#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 5th December 1950 (Post #6206)
Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and it’s another glorious #TutuTuesday! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 5th December 1950. I can’t believe how quickly time flies! This past week has been a whirlwind of beautiful ballet performances and breathtaking fashion, all while dodging time-travel mishaps. Let’s hop in my trusty time-machine and dive into the world of ballet, tutus, and vintage chic!
(Cue the whimsical piano music!)
As we step into 1950s New York City, the scent of freshly baked apple pie and crisp autumn air greets us. A buzz of excitement fills the streets - it's the time for festive window displays, family dinners, and of course, a whole lot of ballet! It's a little known fact, but ballet in the 1950s was blooming with creativity, a true cultural phenomenon. From the New York City Ballet's electrifying performances to the stunning Parisian ballets, this was an era of elegance and sheer artistry.
Now, about the tutus. The 1950s saw a shift in ballet tutu design. Gone were the grand romantic tutus with their cascading layers and copious frills. This decade embraced a more streamlined, minimalist aesthetic. Think clean lines, lightweight fabrics, and a focus on movement. Of course, a true ballerina wouldn’t think of foregoing the iconic tutu shape; those flowing tiers still captured the spirit of graceful flight!
While visiting New York's Fifth Avenue for a spot of pre-holiday shopping, I came across an absolute gem of a vintage shop tucked away on 53rd street. You wouldn’t believe the exquisite dresses they had! Just picture crisp white cotton shirts paired with pleated skirts in rich crimson, sapphire blue, and a beautiful, feminine sage green. It was a true sartorial masterpiece, a blend of classic silhouettes and a touch of bold, yet elegant colours, that still captures the 1950s era perfectly! It got me thinking - why wouldn't a simple pink tutu go splendidly well with these fashion choices?
Don't forget, darling, it's all about elegance, flair and a dash of daring. Just like a captivating ballet performance, fashion has its own unique vocabulary of elegance and emotion! This period, in particular, embraced those finer things with unparalleled panache, and I, for one, wouldn’t have it any other way!
Speaking of performances, December 5th 1950 happened to be a very special day for the world of dance: the New York City Ballet presented a special production of Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco". Imagine: the sleek choreography of this piece combined with the simple elegance of those 1950s tutus… the visual poetry of the performance must have been absolutely breathtaking. My heart skipped a beat just picturing it! I hope you’ll join me for my time-travel escapade to watch the performance next week; we'll be making our way to a hidden antique bookshop near Lincoln Center, complete with a cozy café, for a truly immersive experience!
Of course, after a dazzling performance, it's a little tradition of mine to pop by a charming local café for a lovely cup of tea, and on this day, a delectable slice of Victoria Sponge. There is something magical about pairing the elegant movement of ballet with the comfortable simplicity of a charming local café. Imagine enjoying your sweet treat and simply soaking up the ambience. It’s all about savor the simple pleasures, don't you think?
Back home, my own ballerina adventures continue, with the weekly visit to The Royal Ballet School in Derbyshire. Nothing can beat that feeling of watching my little dancers on the brink of a captivating journey in ballet - a future filled with grand leaps, delicate pirouettes and perhaps a bit of fashionable flair! Just think of how much beauty and elegance lies ahead. My darling, wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could embrace this passion, this love for ballet? It’s an art form that enchants the world with its movement and grace; a timeless form of storytelling that truly transcends language. It truly is a magical journey to watch unfold!
And, of course, this being #TutuTuesday, it would be sacrilegious to conclude without reminding you to take a moment to embrace a little pink tutu magic. A pop of pink is all you need to feel a burst of energy, just a little sparkle to bring the joy to life!
That’s all from your pink-tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina for this week. Don't forget, my darling, to check in next Tuesday for a delightful adventure! Until then, let's dance through life, spread a touch of magic, and remember: everyone can find their own beautiful way to express themselves!
Love,
Emma x
P.S. Want to get the most fabulous 1950s ballerina look? Try pairing a white blouse with a simple pink tulle skirt. And, for an extra dose of retro glamour, don’t forget a delicate velvet headband!