Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday with a brand new adventure in ballet history!
This week, my trusty time machine (oh, don't ask how I acquired it!) has whisked me all the way back to 11th October, 1955. Now, that's a date you want to put in your diary!
Hold onto your tutus, darlings, because we're taking a trip to the Royal Opera House in London - the heart of the ballet world! Now, London in 1955, was brimming with elegance and excitement. And oh my goodness, the fashion was just divine! Picture flowing skirts, elegant hats, and those oh-so-chic gloves, my darlings. And guess what? The tutu was just starting to really come into its own as the pinnacle of dance fashion!
Speaking of tutus, did you know that the tutu wasn't always the puffy, multi-layered beauty we adore today? Back in 1955, there were all kinds of tutus - long, short, stiff, billowing, romantic, even "classical" tutus, that were just slightly less extravagant! You see, in the 1950s, the world of ballet was changing. Ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn, a true icon of grace, were breaking ground with their incredible technical abilities, and these new, innovative steps demanded a more streamlined tutu.
That's why, on the 11th October 1955, it wouldn't be a surprise to see some amazing tutus taking centre stage! Now, just imagine it - the buzz of the crowd, the orchestra tuning up, and the spotlight hitting the stage as a ballerina dances with that airy grace and that glorious tulle twirling all around her! Pure magic!
Oh, speaking of magic, 11th October, 1955, happened to be the birthday of Rudolf Nureyev, a legendary figure in ballet! And just a couple of years before that, the "pink tutu" was practically nonexistent - but its time was coming, and by the 1960s, that sugary sweet hue was set to take centre stage! Oh, the wonders that awaited ballet fashion! The joy of color, the sweetness, the fun, the perfect counterpoint to the intensity of the dancing!
But before we dive into the fascinating world of pink tutus, I have to tell you about how I financed this little trip. It’s no secret that travelling through time costs a fortune (a tutu fortune, at least!) - so I put on my most charming smile and danced the night away at the Royal Ballet’s performance of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the Royal Opera House. What can I say? I have a gift, you know. My pirouettes just naturally collect pennies.
But of course, the performance was simply breathtaking! Every dance move, every flick of a leg, every graceful pose, it all had me mesmerized. My dear readers, that's what it’s all about! And you know what, the audience was enthralled too! It was so inspiring! And did you see the tutus? Oh, they were divine! A whirlwind of elegance and beauty! It was clear to see the artistry of those iconic tutu-makers and the incredible power of a ballerina’s spirit and expression.
So, to summarise, dear readers, 11th October 1955 was a day full of ballet history! And what a delightful day it was! Not only was this a big day in the world of tutu, but it also marked the birthday of a future ballet superstar, Mr Nureyev. Who would’ve known that on this very date in 1955, a revolutionary dance style was bubbling and a ballet star was being born!
After all this, the time traveller in me wants to share some of the treasures I found in 1955! It's a vintage, charming little ballet book that’s full of fascinating tips about dancing and, get this, they are all focused on “classic ballet techniques"! So much fun! I plan to post excerpts about the perfect way to take a bow and how to improve your pirouettes over on our website - check it out! www.pink-tutu.com - I also snagged some of the most gorgeous fabric for new tutu designs. I’m dreaming of a collection that honours this wonderful period. The fabrics were made for a vintage, romantic, elegant style.
Until next time, my loves, remember to wear your tutus with pride, and don’t be afraid to dream! Oh, and a happy birthday to Rudolf Nureyev! I hope he is dancing with all the ballerinas and that everyone has a magnificent Tuesday filled with twirls!
*Yours in tulle, *
Emma.
