Hello, darlings!
Welcome back to another edition of my #TutuTuesday blog on www.pink-tutu.com. I'm your very own pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, bringing you all the gossip, glamour and twirling history from the wonderful world of ballet!
It's a frosty February morning here in the City of Angels - Los Angeles, California, to be precise. But even the biting wind can't chill my excitement for today's Tutu Tuesday, because we're travelling back in time to 6th February, 1951!
Oh, my darling tutus! 1951 was a magical time for ballet, bursting with innovation, artistry and those stunning, dramatic tutus that still have us gasping today! I have a sneaking suspicion you might just love this one. So grab your teacups, your fluffy blankets and let's delve into a truly fabulous bit of ballet history...
Back to the Fifties
Now, 1951 wasn't just a year of dazzling tutu design. It was a time when ballet really came into its own, particularly in America! With The New York City Ballet company gaining a real foothold, the ballet world was blossoming, and all those beautiful tutus were flying higher than ever!
Can you imagine? 1951 was the year that George Balanchine, one of the most renowned choreographers ever, started to really work his magic on the New York stage! Just imagine those shimmering, cascading tutus catching the light as the dancers, literally, danced their way into American history! It was, frankly, pure artistry.
But let's rewind the clock a bit, and talk about those oh-so-important tutus, shall we? Now, 1951 saw a few really striking trends in ballet fashion, ones that continue to enchant us today. The Romantic tutus were all the rage, with those softly layered tulle and silk fabrics billowing around the legs – picture ballerinas gliding through the air in a whirlwind of delicate pastel pinks, blues, and whites. It was pure fairytale magic.
And if there was one style of tutu that had everyone in a flurry of excitement, it was the Romantic Tutu. Just imagine, these exquisite designs were born in the 19th century and had swept through the ballet world ever since. Their flowing forms were just designed to evoke all those lovely notions of grace and lightness. The way those delicate tiers would dance around a dancer’s legs was absolutely mesmerizing, and that gentle fullness… it would truly make you feel like you were floating.
Taking to the Stage
But we must talk about those stage performances, because really, where else do those stunning tutus shine like diamonds? And what was captivating ballet lovers in 1951? Giselle was always a crowd-pleaser! That dramatic tale of love, betrayal and a haunting transformation… who can resist its allure? Now imagine the sheer joy of watching those delicate Romantic tutus swaying and dipping with the graceful, ethereal movements of the dancers. Pure beauty, that’s what.
And just when you think you couldn't fall more in love with ballet's beauty, then The Nutcracker comes along, doesn't it? Oh, darling! 1951 saw some utterly spectacular The Nutcracker performances with tutus that were just bursting with colour and grandeur! It was just so full of life and delight – a pure burst of Christmas spirit, don’t you think? From the glittering candy cane dresses to the elegant snow queen gowns, those The Nutcracker tutus were a joy to watch. I bet the girls in the chorus just loved those beautiful pastel coloured tutus!
Oh, how I long to go back to those grand old ballet theatres! Imagine watching Swan Lake! A true ballet classic, the Romantic tutus with those gorgeous swans feather detailing… and then the beautiful black and white swan tutus – sheer poetry in motion! I mean, can you imagine wearing those dramatic designs with the swansdown effect on those beautifully tiered tulle skirts! It would have you soaring through the air like a swan, feeling like an elegant vision of ballet!
Tutuland's New Queen
And 1951 wasn’t just about ballet - it was a pivotal year for fashion. Those lovely feminine shapes were really coming into their own! The Dior 'New Look' with it’s fabulous wide skirts and nipped waists - simply divine! The fashion designers took those beautifully flowing romantic forms from the world of ballet and incorporated them into their fabulous collections – who wouldn't want that feminine, effortless charm flowing around them, don’t you think? It's hardly surprising, really, that fashionistas embraced this romantic sense of design!
Oh, how I love those gorgeous feminine lines, the way the delicate fabric floats so beautifully! No wonder designers took the romance and sophistication of the ballet tutu and translated that beauty to all their beautiful, enchanting fashions.
It’s Pink, Darling
I may be known for my bright pink tutu, and my pink outfits – it’s my signature, darlings! Pink was just as loved and adored back in 1951 – think bubblegum, candy floss and that divine strawberry milkshake pink, it was simply radiant, wouldn’t you agree? And of course, there’s that oh-so-charming and playful side of pink – something that continues to bring a sparkle to the eyes, just like the pink tutu I’m wearing!
My darling tutus, do I think that pink is a must-have color? Absolutely, darling! You're already embracing pink and tutus on www.pink-tutu.com - pink and tutus, that’s a match made in ballet heaven, isn't it?
I love traveling in time through my love of ballet! What a journey this is! Every week, on www.pink-tutu.com, we discover something wonderful about ballet. I hope you enjoyed my little adventure today - I can’t wait to explore ballet history with you all again next Tuesday! You know where to find me – just join me on my blog and I will tell you all the inside secrets on ballet, fashion, and travel…
And, as always darling tutus, wear pink!
Lots of love, Emma xxx
Don’t Forget to Travel with me!
Have I inspired you to learn more? Want to discover more amazing Tutu Tuesdays? Join me at www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for new ballet and fashion adventures and explore ballet's magical history! You know what to do - grab a fluffy blanket, put on your favourite music ( I can hear the Nutcracker Suite just calling to me!), and settle in! And don't forget - embrace pink!
