Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina blogger, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday adventure. Today we’re hopping in my time machine – oh, it’s just a beautiful vintage train carriage, of course! – and taking a trip back to August 5th, 1952!
Hold onto your hats, darlings, because today’s tutu history is full of sparkling glamour! Now, I'm from Derbyshire, you know, and a good cuppa and a proper cream tea always sets the tone for any historical excursion. So, let’s grab some sandwiches and settle in to find out what tutu tales are awaiting us!
1952! Now, the 1950s are all about glamour, wouldn't you agree? We’re thinking Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and lots of fluffy skirts!
Now, let's jump straight into the action. The year 1952 was a particularly busy one for ballet. In Paris, we see the iconic Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris putting on a stunning performance of "La Fille Mal Gardée". Imagine it, darlings: beautiful costumes, exquisite pointe work, and the delightful melodies of Ferdinand Herold filling the air!
But, darlings, it’s not just in Europe where tutu magic was happening! Right here in the USA, the New York City Ballet were just wrapping up their 7th season with George Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco", an absolutely breathtaking work set to Bach! Just picture the tutued elegance, the swirling grace, and that majestic music - oh, I simply have to see this in the flesh. Perhaps that’ll be another travel destination!
While we're here in 1952, let's chat a little bit about what the ladies were wearing back then. Now, 1952 was all about defining the waist. And what better way to accentuate those graceful lines than with a beautiful ballet-inspired, A-line skirt? I mean, let's face it, darling, the ladies knew it!
And did I tell you about the shoes? It's the decade of the elegant stiletto, the cute pointed toe and the ever-so-feminine slingback. So, darling, here's what we’ll do. This week, to celebrate this gorgeous era, we'll add a touch of classic 1950s chic to our look: pair our tutu with a lovely little cardigan and those darling little slingback shoes! Who needs ballet flats when you've got stilettos? Just imagine the strut down the street. It’s enough to give the boys a nosebleed! Oh, let's go shopping this afternoon, shall we?
But wait, there’s more, darlings! Not only is 1952 buzzing with fabulous ballet, but we're also talking the glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth II! Can you imagine, darling? This phenomenal woman had just begun her reign as the Queen of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and the Head of the Commonwealth. She is truly inspiring, and such a great example for a fabulous feminine woman to look up to, don’t you think?
But now, I have to go, darlings, my next ballet class starts in five minutes. I promise to bring more #TutuTuesday tidbits from the wonderful world of ballet and fashion next week!
And remember, until then, keep those tutus twirling, those spirits bright and let's try to spread some pink tutu magic in the world, one dance step at a time.
Your time-traveling tutu-loving blogger,
Emma.
P.S: Don't forget to follow me on all the social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest! I even have my own hashtag now: #EmmassTutuTales! Until next Tuesday, darlings!
