#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1957-04-30

Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed ballerina, Emma, back with another blast from the past for your #TutuTuesday treat. Today, we're taking a train journey all the way back to 1957, a year bursting with fabulous fashion, groundbreaking ballet and, of course, tutus galore!

Let's just say my pink tutu caused a bit of a stir on the platform at Euston Station, a touch of vibrant colour amidst the charcoal grey of the era. You wouldn't believe the number of stares I got, but I've got to tell you, my dears, a good pair of ruby red pumps with a hint of glitter and a confident twirl go a long way!

Now, for those of you new to the pink tutu scene (you're welcome!), 1957 was a year where ballet, both in England and across the world, really took off. You see, a good ballerina, especially one with a fondness for the finer things in life (pink tutus included!) thrives on a good story, a captivating performance, and an utterly magical experience, right? Well, 1957 delivered in spades!

Firstly, the Royal Ballet, oh, they were practically overflowing with talented ballerinas. There were big names like Margot Fonteyn, so graceful, like a butterfly on stage, and her rival, Nadia Nerina, with her fierce, captivating performance style. You can’t get better than that.

And speaking of rivals, don’t even get me started on the absolutely wonderful and fierce competition at the Bolshoi in Moscow. Galina Ulanova, with her light and delicate style, captivating audiences, while Maya Plisetskaya, well, let’s just say her powerful, fiery dancing set the stage alight! It was like watching a beautiful dance competition on an epic scale, every performance, a captivating tale spun through the graceful artistry of their tutus!

To be perfectly honest, 1957 was a glorious year for ballet. And the tutus! Oh, the tutus! They were simple, elegant, perfectly complementing the ballerinas and their stories, and, of course, with the tiniest hint of whimsy. You've got to appreciate those elegant little ruffles! It's no wonder we see the same style cropping up again today - good things never go out of style, darling! I mean, imagine what would be going on in ballet class without a tutu!

And then there’s this fantastic thing called television, my dears! Ballet started popping up on the telly screens, meaning we could all enjoy these amazing performances from the comfort of our own living rooms. A great thing if you're wearing a fabulous, swirling pink tutu, right?

But 1957 was about more than just ballet. It was a time of huge social change, and while we’re enjoying these fab ballet performances, I can't help but look at the beautiful 1950s styles too. From the elegant dresses to the stylish hats, everything was oh so charming. I couldn't help myself. I purchased a divine little 50s number in a heavenly shade of blush pink while in the shops yesterday, simply gorgeous! I've always wanted to try vintage fashion, and this little gem was too irresistible. The perfect colour to pair with my blush pink tulle tutu!

So you see, dear friends, 1957 wasn't just about tutus and beautiful ballerina dances. It was a time of remarkable change, a time when people were beginning to dream of something new and bold, a world that was just begging to be twirled and twirled in style. And perhaps, my dear readers, there’s a bit of a connection. If we take a step back, it was this era of social change where the idea of ballet gaining wider recognition really blossomed, just like my love affair with tutus!

And what better way to honour that era of dreams, my darlings, than with a little dance in our own pink tutus? Why don’t we create a ballet, or simply wear them for a spin around our favourite places, all in the name of 1957? After all, darling, as long as you're twirling and twirling your way to a place where you feel free and confident, well then, I’ve got a feeling that the tutus and dreams of 1957 won’t just live on. They’ll get to truly shine.

Don’t forget to check in every Tuesday for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday! Remember, it’s a tutu-filled, fairytale life that makes the world go round, my darlings. You never know when my time travels will bring you something fabulous, or which vintage gem I’ll have on next!

Yours always,

Emma (and a touch of vintage magic!) ✨💖

P.S. And on that very date in 1957? Well, a certain American astronaut called John Glenn was rocketing his way into space, creating even more tales of wonder and adventure in the skies. I think I might wear a space-themed pink tutu with silver sparkles and sequins next week. How about you?