#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1957-02-05

Welcome back, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday journey through the captivating history of the ballet tutu. Today, we're waltzing back in time to 5th February 1957!

This Tuesday finds me in the heart of Paris, darling! The city of lights, the city of romance, and yes, the city where the tutu's reign is simply unchallenged. It’s hard not to feel a sense of awe as I walk past the elegant boutiques and bustling theatres.

Today, I'm sipping a divine latte in a little cafe by the Seine, surrounded by the sound of a charming street performer’s accordion playing "La Vie en Rose," a beautiful ballad of romance that seems so appropriate for this magical city.

This time in history, the world of ballet is ablaze with talent. I was fortunate to have been invited to the Opéra Garnier just last night for a stunning performance of “La Bayadère." Oh my, the costumes! The Grand Ballet were truly magnificent! Their ethereal tutus were spun from a special fabric called tulle, you see, a very delicate, but strong, fabric with a beautifully airy texture, creating such graceful, fluttering lines. This material would soon go on to be the defining element for tutus as we know them today!

The colours in this production were exquisite. Such a palette! Soft pink, graceful creams, the majestic silver-grey – a pure spectacle of loveliness. It reminded me, you simply cannot underestimate the impact of a perfectly chosen colour on a ballet tutu. Just imagine, darling, the shimmering effect a deep royal blue tutu would have, set against the plush crimson backdrop of a grand stage!

Speaking of grandeur, oh, the opulence! This is the golden era of the grand, romantic ballet - everything feels so beautifully larger than life, even the costumes! And the movement! They’re just breathtakingly beautiful, these Ballet dancers moving like pure poetry, every step, every turn imbued with such graceful emotion, all while wearing these exquisite creations!

Of course, I was utterly giddy last night, snapping photos of these fabulous costumes with my new Polaroid camera. (You know I've just fallen in love with the colours and quality of these vintage cameras). This camera, and many more such photographic treasures, are all the result of the innovative ingenuity of 1957, you see! What a brilliant time to have lived, darling.

But my travel blog isn't just about what's on display at the grand theatres, it's also about capturing the very spirit of the time – about the women, the men, the styles and attitudes that give the decade its identity. So, before I rush off to visit some lovely antique boutiques for vintage fashion inspiration (tutu inspiration is a MUST!) I thought we'd dive deeper into the tutu evolution of this particular era!

I’m not the type for strict chronology, you see, my darling readers, I believe in making these history journeys a delightful exploration. After all, isn't a tutu meant to be explored – from every angle, every intricate layer!

If you look at the ballet tutu from this era, 1957 that is, and contrast it to earlier designs from the 19th century you can see a clear transition. In the beginning, tutus were rather more like voluminous skirts - they simply swirled and floated around a ballerina's body, leaving room for elegant fluidity and expressiveness. It’s beautiful and captivating!

But things changed, my dears. As ballet technique became more technically demanding, tutus evolved as well. These later tutus became shorter, offering more freedom for grand jete's and intricate fouette turns. Think of the freedom, the artistry!

Yet, one thing remained the same, you see, my dears. Even though designs may evolve and techniques may evolve, the tutu remains an enduring symbol of elegance, a visual representation of dreams. The ballerina, enveloped in a glorious tutu, is still the epitome of artistry, femininity, and pure joy.

And that, my lovelies, is the message we’ll keep repeating through the ages! It is in that joyful message that #TutuTuesday shines bright!

So, where do we find ourselves today as we continue this #TutuTuesday journey through the glorious history of the ballet tutu?

In 1957, the fashion scene was truly a spectacle of chic! Think Dior's iconic "New Look", Audrey Hepburn’s breath-taking dresses and an abundance of flowing skirts, so graceful, so utterly feminine. But here's a secret, darling - the tutu, that symbol of ethereal elegance, was also a driving force in this captivating fashion revolution.

Do you remember our earlier chat about tulle? That delicate, diaphanous fabric, oh, tulle became a darling of the designers in 1957! It graced every dress and skirt, adding a magical flutter, a dreamlike texture to every piece, a touch of the ballerina. This subtle balletic influence infused every garment. Imagine, darling, a delicate tulle skirt swaying as a woman gracefully steps onto a grand stage...

But hold onto your bonnets, darlings, fashion is not a mere imitation! There’s more to the ballet influence on the 1957 fashion scene than just tulle, my dears. Just look at the way the tutu's airy, graceful silhouette found its way onto women's clothing – from voluminous dresses to the flowing skirts that defined the era! We've always believed in the art of blending, adding a hint of magic with our signature, tutus in our lives.

Now, here comes my favorite part! In a way, 1957 marked a kind of awakening to femininity, darling – a desire to celebrate grace, softness, and artistic beauty. What's more feminine than a pink tutu? Think of the joy of it, a celebration of color, of imagination, of the very spirit of femininity. And guess what? You can embrace that same feminine spirit with the grace of a ballerina - a pink tutu is all it takes, darlings! Add some sparkle! A few feathery trims. And perhaps, just perhaps, a whimsical crown for a truly majestic look! Just let the fun take over!

For me, the pink tutu embodies this magical spirit - an embodiment of creativity and a playful acceptance of femininity, darling. It doesn't have to be grand stage material. Just wear your tutu and strut down the street with a twinkle in your eye, darling.

And remember, this journey through #TutuTuesday isn’t just about the past – it’s about inspiring the present! Take a page from the history books! Let your femininity bloom! And never, ever, darling, underestimate the power of a beautiful, tutu, no matter where or when you’re traveling in this extraordinary, magical journey of time!

Now, excuse me, my darlings! My train leaves shortly, and it’s back to the enchanting world of tutus and travel. I’ll keep exploring these amazing, historical journeys for you, always wearing a pink tutu and reminding everyone, everywhere that joy is always worth celebrating! Until next time!

Love,

Emma