Hello my gorgeous Tutu-Lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina, and I'm positively pirouetting with excitement to share another fab #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post with you all. This week, my time-travelling toes have landed on the 6th November, 1956 - a date that holds a special place in my pink, sequined heart.
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, why 1956? What's so special about that year?". Well, darlings, this year was packed with fabulous ballet moments, not to mention the stunning fashion and fabulous trends swirling around the world! Just picture it: poodle skirts, slicked back hair, and oh, the glorious full-skirted gowns that were all the rage - pure fashion heaven!
The most exciting thing about 1956 was the thrilling world of ballet! Just imagine being transported back to this time - the air is buzzing with excitement as people are preparing for some amazing performances. In the glittering world of London, the Royal Ballet was already in full swing, boasting an extraordinary performance of The Sleeping Beauty. I hear the costumes were simply exquisite - a veritable kaleidoscope of colours and jewels - a vision to behold!
Oh, and I'm just positively bursting to tell you about the iconic ballet movie that hit screens this year: "The Red Shoes"! If you haven't seen it yet, darlings, do make it your priority. A romantic story woven through a world of dazzling performances, it tells the tale of a talented ballerina battling between love and her dream of dancing - a truly heart-wrenching affair. It had everything: passion, ambition, the exquisite world of ballet... and just look at the costumes! Oh my! Imagine being whisked away on a magical journey to the stage with that swirling pink tulle! Now that's a real #TutuTuesday treat!
But let's not forget our beloved history of tutus, because without tutus, what would ballet even be? Well, this is when our lovely tutu history takes a slight spin into a fascinating realm of change! For one, this year was witnessing a real shift in ballet costumes.
We've already discussed the iconic Romantic tutu of the past - that airy, almost cloud-like construction. Well, this was the beginning of a transition - the era of the classical tutu! Imagine a beautiful, flowing, soft, but with just a touch of more tailored structure and lines, perfect for executing graceful jumps and pirouettes - like an ethereal ribbon dancing in the wind! It was, well, just about perfect. And you know me, I'm a huge fan of all things perfect.
The classical tutu was beginning to become the style of choice for the more structured and graceful routines of the modern ballet age. You see, it provided the perfect combination of airy grace and structured, controlled movement - ideal for showing off all those elegant extensions and dramatic spins. And don't get me started on the beauty of the tutu when it catches the spotlight, glistening like spun silver under those magical stage lights - absolutely divine.
Just picture me in my own bright pink, twirling on stage, the music swelling, the lights gleaming, and my tutu swirling around my legs, catching the light like a dazzling, twinkling star - perfection!
Speaking of stars, 1956 was also a big year for our beloved prima ballerina, Margot Fonteyn. Can you imagine dancing on stage with her?! It's a truly remarkable woman. I love watching her videos, the way she dances is so elegant, graceful, and full of passion. Just amazing. Oh, to be even just a tenth of her.
So as you see, it's a time to celebrate our gorgeous tutus and dance our way to fashion nirvana! If 1956 wasn't quite my personal fashion era (after all, my love for tutus leans firmly towards a certain sparkly 1980's flavour), this year undeniably served up some unforgettable fashion moments! But who doesn't love a good 50s revival?
Speaking of which, my journey takes me back to Derbyshire. And wouldn't you know it? We've just discovered the most exquisite little shop that sells vintage dresses. Imagine - all the fabulous frocks and fabulous shoes, it's just as good as finding a long-lost tutu treasure in my wardrobe.
And of course, before I forget - you'll need the perfect outfit to fully experience this beautiful time period. Why not channel your inner 1950s goddess with a perfectly tailored full skirt and a classic sweater. Or better still - a fabulous tutu of course - in a lovely pink or red with black shoes and a crisp white shirt to tie it all together. Think about it! It's your very own time travelling ballerina wardrobe - ready for any occasion.
Next week, we're setting the clock back a little further, going to the 1950s and diving even deeper into the enchanting world of ballet tutus.
Now, let's dance our way into the week - what are you waiting for? Head over to the www.pink-tutu.com website and share your favourite 1950s dance fashion moments using the hashtag #TutuTuesday . I want to hear about your favourite ballet experiences and vintage clothing discoveries! You know I'm just dying to hear what your lovely little brains come up with!
Until next time, my tutu-loving sweeties,
Emma xx
