Hello lovelies! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-traveling ballerina, back with another thrilling edition of #TutuTuesday. This week, we’re stepping back to the glorious year of 1956. Oh, darling, 1956 was a simply divine time for ballet and for all things fashionable! The world was just buzzing with excitement and I can’t wait to share some of the incredible moments with you!
Now, I’ve just hopped off the train from Paris, darling. The Parisian fashion scene is simply divine! The fabrics, the silhouettes, it’s enough to make a girl swoon. It seems a new dance is taking the world by storm - the "twist", it's oh so energetic and vibrant! Imagine a mix of jive and jazz but with even more hip action!
So, speaking of swirling, let’s dive into the captivating history of the ballet tutu around 1956!
Now, remember darling, the tutu wasn’t always as we know it. This wonderfully whimsical piece of dancewear actually started out as more of a floor-length skirt, quite like a grand ballroom gown. Can you imagine swirling and leaping in a gown that practically trailed on the floor? A bit impractical for our graceful ballerinas, wouldn't you agree?
In the early 19th century, dancers began to wear shorter skirts - the very first versions of the tutu! Can you believe that it took almost two hundred years for ballet to find its most iconic silhouette?! They even experimented with multiple layers of tulle, which, I’m sure you’ll agree, just creates such a gorgeous swish when you dance.
Now, imagine my delight when I found myself stepping back into 1956, smack bang in the heart of a Paris ballet school! Oh my, those girls! Such talent, such elegance! I simply adore how the tutus in 1956 were just so romantic and floaty!
Just picture this: tulle that flows, it almost takes on a life of its own. You see it twirling and circling in the air as the dancers pirouette, it is pure artistry, my dear!
But the beauty of ballet is that it's ever-evolving, just like fashion, darling. So, even within 1956, you’d have found some brilliant, exciting changes in tutu designs! There’s nothing like watching those incredibly talented dancers twirling, those gorgeous twirls and delicate arabesques. You can feel the spirit of dance and freedom swirling in the air. It’s quite the inspiration, isn't it?
So, what’s the big thing happening in 1956 for the tutu, you ask? Well, imagine my excitement when I saw those gorgeous long tutus - just flowing down the dancers' legs. The dancers of the time loved those, oh darling, those long, flowing lines, the romantic feel it gave. Simply exquisite! They were even designing tutus to incorporate fabrics with more structure, a real feat for this graceful and delicate garment. It was just magical!
But of course, it wouldn’t be true ballet without those classical pieces, my dear. If you're a fan of the classics, you’ll be overjoyed to know that the traditional tutus, the ones that stop right above the knees, were just as prevalent in 1956! They're elegant and beautiful - perfect for those grand pas de deux and iconic moments! A classic like Swan Lake! I love how they embody the classical elegance of ballet so wonderfully! It’s just mesmerizing.
And the best part about 1956, you wouldn’t believe the colour! Pink is so prevalent in ballet history. From beautiful pinks to soft peach hues - 1956 simply loved the colours of pastels, oh darling, it really brought a sense of romantic charm and whimsy to the stage! It’s really magical, it's all just such lovely shades for showcasing that graceful artistry.
Now, it's not just the tutus on the stage, darling! There are also so many amazing styles that we wear as students, as you know I am absolutely mad for them! Think romantic ribbons, delicate embroidery, beautiful lace - I just adore it all.
Speaking of fashion, darling, 1956 was the golden age for Dior! The cinched waists and voluminous skirts were a pure match made in fashion heaven for the ballerina tutus of that time, don’t you think? You know, those skirts are almost a form of modern tutu on their own! I love how both ballet and fashion embraced these feminine and beautiful designs!
It’s like our own, very private dance, a timeless celebration of style! Isn't it wonderful that we can draw such great inspiration from this amazing era?
I’ll be honest with you darling, after a couple of hours at the Palais Garnier opera house I find myself so drawn in by the enchantment. It’s so utterly fabulous and inspiring, you can't help but feel mesmerized. I simply adore how we, as a ballet community, are still celebrating that heritage, that style and that love of a tutu that’s timeless. And it’s not just me! Ballet is truly a global phenomenon and all those talented dancers and audiences worldwide – I bet they'd agree, darling!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true #TutuTuesday without me giving you a little insider secret - something I just have to share!
I had the privilege of witnessing an exciting dance happening at a glamorous evening event in the Grand Palais in Paris. This is one that I can't possibly miss out on sharing with you. So many ballerinas with stunning tutus of all colours were dancing, swirling and pirouetting all over the Palais - truly amazing. Oh, the excitement! The guests were captivated. You'd never have guessed that you’d find so many tutus amongst the fancy gowns and perfectly dressed gentlemen.
It was truly breathtaking, it had such elegance. You could just see the sheer delight on everyone's faces. I find myself inspired by the ballet community again and again. We are an incredible and artistic group, oh darling. That's why I encourage you to celebrate, whether you are a seasoned ballet aficionado or a tutu-enthusiast. Every single one of you is welcome to embrace that fabulous spirit! It’s truly a beautiful community that welcomes all and brings everyone together in this special and meaningful way.
Remember darlings, whether you're wearing a tutu for a dance class or simply for a special event, the magic of it is something that resonates with us all, don’t you agree? It’s a reminder to dream big, to embrace creativity, and most of all, it’s a reminder to wear pink.
I've been inspired again this week, oh my! That beautiful swirl, those exquisite details - 1956 was a golden year, my darling. If there's anything you want me to delve into for next week's #TutuTuesday, drop a message on www.pink-tutu.com - let’s explore another time, together! Until next time darlings, don’t forget - life is always a beautiful ballet, and there’s always time for a twirl. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more pink tutu inspiration! See you next Tuesday!
Much love, Emma xx
