Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time. This week I’m whisked back to 1955, a time of bobby socks, poodle skirts and oh-so-fabulous tulle. Yes, you heard right – tulle! We're talking ballet tutu history, darlings.
It’s so thrilling to step back in time to when ballet was just starting to explode onto the global stage. This was an era when ballerinas were considered absolute superstars. Just imagine the glamour! It was the year of Margot Fonteyn, the darling of the Royal Ballet, her graceful leaps and breathtaking extensions were inspiring ballerinas across the globe! I simply can’t imagine not having seen her perform at Covent Garden!
And just to think – in just two short years, we’d be greeted with the dazzling debut of Rudolf Nureyev! 1957! Can you believe it? Two years in the future… well, in our time, just yesterday… Nureyev… Imagine… the future is simply brimming with excitement! Oh, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
For #TutuTuesday, today I’m here to take you back to November 15th, 1955. Can you imagine it? All those vintage costumes, the incredible stories of ballet life before our time. So grab a cup of tea, slip into your most comfy pair of ballerina slippers and join me on this journey through tutu time!
*So what was going on in the world of ballet on this day in 1955? *
Well, this day marked the opening night of the new ballet season at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. The audience would have been buzzing with excitement for this eagerly awaited show! They’d all be dressed to the nines. The women with their sparkling tiaras, stunning jewelry, elaborate hairstyles and elegant ball gowns… just the sheer opulence of it all! The men – perfectly tailored suits with polished shoes, handsome as can be. What a world it must have been. I can’t imagine how much fun everyone had getting dressed up in their best clothes.
But what ballet could it be? The New York audience, those lucky souls, were treated to a truly delightful spectacle that night – Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella. Imagine, my darlings! The beautiful music, the glittering costumes, the exquisite dancing… oh, the magic!
Now I must tell you… those ballerinas who performed in the original 1945 production of Cinderella, their tutus – well they would have been an absolute delight! It must have been a riot of pink and pale green. Picture it: the delicate flowers adorning their bodices, the delicate petals flowing along the skirts… it must have been a masterpiece.
Of course, these were not the tutus we’d come to know today. These were ‘classical’ tutus – those wonderful frilly creations that float as beautifully as a fluffy cloud – you know the ones I mean – like my precious pink tutu – it is so glamorous, darling!
They were full and airy and often quite heavily decorated with jewels, embroidery, or even beads and feathers! You see my darlings – it’s just impossible not to be smitten by a little bit of sparkle!
Of course, the styles back then were very much tied to what they wore at the ballet school. Back in the day – well, we had the tutu as a real marker of status. The longer, more lavish the tutu, the more well-trained you were… just the same as with our ballet shoes and dance clothes, eh? If you want to impress at the barre you need the right kit, my dears!
And speaking of status – I absolutely adore ballet in London. It's got such history, don’t you think? It’s almost impossible not to be dazzled by the Royal Opera House. Oh, to twirl across its stage with my friends in a perfect, dazzling tutu! I even hear they are thinking of holding a ball! That sounds right up my street, darling! Imagine… the chance to dress up in my pink tulle gown, perhaps some pearl earrings – it will simply be exquisite. But then again, that might be too much glamour for just one night!
And let's talk fashion for a minute! Fashion back in 1955 was simply captivating. The classic elegance of a ballerina’s costume, so romantic! Oh, but so feminine – what’s not to love? Just picture the silhouette of those ballerinas – delicate and perfectly graceful! The perfect example of elegance – what a timeless style! But wait! Have you seen those hats? The fascinators, the gloves – so glamorous, so full of sparkle!
The fashions from this era always inspire my style! This week, my wardrobe is full of elegant lace bodices, fitted skirts and snatches of beautiful silk. I am going for the ballerina princess look, my darling – it’s the look I absolutely live for!
My newest acquisition - an adorable hat - an incredible cream felt fascinator adorned with soft, pale pink ostrich feathers - so sophisticated, my darling. Imagine the perfect evening – I will take a delightful train ride up to London. It’s one of my favorite things about traveling back in time! You see, train travel is so chic! Such an exciting experience! Especially in the evening! The smooth journey and the warm soft seats… they make my heart sing! I'll be sure to sip tea and gaze out of the window while listening to the clickety clack of the train wheels as we glide along. So dreamy… the world outside my window will be a blurred panorama of lighting… street lamps casting their magical golden glow…
Of course, this lovely train journey is just the beginning. After all – my main priority is to have fun! It wouldn’t be a trip to 1955 without catching a spectacular performance! You see, there is nothing quite like ballet. You are so immersed in the dance, the music and the wonderful stage sets… it simply steals you away! I can't wait to step back into a theater – you know those velvet seats that smell of history? And, of course, the enchanting feel of that special ballet magic in the air. This trip to the past is just overflowing with exciting possibilities… I can feel a dance coming on!
So, what do you say? This weekend – go find a tutu that makes you feel absolutely radiant! If you find one with a bit of sparkle, even better! Don’t forget to put on your cutest pair of dancing shoes and channel the energy of 1955.
Remember, it's always TutuTuesday somewhere! Have fun my little ballerina darlings, and be sure to wear your fanciest, most fabulous tutu with pride!
Lots of love and tutus, Emma
*P.S. – Don’t forget to pop back next Tuesday, I’ve got another fun, time-traveling ballet tutu adventure all ready for you. And be sure to check out my Instagram @pinktutu_ - lots of pictures, outfits, and travel tips coming soon! *
