Bonjour, darling dancers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving, time-traveling ballet aficionado, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls!
This week, we're taking a trip back in time to December 15th, 1953, a year of big hair, bigger dresses, and some of the most iconic ballet performances ever seen! Buckle up, because we're about to hop on the Orient Express (and I'm definitely wearing my pink tutu, naturally) to discover what was happening in the wonderful world of dance all those years ago.
Oh, and did I mention? My travel expenses are paid for by performing! Last week I found myself back in 19th Century Russia (a rather fabulous trip) doing a pas de deux with the great Marius Petipa. (Just you wait until you hear about that one - he wore the most flamboyant red trousers!)
Speaking of Russia... Remember how the iconic 'tutu' we all know and love began its life? Well, today weāre celebrating the incredible, groundbreaking legacy of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. You see, in the late 19th Century, it was all about the 'tutu longue'. You know, those long, voluminous skirts that could've comfortably fitted two or three people? Well, Anna, that icon of elegant femininity and poise, had the daring, to shorten them! What a visionary! It's a story that weāll have to revisit at another time, darlings.
So, back to 1953. It was a pivotal year for dance! Here are some Tutu-licious tidbits from our travels:
Margot Fonteyn - the darling of the Royal Ballet was in the midst of her most famous performances. You know, the ones that were so good, they became part of ballet history. Sheād go on to perform Giselle - the grande dame of all ballets, and many other roles - so youād have had a real treat seeing her live, wouldn't you agree?
Did you know that on this very date in Paris - yes, the City of Love, (where else!?) - a young lady called Sylvie Guillem, future star of the Paris Opera Ballet was born? Thatās one future ballet superstar ready to shine!
Speaking of Paris, what would ballet be without its haute couture? Now, if you fancy a whimsical twirl in a beautiful dress, why not grab a lovely afternoon tea in your most charming toile - pink, naturally, and imagine youāre a ballerina just taking a break from rehearsal.
Now let's discuss fashion, shall we?
Oh, how I love a good ballet-inspired look! You see, when Iām time traveling, itās not just about the dancing ā it's the inspiration. For today, weāre going to look back at the beautiful and stylish fashion of 1953. This was a year of refined elegance - the Grace Kelly era, donāt you know? Fitted silhouettes, flowing skirts ā it was all very graceful and sophisticated, not unlike the perfect ballet tutu. We had gorgeous* full skirts* ā think āBelle de Jourā - all tulle, and oh-so-dreamy!
Hereās a top tip: If you want to make a statement without the need for pointe shoes, * try a lovely blush-colored full skirt, *with a tucked in, white blouse and a simple belt. It's perfect for dancing, waltzing around your garden, or just twirling for joy in your kitchen! Now thatās a look that makes you feel truly āen pointeā.
Speaking of waltzing, let's talk about the beautiful music and stories we see unfold in ballets. Today's soundtrack was "La fille mal gardĆ©e" (The Wayward Daughter). Imagine! Romantic comedy set in 1953! You wouldnāt believe how many times my mother took me to watch it at the Royal Opera House in London! Such an absolute classic!
The year 1953, however, wasn't all tutus and glitter, darlings. It was the year when a new choreography style arrived. This one we'll have to explore together another time! It will involve a whirlwind of creative genius!
But now, you dear, lovely dancers, what are your favorite things to do for #TutuTuesday? Are you creating beautiful en pointe poses in your most fabulous tulle? Are you visiting the theatre? Maybe you are having a #TutuTuesday afternoon tea with your friends! Share your magical moments, Iād love to hear all about your wonderful day!
Donāt forget, darling dancers, I want you all to wear a pink tutu today! I just know it's the perfect way to celebrate Tutu-loving all things tulle and twirls! Now, keep those tutus twirling!
Lots of love, from yours truly,
Emma.
P.S. If you're a pink tutu enthusiast, you can find even more Tutu-tastic content on our website, www.pink-tutu.com! Don't forget to share your ballet-themed adventures on social media and use the hashtag #TutuTuesday - let's spread the love for all things tutu-ful! You can even find me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu. And until next Tuesday, darling dancers!
