Hey darlings! Emma here, back with another glorious journey into the captivating world of ballet tutus! As you all know, I adore tutus - the swish, the fluff, the absolute femininity - but did you know the tutu we know and love wasn't always as, shall we say, 'out there'?
Today, we're heading back to 19th February 1957! That's right, 1957, my dears, just before all the exciting changes in the world of ballet happened - or at least that's what they tell me in the future!
After a rather jolly train journey from Derbyshire, where else could we be but here in Paris, the absolute centre of ballet chic! My trip was funded by my last performance, oh my, the costumes were absolutely divine - a little nod to the 1920s - feathers, beads, the whole shebang!
So, imagine it - cobblestone streets, charming cafes overflowing with Parisians, and me, naturally, in my absolute most adorable pink tutu! Oh, you must try this one! It’s got the most beautiful tulle - just a little frilly on the bottom, it's giving off that perfect touch of playful mischief! My lovely friends, a pink tutu always gets the Parisian stares, a delicious blend of curiosity and envy!
1957 was a wonderful time for tutus. It was still all about the Romantic era style tutus, big, full skirts that flowed with each elegant pirouette. It’s truly a visual spectacle, especially on a stage with dazzling lights reflecting off the layers and layers of tulle - it's absolutely captivating! But that said, my darlings, even in 1957 there were murmurs about the evolution of tutus. I saw the beginnings of new movements that were coming – there was definitely something bubbling just under the surface! There were rumours of more, dare I say it, streamlined styles. Tut-tut, that just wasn’t a look back in 1957, so let's keep those rumors under our tutu-wrapped caps!
What is extra exciting is that, while the Romantic era tutus were all about beauty, grace, and elegance – all lovely things, of course – there was an absolute explosion of colours being used! Just think - imagine the most vibrant pink tulle in a theatre bursting with light, that's a true celebration of the form, don't you agree?
Of course, on 19th February 1957 there was a show on - The Grand Ballet du Paris at the Palais Garnier. Oh darling, you must see the grandeur, it’s utterly incredible! Such beautiful, traditional choreography, so breathtaking. And, as always, the ballet dancers made their way onto the stage dressed to impress, swirling with a delightful array of traditional Romantics style tutus. Oh darling, these beautiful ladies are true artists in their art - every dance, every leap, a triumph of human expression, it really fills me with happiness!
After the show, naturally, a little stop in a lovely Parisian patisserie for macarons and an extra slice of delectable almond cake - we must look after ourselves for all that pirouette-ing, darlings. And then to some truly exquisite shops - one especially had a fantastic display of beautiful pastel silks that had the perfect touch of that pink! They had so many elegant ribbons too! Maybe some will be coming home with me to my beloved Derbyshire studio... Oh! The possibilities are just endless!
The ballet in 1957 was about beauty and grace. In the shops and the streets, the look of the times was more about simplicity and practicality – lovely little hats and chic dresses – and I'm still, and shall always be, a fan! However, it’s the big fluffy tutus in the ballet theatre that stole my heart.
Remember, darlings, we have the power to bring a touch of fairytale magic to any day, whether in the elegant halls of Paris, or in the cosy studio of a budding ballet dancer in our very own neighbourhood. Put on your most vibrant, whimsical pink tutu – we can all be ballerinas, you know. Remember, darling, I live by my motto: "Life’s too short for boring clothing, and tutus are the answer to everything!"
So, get out there, twirl, dance, and sprinkle a little sparkle into the world! Remember to post your tutu-ful moments on the #PinkTutu hashtag. I can’t wait to see what beautiful looks you’ve been putting together.
Now, off I pop to go explore another beautiful world through time, maybe with a touch of pink… And perhaps, just maybe, there’s a tutu waiting for me. Don't forget to pop by next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday adventures.
Until then, be kind to yourself, wear a big smile, and twirl!
