Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the magical world of ballet history. This week, we're travelling to a fabulous time – 22nd October 1957! Imagine a world where Elvis Presley ruled the airwaves, poodle skirts were all the rage, and everyone dreamed of dancing like a ballerina. Oh, how I adore this era!
So, what’s on the menu for ballet this week? Well, darling, 1957 was a year of spectacular premieres! In London, the Royal Ballet launched a brand new production of "Swan Lake", featuring a young Margot Fonteyn. Just the thought of watching Fonteyn dance has me twirling! And if you think this was the only exciting event, you’d be utterly wrong! The New York City Ballet staged its very first gala, marking the launch of one of America’s most prestigious dance companies. What a glorious time to be alive!
Now, you're probably wondering, Emma, what about tutus? Are we wearing fabulous, full, romantic tutus? Well, you might be surprised! In the 1950s, a new style of tutu began to rise. Think slimmer lines, more intricate details and lots of layers to make a swirling effect! It was revolutionary, and gave dancers a freedom they'd never experienced before. This style was perfect for the energetic new choreography that started to become popular. They say "change is as good as a holiday," and that definitely rings true with 50's ballet.
Did you know that one of the leading ballet teachers of the 1950s, Dame Alicia Markova, famously disliked tutus altogether? Shocking, isn’t it? Apparently, she believed they constrained a dancer’s movements. I, for one, couldn't disagree more! They're so utterly magical. My dearest tutus, are the epitome of graceful femininity. However, you have to admit Dame Alicia’s opinions are part of what helped create those stunning new tutu styles in the 1950s! They're all part of the glorious tapestry of ballet history.
Speaking of fabulous times, I'm off to indulge my shopping spree obsession. Nothing beats finding the perfect vintage tutu to add to my collection! You can never have too many, you know what I mean? You can imagine how many outfits I’ve got tucked away in my attic! The time travel business can get expensive – I find most of my funding from doing my own performances. There’s nothing I love more than entertaining a crowd and helping people fall in love with ballet just like I have.
Right now, I’m headed down to the local train station! Next week, I'm jetting off to Paris, so I'll be showing off my French style. After that, it's off to a grand opening of a brand new opera house in Prague – oh how I love travelling to those European locations. Don't worry, my dear readers, you’ll be joining me on my trip – I'm planning on sharing some pictures from my escapades in Prague next week. So do make sure you pop by for another #TutuTuesday, you won’t want to miss out on those beautiful pictures. I am, of course, wearing my favourite shade of pink - what else? My dress will have enough layers of tulle for you to imagine it is a cloud!
And if you want to learn more about 1950s fashion and the new tutu designs, pop by www.pink-tutu.com. You can see my favorite tutu designs from this era.
Happy tutu twirling! Emma xx
Let's get a bit more into Emma's persona and the time travel details. We'll expand this to 2000 words.
#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 22nd October 1957 (Post #6565)Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the magical world of ballet history. This week, we're travelling to a fabulous time – 22nd October 1957! Imagine a world where Elvis Presley ruled the airwaves, poodle skirts were all the rage, and everyone dreamed of dancing like a ballerina. Oh, how I adore this era!
Just think of those petticoats and the bright pink candy colours! So full of happiness and sunshine. And we even had time travel to look forward to – wasn’t it just exciting then? I always loved sci-fi stories - I’ve read them all! I had no idea how much we'd really progress as a society. If I had just a bit more money from ballet, I might have tried to invest in some of those early computers - but let's be honest, I needed every penny for tutus!
Back to ballet. Now, you're probably wondering, Emma, what about tutus? Are we wearing fabulous, full, romantic tutus? Well, you might be surprised! In the 1950s, a new style of tutu began to rise. Think slimmer lines, more intricate details and lots of layers to make a swirling effect! It was revolutionary, and gave dancers a freedom they'd never experienced before. This style was perfect for the energetic new choreography that started to become popular. They say "change is as good as a holiday," and that definitely rings true with 50's ballet.
