Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! It’s a glorious #TutuTuesday and today we’re whizzing back to 1956 to explore the world of tutus and see what was twirling on the stage!
Let's get the tea, shall we? I hopped on the Orient Express (they have a smashing carriage with a little compartment for my pointe shoes, thank goodness!) and travelled right to the heart of Paris, the city of love… and the birthplace of some of the most breathtaking ballets and, naturally, the most fabulous tutus!
Speaking of fabulous, can you imagine being in Paris on the 15th of May in 1956? Oh, the excitement! We’re just a little over a month away from the biggest ballet spectacle of the year, the Paris Opera Ballet's season finale, a spectacular production of Le Lac des Cygnes. Imagine all the rehearsals, the bustling atmosphere of the Palais Garnier, and the beautiful tutus being lovingly prepared in the costume workshops! It would be pure magic!
Back in those days, a ballet tutu wasn’t just a piece of costume, darling, it was a statement of elegance and artistry! 1956 was a time of beautiful and bold designs, think full-on* tulle with all its swishiness and elegance*, flowing like a waterfall of silkiness! The skirts were a little more voluminous then than the contemporary styles, it had that lovely 50s-style wide and graceful skirt, the ultimate statement of pure romanticism. But just a little shorter than today, wouldn’t you agree, darling? Those are the sort of tutus I could get behind, so much elegance. I've been searching for some vintage tutus to bring back with me for my next London performance… maybe with a vintage hairdo too? It all looks so chic, the hair, the dress… Oh my!
Remember the fabulous Margot Fonteyn who was a real star in Paris and around the world then? I just love the stories about her, she had a real stage presence, and I would do anything to get a glimpse of that stage-bound glamour. Her graceful figure was the picture of Parisian chic… I bet those 1950s tutus looked incredible on her! I’ve even got one of her autobiographies tucked in my travel bag. I just adore how the style of tutus changes over time, it’s a bit like a ballet in itself, each one is a unique and captivating performance!
After all, tutus are a symphony of movement, don't you think? The swish, the twirl, the grace… it's a magical blend of artistry and elegance that has me completely mesmerised! They create an aura of enchantment that leaves the audience speechless, so you have to embrace the magic! My heart skips a beat every time I see a ballerina soaring through the air, especially in a beautifully crafted tutu!
I'm actually dreaming of a new tutu for my next performance... something a little different… maybe one with a delicate lace trim... oh, I must write it all down in my notebook right now! I love imagining all the beautiful materials and intricate designs that go into each unique tutu!
Don’t forget to tell me about your favorite ballet moments! Did you see a ballet production recently, or was there a special moment on stage that made your heart sing? I always love to hear about your ballet stories! Let’s discuss our ballet favourites on www.pink-tutu.com - I just can’t wait to hear! Don't forget to leave your #TutuTuesday wishes in the comments!
Keep twirling my lovelies, Emma! xxx
