#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: 1956-02-21
Dearest Tutu-lovers,
Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! This week, on #TutuTuesday, we're taking a trip back in time to 1956, a year where the tutu was still the darling of the ballet world and a must-have for every fashion-forward lady.
You know, travelling back in time always makes me wonder how tutus have evolved. Back in 1956, we see those glorious long tutus still in full swing. Now, my fellow tutumadons, a long tutu, thatās a proper billowing skirt. Layers and layers of silk and net swirling around like a cloud, oh it's just heavenly. If you werenāt dancing in one, it wasnāt a ballet! But you can just imagine those backstage shenanigans, a storm of feathers and fabric! And, as much as I love the timeless grace of the long tutu, these beautiful things could be a bit restrictive, wouldn't you agree? Luckily, those fabulous shorter tutus, perfect for leaping and twirling, were already starting to take the stage. They were shorter, more flexible, and allowed for those fabulous arabesque poses! Now thatās what I call fashion forward!
So what exciting event is happening on 21st February 1956? Oh, it's a ballet performance to remember, a dazzling "Giselle", the classic story of love, betrayal, and the enchanting magic of the wilis! Giselle, the village maiden, the innocent in love! Weāve got ballet's answer to Shakespeareās Juliet right here! I imagine the audience watching in awe, captivated by the story of betrayal and love. And who can forget the legendary Margot Fonteyn, the British ballerina, captivating all with her elegance and grace? Now thereās a ballerina extraordinaire if I ever saw one!
Talking about grace, speaking of my trip to the pastā¦ Well, this one took me straight to the grand OpĆ©ra Garnier in Paris, oh the opulence! You can just imagine the chandeliers glittering, the orchestra filling the grand hall with its music. Thereās nothing quite like that air of excitement. Just waiting to be taken back to that Victorian time, watching the grand entrances of ballerinas in those magnificent tutus. I even spotted some ladies sporting their own tutu in the audience! Talk about style.
And did you know, right about this time, a revolution of sorts was taking place in fashion? The New Look was in full swing. Thatās Christian Diorās influence right there! Wider skirts, tighter waistlinesā¦ just imagine what it must have been like, to witness the resurgence of such femininity. The elegant feminine form, celebrated in dance, celebrated in fashion, both working together to create an ethereal, graceful spectacle! We should get Dior on board to design some ballet costumes, Iām thinking layers upon layers of beautiful silk. That would make a fashion statement in any era, wouldnāt it? Imagine all those layers, perfect for creating those iconic ballet swishes! We'd have a runway filled with ballerina elegance, every lady wearing their own personal pink tutu!
Talking about tutus and elegance, how's about this, we just can't let this opportunity pass, why not create your own fashion history by dressing up as a 1956 ballerina? Find yourself a gorgeous pink tutu, just the thing for those ballet moves. Tulle, thatās your friend. Iāve got this incredible pink tulle I spotted on my latest trip. Think full skirts, graceful draping. Oh! Iām telling you, even if youāre not a ballerina, a touch of tulle will turn your outfit into an instant classic.
Here's a little inspiration from this very day in 1956:
Embrace the ballerina style. Think simple elegance with a twist of romanticism. Flowy skirts, dainty tops, and beautiful hair, for that real ballet elegance!
Don't forget the accessories. Pearls, of course, those were always a favourite of the ballerinas. Or you can always make your own DIY ballerina flower clips! Those beautiful satin flowers look gorgeous nestled amongst curls and tied with ribbons. I find a single bloom perfectly placed looks quite spectacular!
And for the perfect touch, think pink. Why not channel the spirit of the times and go all out? A touch of pink, in your scarf, lipstick, even your nails will give your ensemble a retro-glamourous touch! Think soft, dreamy pinks, maybe with a dash of glitter for that added wow factor!
Of course, no talk about tutus would be complete without mentioning a grand trip to the ballet. And, this being #TutuTuesday, whatās a better way to celebrate this than to get your ballet tickets for tonightās show! Iām planning to go to the London Palladium for a wonderful production of āSleeping Beauty,ā my absolute favourite ballet. Youāve got all the fairy-tale elements, enchanting magic, beautiful musicā¦ Itās practically a Tutu Wonderland!
Let me know if you'll be going! Share your favorite ballet moments and style inspirations with me. Remember, everyone deserves to wear a pink tutu, itās the ultimate sign of joy and grace. So join the tutu revolution and be part of the #TutuTuesday community. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, to follow my journeys back in time! Until next time, may your steps be graceful and your twirls be effortless!
Your pink tutu aficionado,
Emma