Welcome back, my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, and it's time for another edition of #TutuTuesday, the weekly chronicle of the world's most wonderful garment: the tutu! This week we're jetting back to October 21st, 1952, and trust me, dear readers, the tutu scene was a-twirling!
(Just a quick note, darling: this is post #6304 for my Ballet Tutu History blog! Fancy popping over to www.pink-tutu.com and catching up on some of my other escapades? We've got quite the collection there!)
Now, 1952! What a year to be a ballet fan. The Royal Opera House was abuzz, my dear. It was a golden age for ballet, the world of silk, and, you guessed it, tutus! My trusty vintage travel case was packed full of my favourite pink tulle (oh, how I adore that delicate pink shade!), and I was ready to soak in all the ballet glory!
(My little secret: funding this time travel gig is no mean feat, but thank goodness for the generous audiences at those splendid ballets. The roar of the crowd after a performance just makes me want to twirl and twirl!)
On October 21st, 1952, the Royal Ballet was preparing to take the stage with a production of "Giselle". Just the name sends a shiver of excitement down my spine, doesn't it? This iconic romantic ballet is an absolute showstopper, with its flowing white tutus, expressive storytelling, and breathtaking artistry. It’s a must-see for any true ballet fan.
Speaking of artistry, my love for tutus extends beyond the stage, dear readers! This period was a delightful whirlwind of new fashion ideas. The "New Look", you know, those exquisite, full skirts designed by Christian Dior, absolutely revolutionized the silhouette, making those bell-shaped forms the ultimate feminine style. And believe me, it played right into the tutu’s elegant, playful mood. A perfectly shaped, perfectly voluminous tutu? It was just the finishing touch!
(You see, I have a little theory, darlings, about how these new looks were, in a way, influenced by the elegance and charm of the tutu. Just look at how it flows, how it swishes with every turn, how it embraces the movement of the body... Isn't it magic?)
To imagine my joy at hopping onto a train (a "Pullman", of course – the carriages were so spacious and luxurious back then!) and finding myself on a little fashion escapade in the heart of London! Oxford Street was just overflowing with beautiful things. Oh, those lovely department stores, with their impeccable displays and stunning millinery. But the highlight? It's the arrival of "Terylene", the first commercially available synthetic fabric. Imagine a tutu made of it, strong, yet soft and delicate, a complete revolution! This discovery truly shifted the fashion scene, opening a world of exciting new possibilities for fabrics.
That same day, the world held its breath as the US military unveiled their newest jet bomber, the Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Can you imagine, dear readers? A colossal flying machine of incredible power soaring through the sky!
(You know what would really add some glamour to those flying behemoths? A ribbon of pink tulle fluttering from the wing, just a little touch of whimsical charm. 😉 )
But let's be honest, darling, the real star of October 21st, 1952, was the tutu! A reminder that every twirl, every leap, every elegant gesture in a tutu is a celebration of artistry and joy. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want a little bit of that in their lives?
(My advice, dear readers: get yourself a tutu, find a beautiful park, and twirl! The world is waiting to be twirled into!)
And with that, my loves, I'll be off again to my next destination in time! Make sure you join me again next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep your head high, your hearts open, and don't forget to wear a pink tutu (it's the perfect accessory for every day of the week!)
Love, Emma 💖
