, even embracing comfort and movement. Who says the past can’t be inspiration for our present? The next time you’re looking for a splash of colour and elegant detail to add a little spark to your wardrobe, my dear, just remember the history of ballet. Remember, a ballerina’s outfit isn't just about looking elegant, it’s about being bold, inspiring, and about freedom – just like the magnificent tutu, an expression of femininity and elegance - what could be more perfect than that?!

Catch you all next #TutuTuesday with more dance delights, darlings! Until then, happy twirling, happy shopping and keep spreading the pink-tutu-love!

Your always glamorous and tutu-loving Emma xx