#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1954-06-15

Bonjour mes chéries!

This week I’ve travelled right back to the dazzling 50s, and where better to be than Paris? You might not think this but this is a landmark moment in tutu history! It’s June the 15th, 1954. We’re about to see a complete game changer in dancewear, with a famous new dance company on the scene! I know, I know. You all can’t believe I’m not in London, right? Well, my darlings, the heart of the dance world has moved to Paris for just a bit! Let’s go find out why, and, as always, what’s going on in tutu land.

My outfit for this time-traveling spree is naturally something very chic and très Parisian. My gorgeous new tutu is a heavenly confection of the palest pink satin, a fluffy pouf of pink tulle that would have had Marie Antoinette green with envy. A dainty black velvet ribbon cinches the waist, with the sweetest little bow just at the side, just a touch of drama for this romantic outfit. It goes so well with my Parisian-inspired pearl necklace and delicate earrings. (Oh, the accessories are my real love! They really are a must for the Parisian look).

To finish off my outfit, I’m sporting my adorable pink-lined beret (it just makes you look so glamorous and effortlessly French) and matching black pumps. Now let's head off and have a little look around, and find out all the fabulous goings-on!

I have to say I love arriving by train. Watching the world rush past is so calming. Oh, but let me get back to Paris... The minute you get to Gare du Nord, there’s an air of chicness in the air. Even the cafe workers look effortlessly stylish! Every street feels like something straight out of a classic movie! Paris is just brimming with so much magic and wonder!

We all know that this era was all about grace, elegance, and, above all, femininity – which naturally ties in perfectly with my favourite attire – you guessed it - tutus!

It’s hard not to be completely absorbed in the beauty and elegance of Paris. It’s truly intoxicating and I’m trying desperately to soak up every single minute. The most important place to be, as every ballet enthusiast knows, is in the very heart of the action. So that’s where we’re headed - straight to the Paris Opera!

Right now the Paris Opera is home to a group of dancers you've got to be so excited to hear about because they’re the real trailblazers of ballet, they’re revolutionizing tutus just as we speak, they're the absolute stars of dance! And guess what? This is the very moment when they are just getting their feet off the ground - and wow, how exciting! These darlings? The Ballets des Champs-Élysées.

I must be honest - the Paris Opera has got me speechless! The Opéra Garnier itself is a work of art! It’s as beautiful as you’d imagine from the pictures – those gorgeous frescoes, those golden staircases... it’s breathtaking.

Oh, I’ve such wonderful news – and you are all so going to be thrilled about this – because guess what, they're starting to design their own line of tutus! I mean imagine, their dancers looking as stunning and perfectly chic in the absolutely best ballet outfits imaginable! How brilliant is this? I’m hoping that the very first tutus from the Ballets des Champs-Élysées company will soon find their way onto my very own pink tutu shelf.

What makes this moment in time so special is the utter perfection of the silhouette. I mean, think about it… those gorgeous, flowing evening gowns that were all the rage, with their emphasis on the waist and the graceful flow of the fabric! The ballerina, especially, is going to be in the heart of the fashion world in the 1950s. The tutu’s become an extension of those classic designs – it defines the woman’s body – elegant, graceful, feminine. Every movement of the tutu’s a subtle nod to all that fashion excellence. I adore the soft pastels, and the light, delicate fabrics - everything’s about lightness and airiness, and creating this ethereal aura. You really can't help but feel extraordinarily elegant when you're whipped up in one of these graceful numbers - oh the pure pleasure! Just one of the many reasons I love going to ballet shows!

Of course, it’s no secret that Paris in this decade knows a thing or two about fashion. Paris was already the centre of the world of couture. Every new fashion development ripples out across the whole globe. I know so many designers and couturiers in Paris (yes, I've got the best gossip on who’s who). So it's really not surprising to me at all to see these amazing Parisian designs being copied by people all around the world, it's absolutely infectious! I can’t wait to see this chicness of the tutu travel from the stage right through to every ballerina's wardrobe, no matter how far flung in the world their studios might be.

This is going to be one superstar era for ballet fashion and I'm here to see every last detail!

### Ballet Everywhere!

But Paris isn’t the only place buzzing with dance these days! From London to New York to all over Europe and even down under, we’re in a period of total ballet fever, and I love it! The fashion influence has been so big because everyone's dancing!.

When I pop on over to the shops I'm so delighted by all the new and wonderful tutus. Every ballerina dreams about looking her best - but you have to be mindful that a good tutu takes a bit of money. Thankfully it's really taken off so now tutus are getting much cheaper, they're much more affordable for everyone, and it’s much easier for all the aspiring ballerinas to find exactly the right one. Now that's just what we like to hear, isn't it?!

I love hopping on the Eurostar down to London for a few days - because I'm just in time for a little show in the Covent Garden! This beautiful building has the grandest feel to it – a truly iconic landmark of ballet in this fabulous city!

Now, a lot of you love London ballet as much as I do – and you'll want to know all about the dancers – this time it’s all about the *Royal Ballet, everyone's raving about them, just you wait and see what they get up to this year – they're such a big name! And their tutus? Well, that’s a real delight! London’s really taking all this chic elegance to a new level with its ballet performances, that's why there’s such a love of ballet, dance and the tutu here in the UK! It really does feel like everyone’s swooning over ballet fashion – and just imagine, everyone wearing tutus in their daily lives! Now, that would just make my day. It's the perfect blend of style and art that the Royal Ballet so perfectly portrays.

This summer there's an amazing festival happening in London. We're totally going to have a riot at the Royal Ballet’s Midsummer Festival of Dance! Imagine dancing beneath the moonlight, that just has a sparkling glamour to it, doesn't it? The beauty of that moment just calls for a truly extravagant tutu. I think a bright pink confection, flowing and swishing in the warm evening air might be perfect, right? You see, darling? You never can have too many tutus!

Here’s my fashion prediction – and listen up, all you chic ballerina’s, this is one to make you truly jealous! – tutus are so going to take center stage. And this means one thing: the design of tutus is about to become much more innovative, just you wait! We’re seeing a real evolution here, just watch and be surprised. More and more emphasis on flowing fabric, less focus on those starched, perfectly-structured designs, and so many beautiful light, soft materials – just wait to see the incredible, dreamy tulle you’re going to be able to twirl around in, It's all about making movement beautiful and fluid – which makes my little dancing heart leap with joy!

Now, we have to admit that’s a good thing, because these more traditional tutus were always a tiny bit difficult to move around in. Ballet, let’s be honest, is about expressing emotions and stories through our bodily movements. When you look and feel sensational in your tutu then it gives you all the confidence you need to dance and to twirl, and to tell all your beautiful stories, it’s all about taking flight with your dance. You can move in a free and flowing way that simply couldn't have been done in the earlier designs. The movement, my dears, is what truly gives the dancer her wings, and that’s why tutus are always in such high demand – they're just made for taking to the stage.

As always, there’s so much excitement in the air. And the world of the ballet tutu is constantly evolving – and that makes my heart jump for joy. I am absolutely thrilled about the direction tutu fashion is heading. It’s all about creativity, style, elegance – what’s not to adore? And let's be honest, every day feels like a chance to get your tutus on – just go with the flow.

Well, that's it, darlings. You have heard it all – and all I have to say is, make sure you are ready for the excitement and exhilaration of ballet. Join me at www.pink-tutu.com next week to see what sparkly ballet tutu goodness I unearth, I have a feeling the new trends will make your eyes sparkle. See you next week, mes chéries!

Au revoir!

Emma xx