Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers!
It's me, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling edition of your weekly Ballet Tutu History. Today, I'm transporting us back to 10th April, 1956, a time of fabulous frocks, revolutionary dances, and a ballet world that was bursting with excitement!
I just love travelling back to the 50s - think elegant lines, swirling skirts, and a glamour that's just so effortlessly chic. Honestly, this decade just knows how to make an entrance!
And just as we step onto the platform in London's Paddington Station (that magnificent old Victorian architecture always makes me gasp!) to board our grand express to Paris, we can already feel the buzz of excitement in the air. It's that kind of day in the ballet world.
Paris, Paris, Paris!
What is a ballerina without a trip to the city of love?
So what's on the calendar for this glamorous day? Well, my dears, prepare to be mesmerized, because a ballet company quite special is about to make its Parisian debut. We're talking about none other than the legendary Royal Ballet, who have just arrived from London for a season of performances.
Think about it. These are the cream of the crop, the most talented dancers in the UK. And their opening night? Why, it's none other than Giselle! You can almost hear the applause, can't you?
It's a thrilling moment, you see. Giselle is already a beloved classic, but seeing it performed in a different city, by such an illustrious company? It's like stepping into a storybook, but with twirling tutus instead of princes and princesses!
Oh, but the fashion, my darlings!
Imagine yourself gliding down the grand staircase of the Palais Garnier in a perfectly tailored dress, your shoes matching your favourite shade of blush pink, of course! This is haute couture at its finest. The audience will be adorned with sparkling jewels, sleek gloves, and of course, plenty of feather boas. I just can't imagine a more dazzling display!
I'm especially excited for the tutus! 1956 was a turning point for ballet costume design - the era of grand romantic tutus is just blooming into its own! It's all about tiers and layers, romantic fabrics that whisper as they move, and embellishments that would make a princess weep!
And the most amazing thing? This entire world, all these dazzling dances and extravagant fashions, it was all made for tutus! They were already everywhere in ballet, but I truly believe that tutus deserve to be part of everyone's life!
After the performance, darling? Why, a bit of Parisian shopping is in order! A stroll through the fashion houses, soaking up the atmosphere, maybe even indulging in a perfectly crafted pastry while you browse the latest shoe collections? Sounds like a delightful way to end the day!
I’ve even planned a lovely little tea party in my favourite salon - I know you all love pink tutus just as much as I do, and I want to inspire you to find your perfect pink, to take the stage with a little more flair and excitement! So tell me, have you picked your favourite shade of pink for this year’s pink tutu fashion choices? I just can’t wait to hear!
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all things tutus and follow me on all the social media platforms – I always want to hear from my Tutu Twirlers!
See you all next Tuesday, for another fantastic adventure into the wonderful world of ballet history!
Your Tutu-Loving Time Traveller,
Emma xx
