Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous journey through the history of this most wonderful garment. This Tuesday, I’ve popped my time travel suitcase into a lovely cherry red vintage train, and we’re off to the heart of ballet, Paris in 1953! Oh là là!
The train's gentle swaying feels positively balletic, and the sunshine filtering through the window illuminates my perfectly pink tutu. (A little secret – it’s this season’s latest design from La Boutique, in a luscious, vibrant hue they call 'Pink Champagne.' Divine!)
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us to the year 1953, a truly glittering era for ballet. This was a time when tutus were truly taking flight – no longer just practical undergarments for dancers but dazzling pieces of art, capturing the essence of movement and grace.
Think flowing tulle skirts in shimmering silk and delicate lace, beautifully crafted to make each pirouette and arabesque seem even more effortless. And, of course, we’re in Paris, where fashion is practically an Olympic sport. Imagine those tutus, meticulously created with every last detail, paired with delicate pointe shoes, and oh my, the headbands and necklaces! Just imagining those fabulous dance costumes brings a thrill!
I have a wonderful secret for you: 1953 was the year of the world premiere of “La Fille Mal Gardée”, (also known as “The Unruly Daughter”), one of my absolute favourite ballets. You can imagine my excitement!
The world premiere, orchestrated by the legendary Serge Lifar and choreographed by the fabulous John Cranko, graced the Parisian stage with the perfect balance of elegance and whimsy. It was a visual treat!
Now, imagine all the deliciousness of a grand theatre, its velvet seating inviting you to sink into a blissful cocoon of elegant sound and graceful motion. The orchestra swells, and the ballet commences, a glorious parade of colour and movement under the spotlight’s glare. A hush descends on the audience as every heart holds its breath for a single graceful step, every elegant arabesque.
But wait! There's so much more to this time than just ballet. Let's rewind to earlier this year in 1953 - imagine me stepping into the heart of fashion's playground: The fashion houses of Paris! Picture those amazing designer gowns, flowing in a cascade of colour. Imagine the intricate embroidery, the dramatic silhouettes!
One thing that makes 1953 especially intriguing for a tutu enthusiast like myself is the resurgence of the full skirt. Think of a symphony of graceful flounces and pleats, capturing the spirit of a ballerina's flowing movements! I've seen it – it's truly a sight to behold!
From grand tulle skirts that swept across Parisian streets to the romantic pastel tones that adorned the fashion scene, I find myself swept away in this dreamy Parisian tapestry. Paris, in 1953, was the place where ballet met couture, and what a wondrous sight it must have been.
To be transported back to such a time is truly enchanting, like stepping into a beautiful, shimmering dream! And what's more? My travel is funded entirely by ballet! Each week, I attend stunning shows, each a little window into a new and dazzling ballet story. Then I put on my tutu and dance – it’s a lifestyle, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Of course, no time travel adventure would be complete without a shopping spree! This weekend, I'm headed to a beautiful vintage shop nestled in the cobbled lanes of the Montmartre area, hoping for a 1950s find. (Fingers crossed it's a tutu!)
And what about you, fellow Tutu Tuesday enthusiasts? Tell me, what fascinates you most about the history of the tutu? What are your favourite ballet stories, and how does it make you feel? Don’t forget to leave your comments on our blog and be sure to tag your social media posts with #TutuTuesday! After all, every day is an opportunity to twirl and spread the joy!
Until next week, may your twirls be plentiful, and your spirits soar like ballerinas.
XOXO, Emma, your time-travelling tutu-enthusiast.
