Hiya darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina blogger, bringing you another fabulous instalment of #TutuTuesday. Buckle up your ballet shoes and get ready for a whirl back to September 4th, 1956!
Today, we're hopping on the time machine to a place where the tutu was a shining star in the dance world... drum roll... London, darling! That's right, we're heading to the heart of theatre, the home of the Royal Ballet, a place bursting with incredible dancers and fashion that'll make you swoon! 💖
6506 posts in and my passion for tutus, history and travel still haven't dwindled a bit! Just think, it's been a whole year since I started this blog, travelling through time, learning about the origins of these whimsical wonders, and bringing you the magic of every era. ✨
Now, imagine it, London 1956: a time when the war had only recently ended, and people were ready to celebrate life, beauty, and the grace of movement. You'd find tutus swirling around Covent Garden, at The Royal Opera House, captivating audiences with the magic of ballet. And guess what?! It's a good thing I'm in London right now because there's a huge event happening at the Royal Opera House: The opening night of "La Sylphide"!
This stunning ballet by August Bournonville has been around since 1836, but it's celebrating its premiere in London and everyone is going. Can you picture it? A beautiful, romantic, classical story told through breathtaking dancing... I just adore how graceful and enchanting "La Sylphide" is. Imagine all the dazzling tutus floating across the stage... sigh! It makes me want to pack my pink tutu and join in the dancing. 🩰
Of course, 1956 London wasn't just about the Royal Opera House! The fashion was blooming, just like my passion for ballet! Think full skirts, elegant blouses, and of course, *hats, hats, hats! Carnaby Street, London's heart of fashion, was just beginning to become famous, and I can just imagine it, with a *slight time travelling twist, packed with stunning fashionistas, all looking gorgeous in their stylish dresses, matching their pink ballet tutus (because everyone wears pink tutus in my ideal world! 💖).
To help bring this dazzling London evening to life, I've been exploring the shops! This vintage-lover's heart is beating with joy - there are some beautiful shops filled with incredible fashion treasures. We’re talking elegance with a touch of sass, with those dreamy skirts, blouses with gorgeous detailing, and handbags just perfect for carrying all our essential dance accessories - I wouldn’t leave my little makeup bag and ballet shoes at home! 👠 💄
After a delightful afternoon in Carnaby Street, the magic of London hasn't stopped. It’s just getting better! I’m now at a truly special shop, "Liberty" on Regent Street.
Just picture this: intricate patterns and exquisite fabrics filling the whole shop! It's absolutely breathtaking! Just seeing these designs would be enough to inspire a thousand tutu dreams! If you could time travel to 1956, Liberty is the shop you’d visit - even today, with my amazing time travel skills, the patterns and textures make me want to spend the night there just admiring it all. There’s fabric to make even the most incredible of ballet tutus... sigh... and the best part? Their fabric can transport you right back to this era with its charming prints and beautiful designs.
And it's not just London's style that’s captivating. The energy here is contagious! From the bustling streets to the charming cafes and pubs, everyone seems ready to dance, with that vintage spirit bubbling to the surface! 🥂
You know I love getting into the history behind things. And for this trip, it was essential for me to visit The Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park. Founded in 1956, it was, of course, a hub of dedication and creativity. Ballet has come a long way since then, but imagine stepping back in time and seeing these amazing young dancers honing their craft, ready to make their dreams come true. ✨
And while my time travelling heart always wants to experience more, it's time to wind down. But remember, darling, you can experience a little bit of 1956 London through your very own pink tutu. Imagine it… gliding around your room, pretending you're on the grand stage at the Royal Opera House… whoosh! swoosh! That's what it's all about! 💖
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to London. Was it as fabulous as I remember? What are your favourite tutus from this time? And don’t forget to share your pink tutu pics using #PinkTutu - it makes me feel so good! 🩰
And just remember, no matter the era, there's always room for a little tutu magic in your life. So go out, be fabulous, and have the most amazing week. 💕
See you all next Tuesday,
Emma xx
