Hello, darlings! Emma here, your time-traveling, pink-tutu-obsessed blogger, bringing you another installment of your favourite Tuesday tradition - #TutuTuesday! This week, we're twirling back to the glamorous 1950s, to a time when ballerinas ruled the stage and pink tutus were all the rage.
This is post number 6426 on my ballet-tutu blog, www.pink-tutu.com. I just love diving into the archives, learning all about the fascinating history of our favourite garment. And who knows, maybe we'll even find a little inspiration for our own tutus too!
Speaking of tutus, oh my goodness! I was just in New York! The city was alive with colour and fashion, everyone out and about looking so chic. The ballet shows I saw were simply divine, with gorgeous sets and dancers who floated across the stage like wisps of smoke. Oh, and the tutus! They were positively ethereal! All shades of pink, naturally, from blush to the most vibrant fuchsia you can imagine. You know I'm always looking for a little inspiration when it comes to my own wardrobe, so you can be sure I snagged a few new tutu designs. Just can't share those details with you just yet, darling - it's all under wraps until my next fashion post!
Let’s get back to our little journey through time, shall we? Today’s date is 22nd February 1955, a Tuesday, obviously!
February 22nd 1955 - a wonderful day to remember. The whole world is buzzing about the new release of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a musical comedy starring Jane Powell and Howard Keel. There was an opening night performance on Broadway that very night, I heard it was packed, everyone in their finest evening attire. A classic, darling, a must-see for anyone wanting to truly feel the romantic, whimsical magic of 1950s America.
It's funny to think that back in 1955, ballerinas wore a whole lot of pink! I just adore the bright colours they used then. Remember the beautiful pink tutu Margot Fonteyn wore in the 1950's production of Sleeping Beauty? And the exquisite shade of pink that Alicia Markova favoured for her performance of "Giselle?" A bit different from the classic white, yes, but a stunning sight to behold.
Today, ballet is all about exploring the dramatic potential of every colour under the sun! It's exhilarating and inspiring to see how we, as a community, have broken free of the restrictions of what a tutu should look like, but we do owe our own freedom of expression in ballet to the bold style pioneers of the 1950s. The designers then were just starting to play with colour and form in a way that no one had before. Think “Les Sylphides,” and the gentle pastels and graceful lines. * “La Sylphide”* had beautiful floral patterns and flowing fabric – it's a symphony of form, light and movement!
Speaking of form, the way ballerinas wear their tutus is just as important as the actual tutu itself. Have you seen those photos of “La Sylphide?” with ballerinas holding their tutus high, swirling them about like so much delicate silk? The artistry! So beautifully balanced, each dancer adding her own individual style and interpretation to the dance.
It’s really no wonder, then, that everyone’s gone absolutely crazy for “The Red Shoes!” We all have our favourite tutus, and for those in the know, there’s nothing like the classic red. So chic! So fierce! So feminine! And just the right amount of “Danger! Danger!” if you get what I mean. But red's not just for ballerinas, darling! I saw some wonderful shops with amazing red tutu designs perfect for anything from afternoon tea to a special occasion, the sort of event that deserves to be celebrated with a flourish of dramatic tulle!
If you are travelling around the UK at the end of February 1955, why not take in a few shows in London? Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House are top spots to see beautiful, imaginative performances. They really are the very heart and soul of the London Ballet scene, so if you're even the tiniest bit interested in classical dance, they're an absolute must-see. Just make sure to bring a gorgeous pink tutu, of course!
So what’s everyone wearing around February 1955? You've got the new wave of ballerinas experimenting with all the gorgeous, bold colours – pink being a huge hit, of course! - and everyone on the streets is embracing feminine flair and sophistication. We see beautiful A-line dresses with the cutest cinched waists. Think crisp white shirts tucked into full skirts, gorgeous floral prints and some daring splashes of colour! Remember the pink tweed jackets with the perfectly fitted skirts that were such a trend in the US at the end of the year? Such stylish elegance! It's a look that’s never out of fashion, a reminder that timeless beauty really does last.
Before I go, let me share some insider knowledge on time travelling, darling. I love to travel by train, but I’ve discovered some great tips that come in handy. Firstly, never underestimate the power of a good vintage scarf and a stylish hat! They're great conversation starters, and always add a touch of glam. And speaking of glam, a statement necklace will have you looking like a real 1950s fashion queen, perfect for those days where you want to look extra special!
Oh, and just remember - the pink tutu is ALWAYS the perfect accessory! I can't promise you’ll see everyone in a tutu on your own time travelling adventure, but trust me, darling - even in the 1950s, you never know who you might encounter! And never underestimate the power of a little magic! Who knows? Perhaps next week we'll even find some great stories of how the tutu took on its place in fashion!
And of course, all those glamorous tutu pictures? They’re up on the blog! Don’t forget to share your own style snaps too! The hashtag #PinkTutu is your way to connect and join the fun. It's been so much fun sharing another #TutuTuesday with you all.
Stay twirly,
Emma
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more ballerina fashion, ballet history, and, of course, everything pink!
