Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the delightful world of tutus! As always, it's #TutuTuesday, and this week we're hopping on a magical train journey to a glamorous past. Let's take a twirl back to 20th October 1953, shall we?
You know me, I love nothing more than slipping into a fabulous pink tutu and taking a trip through time, courtesy of my extraordinary performances on stage. My latest performance, a grand production of "Swan Lake," brought in enough to send me to the glamorous world of… New York City! Imagine my delight when I got to travel on a vintage train across the States - all those sleek carriages and the whistle blowing, simply divine!
Now, before I get swept away in my latest adventure, let’s talk tutus. 1953 – can you believe it? In this year, the tutu was experiencing a bit of a renaissance! You see, the Romantic tutus of the 19th century were already a thing of the past. After the wild experiments of the Ballets Russes and Diaghilev’s innovative ballet styles, tutus started to take a slightly different shape.
But don’t worry! While the big tutus were starting to see less of the stage, the more modern tutu - what we’d now call the "classic tutu," was in full bloom! Imagine delicate layers of tulle, oh so pretty and light! It’s still the shape we know and love, a truly delightful combination of femininity and artistry. Imagine the graceful movements, the sheer artistry of a ballerina gracefully gliding across the stage. The tutu is simply the perfect complement, don't you think?
And don’t think this was the end of tutu innovation! There were even those bold ballerinas, truly ahead of their time, who were starting to explore even shorter tutus. The concept of ballet being playful and daring was starting to grow! The short tutus were often paired with tights, creating a new look for dancers.
Oh, but it doesn’t stop there! 1953, and you'll find there was a revival of a love for the pas de deux. Isn’t that lovely? Seeing the artistry and grace of two dancers performing together is absolutely beautiful, it always makes me feel all the happy feels! If you want to find a gorgeous pair to watch in action, why not look up Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, or Erik Bruhn and Moira Shearer. Now that’s a dream cast! It just reminds us, again and again, of the enduring magic of ballet.
Of course, my trip to the states wasn't just about ballet! A visit to NYC wasn't complete without exploring some truly iconic fashion hotspots! Saks Fifth Avenue - how fabulous! I fell in love with all the elegant frocks and hats, they reminded me of those chic women in my beloved Agatha Christie novels! I also wandered through some wonderful vintage stores, finding some truly special gems for my tutu collection!
Speaking of which, did you know that there’s even a connection between the rise of ballet and the creation of taffeta, that wonderfully crisp fabric that looks like a perfect reflection of a tutu? This amazing material revolutionized ballet by allowing ballerinas to move even more gracefully. How marvelous is that?
The more I learn about tutus, the more I appreciate how truly enchanting they are! A piece of fashion that truly stands the test of time, a delightful symbol of femininity and art. There's always something new to discover in the history of the tutu. They evolve, they transform, but they never lose that quintessential grace and beauty!
So what are you waiting for? If you don't have your own pink tutu already, pop out to the shops today, darlings! Get out your fabrics, sew yourselves a sparkly wonder, and take a twirl!
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep on twirling and always remember: there’s a perfect tutu for everyone. You can be a dazzling ballerina, a delightful princess, or even just a happy, sassy girl living her best life - it's your world and you're in charge!
See you next Tuesday!
Yours truly,
Emma, Your Pink Tutu Loving Time-Travelling Ballerina xx
