Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting chapter in our Tutu Tuesday history journey. Today we're stepping back in time to a rather magical year – 1957! Can you believe it's been almost 70 years since we donned those gloriously full tutus and took the stage by storm?
Now, picture this: London, a city buzzing with energy, bustling with traffic and brimming with post-war optimism. I've just arrived by train (I adore those charming carriages!), suitcase filled with tulle and sequins for a fabulous shopping spree on Oxford Street. Did you know they were starting to embrace those trendy new designs with full skirts and shorter lengths? They really knew how to make a statement with a bit of twirling!
Of course, the main event is the ballet, and boy, is it a treat! We're at the Royal Opera House (back when it was known as the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden) and, darling, the whole world was just a-flutter about Swan Lake! Oh, the grace, the passion, the sheer poetry of those swans…
Today, the 2nd of July 1957, we saw a truly special performance with one of the greatest dancers of all time – Margot Fonteyn! Now, there’s a name that resonates even today. Can you imagine being captivated by her every move? That sheer ethereal elegance, it would make anyone want to dust off their dancing shoes!
But this wasn’t the only treat! On this very same day, a little closer to home for my Derbyshire roots, the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra is hosting a classical concert with an unexpected touch: a charming ballet piece by none other than Sergei Prokofiev! Can you imagine? A bit of ballet amongst the beautiful symphony? It seems like a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both worlds, wouldn't you say?
1957 saw an explosion of color and movement in ballet. I’m just giddy with excitement to see it all! They really loved those extravagant, full tutus in the classic styles – like a perfect pink cloud that would have you feeling like you could truly fly! (Don’t worry, you don’t have to actually jump from rooftops – let's save that for the trained professionals, shall we? 😉)
Talking about pink, let's delve deeper into that colour. This era wasn't just about black and white you know. It was a world beginning to explore vivid hues – imagine, bold pink leotards contrasting beautifully against the snow-white tutu, all swishing and twirling under the stage lights! It was truly a glorious vision.
But here’s the thing – while the traditional white tutus were still beloved, there was a definite shift towards something a little more modern. We saw these dazzling pink tutus popping up in some of the most beautiful choreography of the time – and let's be honest, what's more glamorous than a pink tutu twirling under the spotlights? It's practically begging you to take a bow!
So you see, 1957 wasn't just a year, it was an entire magical universe full of elegant performances, eye-catching colours, and tutus galore!
Did you know…?
There were at least two "Tutu Tuesday" episodes this week in 1957! On Tuesday 2nd of July, you saw that magical ballet show at Covent Garden and on Tuesday the 9th, a ballet starlet named Natalia Makarova graced the same stage with another stunning Swan Lake performance! Talk about making your week unforgettable!
Fancy a treat yourself this Tutu Tuesday? Head to your local dance shop and treat yourself to some gorgeous pink accessories – a headband, maybe some sparkly hair clips, or perhaps some dazzling pink ballet shoes to compliment your pink tutu for the next time you dance? There’s just something magical about a pink ballerina! 🩰
Well, lovelies, I'll have to get going for now! It's time for me to continue my time-travelling adventures – I'll leave you with this reminder – pink is indeed a very special color. A colour that invites creativity, excitement, and a whole lot of playful twirls.
See you next week, darlings, for another Tutu Tuesday escapade. Remember to join the #TutuTuesday movement, post your pink tutu pictures and get those fabulous tutus twirling! Until next time!
XOXO
Emma
