Hello my darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday! I've just hopped off the Orient Express (how glamorous!) after a whirlwind trip to Paris. Honestly, the fashion there is divine - I couldn't resist picking up a few new accessories to complete my wardrobe.
And speaking of wardrobes, we're delving into the wonderful world of ballet tutus today, exploring the history of these iconic garments in the magical year of 1955.
Tutus in 1955: The Golden Age of Ballet
Now, 1955 was a time of dazzling glamour in the world of ballet. It's hard to believe that this beautiful art form is older than tutus themselves! Imagine, all those graceful ballets like "Giselle" and "Swan Lake", performed with a whole lot less poofy fabric! It's a good thing that times changed!
I've always loved that era. It's not just about the iconic "Pink Tutu" - remember our post about Margot Fonteyn's fabulous tutus a few weeks back? (Just a little self-promotion - that one really caught the imagination!).
While it's tempting to imagine these tutus, they had a far simpler history in those times! In 1955, tutus were mostly worn for the classical ballet repertoire. Imagine all the delicate steps and graceful turns - you need a bit of fabric flow to create that magic! Of course, these tutus were still absolutely gorgeous, often adorned with stunning embroideries, sequins and - oh my - some serious sparkly beading! You can imagine the stage shimmering under the spotlight, wouldn't you?!
Tutus and Technology: It's all about the fabric!
You wouldn't think something as simple as fabric would play such a big part, would you? It did! Tulle, a light, net-like fabric was coming into fashion by this time. A real breakthrough for ballet tutus!
Think of it, this wonderful material, so sheer, light and billowing, lets you see the dancers’ movement. You can almost feel the delicate swishes and delicate flounces, as the dancers glide across the stage.
As you know, one of the key things I do is find vintage tutus and incorporate them into my wardrobe! You just can't get that magical floatiness and shimmer in modern fabric. If you do visit any ballet companies, be sure to have a look at those dusty boxes backstage. There are hidden gems of fabric history hiding in there, just waiting to be discovered!
What to expect at the theatre in 1955
If I had a time machine, wouldn't it be fabulous to pop back and visit the Royal Opera House that week? On July 26, 1955, they were hosting a performance of "La Fille Mal Gardée," a lovely romantic ballet with music by Hérold, and choreography by Frederick Ashton, one of the leading British choreographers of that era. Oh! You'll love Ashton's ballets, especially if you are after a whimsical story, lots of beautiful detail, and that special magic you find in "La Fille Mal Gardée."
It wasn't just all about the "classical" you know!
A bit of a contrast, was also happening just a few miles from London in the little town of Derbyshire. On the same date, July 26th , a group called "The Derwent Players," was performing a play called "The School for Scandal." Although not a ballet production, these plays were hugely important for helping shape ballet's popularity - people got inspired and started going to the theatre, and suddenly there was a massive market for these beautiful theatrical creations - tutus included!
What's next for Emma?
You know me - my time travelling is all about the inspiration. Where can I find the most dazzling tutu? Where will the next trend start? Where will the most gorgeous performance be waiting for me? I'm on the case for next week's #TutuTuesday. Don't forget to check back in!
Meanwhile, as a fellow fan of this lovely art form, tell me - what's your favourite tutu of all time? And - who do you think has the most elegant ballerina style today? Let's chat - I love hearing what you think.
And remember: every day can be #TutuTuesday! It's time to wear the colours that make you happy! Remember, my lovely readers - wear that pink tutu and dance like there's no one watching!
Until next time! Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
(Emma will be blogging live from a train to Edinburgh this week - she can't resist seeing what new treasures are hidden in this magical city.)
