Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dose of #TutuTuesday! This week, my time machine has whisked me back to March 30th, 1954, a glorious year for fashion and ballet.
I must confess, dear readers, I have a secret: I'm absolutely obsessed with the history of ballet costumes. It's not just the tutus, although they hold a special place in my heart. I love to learn about how dancers' clothes have evolved, from the floor-length skirts of the Renaissance to the sleek lines of modern dance. And as for tutus, theyāre simply irresistible - a whirlwind of tulle and delight.
And my lovely readers, donāt you just love how each tutu reflects the changing moods and trends of its time? They tell a story of art, fashion, and female power. It's like a sartorial ballet all its own.
A Glimpse into 1954 - The Fabulous Fifties!
Stepping off the train (yes, you read that right ā my journey today involved a glamorous trip on the railway), I felt like I'd stepped straight onto the set of a classic film! Think Doris Day, bright colours, and that ever-so-slightly cinched-in waist.
The air was electric with the excitement of the 1950s, a decade brimming with creativity and burgeoning possibilities! Think of this period as the ballet version of "Happy Days" - just a little bit more sophisticated. In the world of dance, ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Moira Shearer were gracing stages worldwide, embodying a perfect blend of elegance and athleticism. And guess what? I just got the most fantastic pair of shoes to match - perfect for twirling and prancing! They are made from the most beautiful pink silk, oh I simply cannot wait to dance in them. I will definitely share a photo of them next week, so be sure to check back!
The Ballet World in 1954
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the ballet! March 30th was a rather exciting date in the ballet world. I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted a flyer advertising a new production by the Royal Ballet. I donāt have time for too many spoilers, but trust me, this was a landmark moment for the company, paving the way for future ballet trends and a resurgence of classical works! I think I can definitely sense a change coming! Oh, it is just so thrilling and wonderful and delightful and lovely!
Fashion Spotlight
It would be amiss if I didn't talk about the absolute knockout that is 1950s fashion. Itās no wonder that Diorās āNew Lookā swept the world by storm! Picture this: flowing skirts, waists so tiny you could pinch them (metaphorically, of course, we love curves, right? ), and an absolute explosion of vibrant colours.
Even the tutu is undergoing a delightful change! It still maintains its quintessential shape ā we wouldn't have it any other way! ā but with the 1950s comes a new flourish. It is no longer simply about classical ballet.
In fact, one of the exciting developments was the emergence of āBallet Russe.ā Did you know this was where a tutu style emerged known as the āRomantic Tutu?ā Now we are talking - long flowing layers of tulle - simply perfect! And it really speaks to my sense of style - it's feminine, airy and, of course, completely captivating!
Tutus Galore
Speaking of tutus, just a quick mention of that pink ballet skirt that everyone was talking about - a fluffy delight known as the āPink Princessā tutu! Can you even imagine the glorious symphony of pink twirling across the stage? Honestly, itās enough to make a ballerina swoon!
*And of course, where I am I would be remiss if I didn't talk about a particular "Pink Tutu" ballet - it's a total must-see! I'm not sure if I can tell you anything about this one - I must keep this one hush-hush for now. If you want to know you'll have to get back to me soon. You will see why, just wait, it is simply divine. Oh yes it is. But a little hint? Just picture a whimsical pink cloud - and you're almost there. You know what I mean donāt you?! It's all about imagination, dreams, and - of course - tutus! *
I can tell this is going to be a grand week in the world of ballet, filled with fabulous performances, shopping, and plenty of tutu-related activities, oh my goodness. I am utterly ecstatic! Now Iāve a million and one things to attend to but, of course, you all know Iāll be sharing it all next Tuesday - same time, same place. And before I leave for the big day donāt forget the pink tutu rule, one tutu per person and I encourage you to spread the tutu love! Until next Tuesday - keep twirling, my dear tutu-loving friends, and letās dance into the weekend!
Emma, The Pink Tutu Blogger
PS - Youāre all my best ballet friends and if youāre in London, Iām in the vicinity of Kensington on Wednesday at 2 PM in my glorious new pink shoes ā I'm in the process of shopping for my wardrobe, maybe Iāll meet a few new tutu fans there, who knows! It will be pinkalicious. Oh yes. And then who knows - next Tuesday we might go on an exciting trip and a spot of shopping. This year it's about finding the perfect pink shoes to complement that magical "Pink Tutuā ballet ā I mean, a ballet skirt in shades of pink, with those soft romantic lines! The world of fashion - and tutus - has just got to see it! I think this one could just make history.
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