Oh my darling Tutu-lovers, what a glorious December morning! The crisp air of London has me feeling quite chipper this week. The Christmas lights are starting to twinkle along Oxford Street, and you can almost taste the mince pies in the air! Speaking of delicious things, this Tuesday we're taking a trip down memory lane with my favourite tutu history, and oh my goodness, I am utterly smitten with the fashion trends of December 6th, 1955.
Imagine, if you will, my dear friends, the world of ballet a mere sixty-eight years ago. Gone are the days of sleek modern tutus - think short, tight bodices, flowing tulle skirts, and the iconic pointy shoes! Now, I'm not saying these beauties are outdated, darling, far from it. The iconic silhouette of the traditional tutu will forever hold a special place in my heart, like a first love! But my darling Tutu-lovers, as the ballet world blossomed with incredible new techniques and exciting choreography, so did the fashions. And we must, as the devoted fashionistas we are, delve into the evolution of the ballerina's outfit!
Let's rewind the clock a little, shall we? Picture this: the year is 1955, a year ripe with iconic style. Christian Dior's New Look is still captivating the world, and Hollywood's glamour queens are wearing some of the most exquisite dresses. In this era, ballet wasn't just about grace and poise - it was about the exquisite beauty of movement and costume.
As you know, my Tutu-loving friends, I just love the excitement of traveling through time! And my latest adventure brought me straight to the Royal Opera House on December 6th, 1955. Oh my dear, the grandeur! Imagine an opulent theatre filled with sparkling chandeliers, beautiful women dressed in elegant gowns, and men with immaculate tuxedos. Now add the breathtaking artistry of the Royal Ballet, dancing their hearts out, and you'll understand why I nearly fainted with excitement!
The Stars of 1955
Now, let's talk about the stars! Margot Fonteyn, oh, the darling, was the Queen Bee of ballet, her movements as fluid and graceful as a swan gliding on water. Her costumes were an epitome of timeless elegance – a simple bodice and flowing tutu in pastel shades, perfectly embodying the graceful romanticism of the era. And let’s not forget Rudolf Nureyev. Yes, darling, that Nureyev! He made his mark as a powerhouse performer with his powerful and passionate leaps, becoming an icon and sparking the interest of young girls, all over the world, in ballet! The world of ballet was simply abuzz with exciting talent!
A Peek into the Tutu Wardrobe
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? The 1955 ballet tutu was all about romance and elegance. These ethereal creations, darling, were like fluffy, swirly dreams in shades of ivory, pink and powder blue. It's easy to see why they remain so popular, don’t you agree? These are the tutus that truly embody grace and femininity. Imagine dancing in a soft, wispy tulle, floating effortlessly as you take to the stage with each swirl and leap! It's just the dreamiest.
But darling, a little secret for my tutu enthusiasts: I found out that many dancers weren’t actually wearing white tulle at all! They were wearing the same colours they are wearing today! Pink, green, lavender! They weren’t being worn on stage as often, but those shades were definitely in their tutu wardrobes!
Tutus, Trains, and Inspiration
Of course, darling, I couldn't leave London without finding some fabulous tutu-inspired pieces. The beautiful vintage shops are full of romantic styles from the 1950s – frilled skirts, flowing blouses, and those iconic ballet flats. The clothes, oh, the darling, are just beautiful! It's an era I could truly get lost in - and maybe even start a new pink tutu trend while I’m at it! After all, one girl’s fashion revolution begins somewhere! It would just take a single trip to Paris or Milan, perhaps with a vintage Chanel scarf, to create the perfect fashion masterpiece! And what better inspiration for my new pink tutu outfits than the gorgeous costumes and moves of Margot Fonteyn herself?
Now, back to the train and my own darling Derbyshire! Oh, it's a joy to be home in my pink tutu and comfy ballet shoes! So much inspiration! You know, if only all those amazing dancers, and their exquisite fashion could just step off the stage, come down from the stage to the ordinary streets, just so we could get the pink tutu trend happening! Just imagine a tutu party with a ballet theme on December 6th every year. Think of the excitement and magic of ballet and its costumes! I just have a feeling that my dream could one day come true. You know me, my lovely Tutu-lovers, and my pink passion is boundless! Let's bring that joy to life, and keep our love for tutus strong. Until next week, keep your tutus flowing, darling, and let’s all make our hearts flutter with ballet and the beauty of it all!
Your faithful Tutu-lover,
Emma xx
P.S Don't forget to join me on my adventures! Come say hello over at www.pink-tutu.com. We can't let fashion and a little bit of ballet sparkle fade, so let's make some tutu magic, together!
