Hiya darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time for another #TutuTuesday adventure. Today, we're taking a train ride all the way to 1955 – can you imagine?
Before we get into the tutu business, I simply must share the sheer thrill of hopping on a train to travel through time. I'm not gonna lie, the carriages are a bit different - slightly less fancy, a little bit less roomy than our modern day wonders - but still, the clattering of wheels, the puffing of the engine, it's all so delightfully nostalgic! It’s the perfect accompaniment to a vintage outfit and of course, the absolute essential… a pink tutu, because every journey, every adventure, is more magical with a touch of pink!
Speaking of vintage outfits, darlings, did you know that 1955 was all about elegance and sophistication? The New Look by Christian Dior was a big deal - all those cinched-in waists and full skirts - and oh my goodness, it was SO flattering. And what’s better to pair with a sleek New Look silhouette than a twirly, floaty tulle tutu? We could really have a blast channeling 50s elegance, can’t you just imagine a perfectly tailored frock with a dash of tulle to give a little bit of a "ballet-chic" twist?
Anyway, enough about fashion! We are here for tutu history! So let’s rewind and check out the tutu scene back in the good old days of 1955.
For one, ballet was starting to become super popular back then! Imagine, tutus weren’t just for ballerinas on stage anymore, they were slowly but surely creeping into everyday fashion! Of course, the ballet itself was revolutionising too, think Balanchine and the American Ballet Theatre – oh, I could gush about that for hours – and with these new groundbreaking ballet styles came fresh interpretations of the tutu, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for my future posts for those juicy tutu details!
Now, speaking of events happening today in 1955… Well, this was the year Elvis Presley recorded his first hit single – “That’s All Right.” Oh, isn't that fab? Imagine him on a stage, with a spotlight in his eyes, rock and roll rippling through his body. He probably wouldn’t have been caught dead in a tutu – or maybe he would have, the man was ahead of his time! Maybe that's what sparked a revolution – I bet a pink tutu might have been the only thing to top those gyrating hips. But then, who am I kidding, Elvis had the whole rock and roll scene pretty much covered. He’d probably think tutus are a little bit too “feminine,” which makes them even more appealing for a modern girl like me.
Speaking of a touch of "feminine," my darlings, it’s been absolutely exhilarating seeing the impact of ballerinas and their iconic tutus on 50s fashion! I’m telling you, this was the era that started it all, the beginning of ballerina-inspired chic which continues to be a massive part of modern style even now, you only have to look at contemporary dance pieces that utilise ballet costumes to see its enduring appeal. I have a feeling those big, full tutus with multiple layers and delicate lace accents will be a staple piece for many seasons to come – they’re not just a timeless dance wear essential, but a beautiful and ethereal wardrobe essential!
So, there you have it, darlings – my #TutuTuesday dive into 1955. Let me know in the comments what your favorite fashion pieces from this era are, and let me know which ballerinas from the era you think deserve some tutu spotlight!
I’m already itching to plan my next time-travel escapade. Until next time, keep twirling and stay stylish!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. I just LOVE it when a piece of clothing inspires a whole style era! Remember to join me at www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for your weekly dose of ballet history and tutu inspiration! Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday stories with me!
P.P.S. You can check out the 1955 Elvis documentary too. I mean, if Elvis is dancing and singing in something, you KNOW it's cool, right? Oh and there is nothing better than a fun trip on a train with a new ballet show in mind - so don’t forget your pink tutu to complete the look!
