Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveler, bringing you another slice of ballet history for #TutuTuesday. Today's journey takes us back to October 8th, 1957, a date that whispers of glamorous premieres and thrilling new styles. Now, settle in with a cup of Earl Grey, because we're about to embark on a fabulous adventure!
A Blast From The Past - 1957!
Can you imagine a world without internet shopping for tutus?! Back in 1957, a ballerina like myself had to visit bustling London boutiques or maybe a charming shop tucked away on the French Riviera to find the perfect tutu. We didn't have the vast selection available online, but the joy of discovering a beautiful piece in a store was truly magical!
1957 was an exciting year for ballet, and, as usual, New York City was at the centre of it all. That October, the New York City Ballet took the stage with their innovative new production of "Agon," choreographed by the legendary George Balanchine. Now, imagine the thrill of witnessing this groundbreaking ballet, where the dancers in their exquisite tutus moved like graceful swans, perfectly embodying Balanchine's vision! This production wasn't just about the costumes – it showcased a revolutionary choreography that took the world of dance by storm.
Ballet On The Big Screen!
In 1957, cinema became a gateway to the magical world of ballet. The American documentary "The Magic of Ballet" brought the graceful world of dance into the homes of thousands, sharing breathtaking performances from top ballerinas and exposing the art to a wider audience. The film is filled with incredible shots of ballet in all its beauty, giving us a glimpse into the glamorous world that was on everyone's lips in 1957.
Style Notes from a Tutu Time Traveller:
Now, let's dive into the fashion trends of this glorious decade! The 1950s was all about elegance and refinement. Think soft fabrics, graceful silhouettes, and stunning colour palettes, perfect for highlighting the elegance of a classic ballerina. We saw full skirts, flowing fabrics, and an emphasis on the feminine figure, reflected perfectly in the ballerina's tutu, which embodied all the grace and elegance of the era. Imagine those graceful ballerinas gliding across the stage in tutus, looking absolutely ethereal in powder blues, blushing pinks, and soft creams.
The tutu became more than just a costume – it was a symbol of glamour, a visual feast of colour and intricate detail. This is the era of Marie Taglioni, the ballerina who essentially birthed the "tutu" as we know it! Imagine how magical it must have been to see ballerinas perform with such graceful fluidity, clad in those elegant tutus that seemed to float effortlessly across the stage!
London's Dancing Soul
Meanwhile, in London, the ballet world was buzzing! The Royal Opera House played host to a dazzling display of dance. From the breathtaking performances by the Royal Ballet, with its legendary dancers, to the captivating choreography that would leave audiences breathless, it was a time of innovation and creativity for British ballet. The era saw Margot Fonteyn, one of Britain’s most iconic dancers, at the height of her career. Seeing her dance in the Royal Opera House must have been something truly special!
My Tutu Journey - From Derbyshire To The World!
1957 brings me back to the beauty of it all: The magic of ballet transcends time. This week I am in New York, soaking up the history of the New York City Ballet. I've found the perfect pink tutu for my "Agon"-themed outfit and it is a real showstopper! Later, I will see if I can grab a slice of New York's iconic cheesecake! After that I will make my way to a train, bound for the bustling fashion hub of Paris. I can't wait to see the ballet shops, browse the newest trends and be a part of the French ballet scene. The next stop after that is a weekend with my family back home in Derbyshire. I always find it's important to take a step back and appreciate where you come from, even when traveling through time in pink tutus!
What is it About Tutus?!
Tutus have a special place in my heart. It’s the feeling of magic when the tutu glides with you across the dance floor, like you are almost floating! When we talk about 1957, it's a time when tutus evolved into more than a garment – it's an embodiment of a whole story. It's a timeless reminder of beauty and graceful artistry. And who knows, maybe you can add a touch of magic to your life by trying out ballet class, going to see a show, or even sporting a cute, colourful tutu to your next dance party! I hope you all are enjoying my #TutuTuesday blog posts, and until next week, happy twirling!
Emma x
(P.S. Don't forget to check out my blog *www.pink-tutu.com for more posts like this!)*
