Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu, and, of course, a place to delve into the captivating history of our beloved ballet costume. Today is a very special #TutuTuesday, because I'm going on a time-traveling adventure – but not just any adventure! This time, my love for all things tutu has led me right back to July 17th, 1956. Can you imagine? It feels like a lifetime ago!
Now, let me whisk you away to London, the heart of ballet. The air is buzzing with the anticipation of another season of fantastic performances, and it's all so utterly charming, just the way I like it. You see, darlings, this is the year that the Royal Ballet’s Sadler's Wells Theatre had a momentous event – the unveiling of “The Nutcracker,” a magical production choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton. Oh, imagine! My favourite ballet set in a dazzling wonderland, complete with fairies, mice, and even a formidable Mouse King!
Speaking of formidable, can you believe that back then, ballet costumes were anything BUT pink and fluffy? Back in 1956, the dancers were clad in simple tutus with long, billowing skirts. I think I might just faint! It just wouldn't do, would it? All that movement, all that grace, confined to such sensible attire. Just picture those delicate dancers gracefully gliding across the stage, and you’ll realize those flowing tutus were a complete necessity – an expression of the ethereal and enchanting nature of their movements! But a bit too... well, restrained, wouldn't you say?
But don't think for a moment that I'm criticizing those amazing dancers! Their elegance and artistry are a complete inspiration! I simply believe in embracing colour, darling. Why, just imagine, a stunning fuchsia tutu swirling and twirling around the stage? My mind is simply filled with beautiful visions!
Luckily for us, fashion and design have advanced leaps and bounds, and in just a few short years, these more practical, streamlined tutus will give way to the iconic, powder-pink tutu we all know and love. We're on the precipice of a new era of whimsical brilliance! It just takes a little imagination and, dare I say it, a splash of pink!
Speaking of the colour that speaks to my soul, you know I couldn't resist grabbing a quick bite at a sweet little cafe near Sadler's Wells. Imagine, darling – tea served in charming bone china cups, with delicate cucumber sandwiches and dainty cakes! They call it afternoon tea, and it's truly delightful! You wouldn't find such elegance and refinement anywhere else in the world, my darlings!
The thing is, you see, London is simply a hotbed of ballet, and my love for the art knows no bounds! From grand ballrooms to charming cafes, my time here has been filled with endless ballet-themed fun, shopping, and indulging in all things beautiful and luxurious! My eyes have feasted on a plethora of elegant fashion: elegant wool coats, sophisticated pencil skirts, and stunning evening gowns that truly reflect the beauty of the era.
I am, of course, keeping an eye on the shops for anything that might catch my eye for my Pink-Tutu collection, and I found a vintage piece today that absolutely made my day. Imagine, darlings! A silk scarf with delicate ballet slippers scattered across it, all in gorgeous shades of pink and lavender! This is the kind of unique treasure that speaks to my very soul! I just had to bring it back with me!
I wouldn't be me without a dash of nostalgia, so you can bet I spent a few hours lost in the enchanting world of Covent Garden. This old marketplace has seen many eras, but its beauty and vibrancy never fade! From delicious aromas of freshly baked bread and rich spices to charming street vendors hawking beautiful trinkets, Covent Garden has it all!
Oh, and can I tell you about the ballet shoes? Stunning! All sorts of colours and styles, even a pair with tiny sequins sparkling just like stars. I had to buy myself a souvenir! My feet may not be dancing on stage today, but these new shoes make my heart skip a beat with anticipation!
Even the vintage shops near Covent Garden hold their own kind of charm! I found a delightful shop full of retro clothing, all with this gorgeous 1950s flair, think polka dots, floral prints, and so much fabulous tweed! It's amazing how these pieces are making a comeback in modern fashion! Perhaps I'll borrow a few for my next time travel adventure!
As I write to you from my cosy hotel room, gazing at the breathtaking views of London from my window, I'm reflecting on this extraordinary trip. The charm, the elegance, the ballet – they all make for a truly magical experience. Oh, and, darlings, it’s just a small taste of the beauty I’ll be sharing in upcoming blog posts, filled with history and fun facts all about the history of the ballet tutu! You’re going to love them.
Oh, and speaking of love, my darlings, don't forget, next week is another #TutuTuesday! Tune in on Tuesday, July 24th, 1956, for a behind-the-scenes look at ballet fashion. We'll be delving deeper into the world of tutus, learning all about their different styles, fabrics, and, of course, colours. Let's not forget those sparkly gems and feathers – it's time to get a bit glitzy!
Until then, dance to your heart's content!
Yours in tutus,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for your dose of tutus and to discover the fascinating history behind this iconic ballet garment. Don’t forget to check back every Tuesday!
About Emma:Emma is a Derbyshire, England native with a passion for tutus and an unwavering belief in the power of pink. Her travels through time are fueled by a deep love for ballet and fashion, taking her to all corners of the world to share the wonders of tutus and the vibrant history of ballet. Join her weekly adventures at www.pink-tutu.com, where you can find historical insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses of ballet fashion, and of course, tips on how to embrace the fabulous world of tutus. You never know where Emma’s travels will take her next, but one thing's for sure: she'll be bringing back inspiring stories and even more whimsical style tips!
