Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, and welcome back to another Tuesday filled with tutus, tulle, and all things sparkly! Today we're going to take a trip back in time to 1956 - a glorious era for fashion and, naturally, for ballet tutus.
This is my absolute favourite time to explore. Think glamorous Hollywood actresses, elegance with a touch of rock n’ roll, and of course, fabulous tutus! My last stop, London, was absolutely bursting with vibrant energy, so much so I even hopped onto the London Underground for a peek at the bustle below ground. And I, of course, sported a magnificent pink tutu, the perfect statement piece against the sleek, monochrome style of the city.
Now, imagine a world without leggings - gasp! This was the reality of the 1950s. Instead, ballet dancers relied on a trusty, form-fitting leotard for their foundation. Thankfully, we had tutus to make everything feel that bit more, shall we say, ‘floaty’. The classic tutu, so iconic in the world of ballet, had been a mainstay for quite some time by 1956, with dancers like Margot Fonteyn captivating audiences with their movements in the beautifully flowing, structured design. The tutu design for the classic ballet 'Swan Lake' is a timeless, almost magical design with the tutu taking on its very own personality alongside the dancers, almost like another dancer.
My personal favourites, the tulle ones, had evolved slightly, incorporating layers of netting and embellishments to create an ethereal, whimsical aesthetic. They were everything a ballerina dreamt of.
But did you know that 1956 was also a year of revolutionary design? Ballet dancer and costume designer Barbara Karinska started creating some truly innovative costumes using, gasp, stretch fabrics and new techniques that challenged conventional ideas about how tutus should look and move! It was quite a moment, and opened up so many creative opportunities for how ballet costumes looked and moved, a revolution that continues to inspire dancers today. Her 'The Nutcracker' tutu with a sweeping layered skirt, complete with sparkling jewels, was a breathtaking example. If it was possible, this added to my desire to move back in time, so I can grab one of her fabulous tutus. The colours were also something else! Bright reds, deep blues, and, of course, all shades of pink, which I personally adored. It was an absolute riot of colours!
Oh, my dear readers, I also discovered the sheer genius of the ballet bustier. These delightful garments helped create a more defined and sculpted look. We can't talk about the history of tutus without remembering these delightful little helpers.
On a side note, April 24th 1956 was the opening day of the 'International Conference on Medical Electronics' held in Paris, France. So imagine the spectacle! Ballet stars mingling with scientists! A most fabulous combination, I’d say! And what could be a better gift to those in the scientific field than a lovely pink tutu? It’s all about a bit of whimsical inspiration, and reminding ourselves that science, too, needs a touch of beauty.
So what can we take away from all of this? First, embrace the whimsical! Whether you're dancing or simply going about your day, a touch of magic is always welcome. Second, tutus are not just costumes, they are works of art, and deserve the same care and attention we give to any great masterpiece. Let's all do our bit for tutu preservation. Lastly, have a bit of fun! Experiment with different styles, colors, and textures and let your personal tutu personality shine!
Now, darlings, I have some exciting news to share: I'm off to Paris! They have a special exhibition dedicated to 'Les Ballets de Monte Carlo,' so of course I'll be posting lots of photos of tutus. My wardrobe is all packed, with all the colours and designs from this glamorous period - with, naturally, a generous dose of pink. Until next week! Keep those twirls going!
And remember: everyone looks great in a pink tutu. 😉
