Hello my dearest tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to the magical world of ballet!
Today, on this lovely #TutuTuesday, I'm taking you on a journey back to a time of glamorous dancers and iconic tutus - 1951! Buckle up, darling, because this trip's going to be filled with beautiful fabrics, iconic ballerinas, and, of course, a whole lot of pink!
Now, you know how much I adore travelling by train. I recently took a whistle-stop trip back to 1951 via a rather elegant vintage sleeper car. After all, one can't time travel in style without a luxurious railway carriage. And, honestly, what's more fitting for a ballet fan than being swept back in time, like the swirling tulle of a ballerina's tutu?
My destination? The heart of the ballet world - London! It was simply brimming with ballet fever back then. I took in a beautiful production at the Royal Opera House on June 12th - the very date we're focusing on today, darlings. The Royal Ballet was dazzling as ever, featuring a spectacular rendition of The Sleeping Beauty, a favourite ballet of mine even today! I particularly adored the shimmering, vibrant colours of the costumes - that gorgeous blue, a dash of scarlet red, and of course, my absolute favourite, pink!
Speaking of pink, did you know that the tutus worn by dancers in the 1950s had a completely different look compared to today? It was all about that flowing, billowing shape! Imagine swathes of silk and satin, draped and meticulously gathered, creating this almost fairytale-like, ethereal feel.
I'm not going to lie - my heart skipped a beat as I witnessed these breathtakingly graceful ballerinas gracefully glide across the stage. They were truly masters of their art, and their movements were just as graceful and beautiful as their tutus. But you know me, darlings, I just had to snag a few treasures from London's most exquisite shops.
One of my absolute must-visits was Liberty in Regent Street. It was a veritable dreamland of exquisite fabrics, trims, and embellishments! They had these magnificent silks, perfectly weighted for crafting the most ethereal tutus, and delicate ribbons to accentuate every twirl.
The House of Worth, in Bond Street, was also a joy to explore. Imagine a kaleidoscope of colours, all those luscious satins and shimmering chiffons... perfect for giving my wardrobe a little 1950s flair! I just had to add some pieces of that incredible Parisian haute couture to my collection! A bit of the 1950s in my wardrobe is always welcome!
Of course, my time travel journey isn't just about the dresses! I found out that 1951 was also a remarkable year for ballet in Britain! The legendary Margot Fonteyn, a name that is forever etched in the annals of ballet history, was at the height of her career! Can you imagine the thrill of witnessing such a talented ballerina in her prime? I practically levitated!
Now, to really appreciate the sheer elegance of 1950s ballet fashion, you need to look beyond the costumes. Let’s talk hairstyles, darlings! Those perfect, intricate buns were the height of style.
Think ballet dancers sporting impossibly elegant chignons adorned with jeweled hair combs and fresh flowers. Of course, I made sure to snag a few combs myself – they're all the rage, even amongst the modern ballet dancers back in my own time! But remember, if you're wearing a beautiful pink tutu, be sure to adorn your hair with pink!
Oh, the elegance of 1950s London! Not only did the ballerinas have impeccable style but also the audience was dressed to impress. Dresses with full skirts,gloves and feather boas were just some of the essentials. And yes, you guessed it, plenty of pink was also on show! Even the men sported stylish suits with matching hats - it was the golden age of gentlemen's style!
It was all very sophisticated, with a touch of Hollywood glam. Imagine Audrey Hepburn gliding through a grand ballroom, with that perfect combination of elegance and a touch of mischief - it was this effortless air of Parisian chic, but with a distinctly British charm.
As the trip drew to a close, I realized that a lot of the fashion sense I love in my own time is very similar to what was worn in the 1950s, a time of elegant design and classic style. But let’s face it, what really binds us together is that love of ballet and all things pink!
Of course, every trip requires a souvenir. I picked up an exquisite vintage ballet poster, showing the elegant Sleeping Beauty design. You can see it now on my blog here. What do you think of it?
And there you have it, my dear tutu fans, a glimpse into 1951 through the eyes of your very own, ever-so-pink tutu-clad time traveler! I simply adore discovering those little tidbits of ballet history - it really reminds me of how lucky we are to have access to so many amazing ballet experiences today. After all, just look at how much those early ballet dancers embraced elegance and style!
So, until next Tuesday, be sure to wear pink! It’s not just a colour - it’s a passion, an attitude, a way of life!
Until then, happy twirling!
Lots of love, Emma 💖
