Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! This is Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another fascinating foray into the history of the tutu. Today, we're travelling to the 14th of September, 1954, to delve into the world of tutus just a little while before I was even born, can you imagine? 🤯
This week's #TutuTuesday finds us in the heart of ballet’s beloved Paris, where the City of Lights is already shimmering with artistic inspiration. The fashion scene is buzzing with new ideas and styles, and in ballet, it’s no different!
Imagine cobbled Parisian streets lined with charming cafes, the air fragrant with freshly baked bread and the music of accordions. Inside the grand Palais Garnier Opera House, with its ornate ceilings and gilded chandeliers, we can practically feel the thrill of a ballet performance, where elegance and grace are at the heart of it all!
And it was on this day, the 14th of September 1954, that the legendary Margot Fonteyn was making waves in the world of ballet with her graceful artistry! She had a phenomenal influence on the world of ballet at the time, paving the way for dancers like myself with her beautiful talent and devotion to her craft.
It was, as it was back then, a privilege to watch ballerinas glide across the stage, their tutus swirling around them like clouds. A beautifully tailored tutu, designed to catch the light and spin with ease, was as much a part of the ballet spectacle as the graceful steps and expressions themselves.
Imagine the exquisite tulle and exquisite craftsmanship involved in these Parisian tutu masterpieces, darling. You could say that my own love for all things pink began here, with those captivating ballet tutus, all that beautiful soft tulle and that hint of Parisian romance – the dream! ✨
Of course, Parisian fashion of this time was all about chic elegance. Dior’s “New Look” had swept the fashion world, with its focus on femininity, with emphasis on cinched waists and full skirts. That same focus on romantic elegance, on creating beautiful, ethereal silhouettes with delicate fabrics, was at the heart of the ballet tutu in those years.
And it was around this time, that ballerinas began to embrace different tutu styles beyond the traditional romantic tutus, with their shorter, more form-fitting, lightweight tulle.
Can you picture, for a moment, the wonderful combination of a beautifully detailed pink tulle tutu with an immaculate Dior dress, and perfectly manicured nails? A sight to behold! I'm certain a touch of pink, even in a delicate shade like baby pink, would be the perfect touch for that Dior “New Look”! 💕
This #TutuTuesday journey has brought me so much inspiration! The story of ballet and the development of tutus has been such a rich and captivating journey – an adventure in style and art! There is so much more to discover, from the delicate construction of tutus, to the evolution of their style through the ages, with so many incredible ballerinas to learn about.
Don’t forget to pop by www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for a new #TutuTuesday installment and tell me all about your favourite ballet styles! I have so much more to tell you about the incredible story of the tutu and, of course, I'll be travelling the world and experiencing all the newest trends and fashion shows - you never know where our time-traveling adventures may take us!
Until next time darlings, wear your pink with confidence! And let your inner ballerina shine! 🩰💕
Much love,
Emma x
Emma’s Top Tips For The Perfect Ballet LookIt's all about bringing the glamour of the theatre into your everyday life. So let me share a little Parisian elegance with you in the form of a few simple tips to give your wardrobe that chic and fashionable flair.
The magic of pink: Embrace pink! As you know, it's the shade that truly reflects the beauty of tutus, and, like a sprinkle of magic, can elevate any outfit from simple to fabulous.
Effortless grace: Think delicate fabrics like silk and lace, flowing fabrics, a fitted bodice, a flowing skirt - it all speaks to elegance and refinement, all with a touch of ballerina magic.
Sophistication with a touch of flair: A ballerina doesn't just look elegant, she makes a statement. Whether you wear a statement piece like a bright red scarf, a playful headband, or bold jewellery, just add a touch of flair!
Ballerina Hair: A classic bun, gracefully pulled back and beautifully finished with a touch of sparkle, never fails. A little bit of Parisian romance! ✨
The finishing touches: A perfect lipstick, like a splash of red, can transform your entire look! A glamorous statement with a hint of ballerina confidence. ✨
Let me know if you try any of my fashion tips and have a fantastic time! I can't wait to hear all about it! 💕
#TutuTuesday's 1954 Diary: September 14thMy Time Travel Diary:
I’ve been travelling for a few days now and oh, the glamour of Paris! I have to say, a few hours travelling on the Eurostar train to Paris never fails to take me back in time! I am on my way to the opera to see “La Bayadère” with Margot Fonteyn.
From what I hear she’s one of the most captivating ballerinas of this generation! She’s a beautiful graceful performer. All the talk is about her grace and beauty. They say the story of a love lost in a distant Indian palace and her eventual surrender to her faith and the ritual sacrifice - a real Romeo and Juliet tragedy with a mystical twist!
Can you believe it? Even all the way back in the 1950s, there was a real international vibe about this show - from India to Europe - I feel so transported just imagining it. My trip today is already giving me all sorts of ideas about incorporating some Eastern flavour to my #TutuTuesday designs and outfits - with those wonderful saris, and glittering jewellery. So watch this space, darlings, there are big things to come in the tutu world. ✨
Now, where did I put my notepad... I need to write down everything I see tonight for next week’s blog, a little sneak peek into a Parisian theatre trip, to show you what it’s like to enjoy ballet from the inside, a real ballerina experience - so to speak.
I can’t wait to enjoy a beautiful performance - and of course, to enjoy a little fashion shopping in Paris while I’m here, maybe a pair of those fabulous black shoes from a classic Dior collection? That Parisian chic - you simply cannot resist! It’s enough to make even a Derbyshire girl like myself blush pink! 😉
You'll find more of these adventures and Parisian inspirations on my social media pages so don't forget to follow! 💕
