#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 20th March 1951!
Post #6221
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time! This week I'm whisked back to 20th March 1951 - oh, the excitement! - to explore the world of ballet tutus, and let me tell you, there's much to discover!
Remember, my loves, the humble tutu started as a way for ballerinas to show off their lovely legs! Those lovely flowing skirts? Well, they came from the 19th century, back when ballet was all about showing off graceful limbs. It was during the Romantic era, and you just couldn't beat a full skirt billowing around those amazing pirouettes, could you?
Now, back in 1951, ballet was going through a rather splendid shift. The famous ballerina, Margot Fonteyn, was already gracing the stage with her breathtaking performances. She truly was a visionary, one of those women who knew how to capture a look with such effortless grace. Can you believe she had her own signature tutu for 'The Sleeping Beauty'? A dreamy affair of tulle and silk, of course! But imagine how those big skirts would have impeded a fast-paced pas de deux! That's where the innovation started happening - a shortening of the skirt, a more compact and sleek shape that would make leaps and fouettés all the more magical!
So, imagine my delight on stepping onto a stage in Paris in 1951! It's Paris, darlings, the birthplace of fashion, where they make everything chic! But even better, we're going to see a ballet performance! Can you guess what's on tonight? I know you're dying to find out! It's "La Sylphide"! Such a beautiful ballet - those ethereal sprites floating about, with the sweetest of melodies in the air. Just wonderful!
What's it like for me, though? My mission, remember, is to bring a bit of tutus everywhere, so imagine me waltzing into that glamorous Parisian café after the show - you know, the ones with the tables outside and all that elegant charm - sporting my most fabulous pink tutu. Such a head-turning look, darling, it's impossible not to feel like a princess!
The Parisian people, darling, they are so elegant! Every woman has that effortless flair - even the ladies who work in the cafes have a touch of something stylish. Such lovely scarves, you see, and dresses that swirl like ballet skirts themselves! Now, that's a true testament to good style. I even spotted a few ladies sporting a shorter skirt that wouldn't get in the way of a beautiful, effortless, twirl! Perhaps they are starting to understand the beauty of tutus... wink wink!
Speaking of Parisian elegance, let me tell you about the incredible shopping. I mean, come on, how can a girl who adores everything ballet possibly resist! Imagine the array of exquisite gowns - satin and lace, all beautifully beaded and in colours to match every whim. Oh, the colour palette! Pale pinks and light blues, and even some shades of that most glamorous jewel tone: emerald green. It is like walking into a ballet dream!
It's not all tutus and frocks though, darling. I did have a spot of tea in a charming Parisian salon - all velvet armchairs and dainty floral teacups. Oh, and let's not forget those perfectly placed scones! Divine. I even spied some young ballerinas practicing at the Paris Opera House - can you imagine how exquisite their studio would be? All mirrors, mahogany barres, and delicate sunlight streaming through beautiful French windows! I wish I could practice with them - all those graceful moves, the precision of their steps. The energy of ballet is infectious.
You know, darlings, what's the beauty of travelling through time with my trusty tutu? I'm able to experience history with my own unique perspective. I'm here to encourage you all to think about those beautiful moments from the past, to see fashion as more than just clothes, to see it as a way to express our unique personalities! Now, if you'll excuse me, my train's leaving soon! This is where you come in, darlings. I can't do this alone! Share your own love for ballet, tutus, and everything pink on my social channels and #PinkTutuHistory You're a part of this, so let's spread the love together!
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com Every week I have a new #TutuTuesday story and inspiration - even ballet classes for beginners! Let's make the world a bit more fabulous, one pink tutu at a time! See you next week!
Emma xx