As always, I love how tutu fashion evolves with ballet history. Every era, every dance, and every choreographer - they all add to the magnificent history of our glorious art. But really, it's tutus which steal the show. And in my mind, the most stunning and beautiful were definitely designed for these new dance moves in the 1950s. And don’t even get me started on the new makeup. Remember all those winged eyes from the 1950s? You just can't top them! They just brought out a glamorous aspect, didn’t they? Everything about the 50s just screamed glamorous, don’t you think?
Did you know that one of the leading ballet teachers of the 1950s, Dame Alicia Markova, famously disliked tutus altogether? Shocking, isn’t it? Apparently, she believed they constrained a dancer’s movements. I, for one, couldn't disagree more! They're so utterly magical. My dearest tutus, are the epitome of graceful femininity. However, you have to admit Dame Alicia’s opinions are part of what helped create those stunning new tutu styles in the 1950s! They're all part of the glorious tapestry of ballet history.
I must say, I loved to see how these new tutus impacted dancers. They still created the graceful swish of a tutu, but the dancers felt free. It felt like the entire stage just blossomed, especially as these tutus brought a new sort of colour and sparkle. Now, don't you get me wrong, I still love a classic white tutu. But the colourful styles from the 50's, with those sparkly details, were just stunning. It was a very stylish decade - for both clothes and dance!
Speaking of fabulous times, I'm off to indulge my shopping spree obsession. Nothing beats finding the perfect vintage tutu to add to my collection! You can never have too many, you know what I mean? You can imagine how many outfits I’ve got tucked away in my attic! As well as those beautiful hats! They were simply glorious back in the 50's. But alas, I find it so much easier to store my hats now, after the travel agency made me learn a special folding method for hats!
Now, some of you might think: "Emma, you travel through time. You’re going to a whole new era, why can’t you get yourself the most stunning outfit, like, a new tutu designed for you? " And I understand why you'd ask. I truly love exploring those historical clothes stores, just as much as the fashion in my own time. However, my real talent isn’t just finding amazing clothes in different time periods. It's using them to bring a little bit of magic into the present! Imagine me travelling back from 19th century London wearing a flowing gown, complete with the perfect matching gloves, and ... maybe a touch too much crinoline to handle on a train to Derbyshire! (And trust me, I’ve done this! It doesn’t work).
And yes, darling, you do understand why I love train journeys. You need time to dream, and to see a world outside my favorite tutu, which always matches my latest collection of hats and scarves. There are just too many shops to visit. I mean, honestly, do you think I would be able to walk past a vintage hat shop?
Of course not! Now, it's a little bit secret, and I promise I'll get a more extensive time travel blog set up at some point, but my time travel actually starts in the world of ballet. There was just enough money for ballet when I was growing up in Derbyshire. So the deal I struck is - I put on a fantastic show and make enough money from tickets, then my agency gets to pick my destination! Oh, how I love the magic of theatre!
But the absolute best bit is, it always involves ballet, and some absolutely magnificent tutus. So even when I’m travelling to 1950s London for my trip on 22nd October, the focus is always on the tutus. They just captivate me! And that's how I choose my next adventure. If a city is celebrating some ballet history - then I must be there, wearing the most glorious tutu. It just works out, darling.
Speaking of history! Well, that's enough history for today, darlings. Let’s get back to those fabulous, glamorous fifties. Let's hear about that new production of "Swan Lake." That must have been just magical!
You see, dear reader, the beauty of these tutu times – the excitement never ends! I absolutely loved that new “Swan Lake” from 1957. I love how ballet constantly renews itself - whether it's with brand new choreographies or new costumes and tutus. In those new designs, there was still a touch of classic grace, but you can clearly see a new energy from a younger generation of dancers. It's modernity in every step. I just loved seeing that.
I’m always fascinated to see what fashion the dancers wear around their dance fashion, of course! I always find an elegant shop nearby so I can buy some tutu inspiration. Even though this post is a few days late, this week has had so many amazing tutu moments – I didn’t even mention all the wonderful street dancers, I watched in Times Square, dancing right in those gorgeous vintage poodle skirts.
Anyway, I have just so much to show you next week. For now, let me know your favorite historical period – if it's not 1957 yet, don't be too harsh! Everyone has their favorite tutu era. Do come back next week. As a big thank you for your time and attention, I'm going to be picking one lucky commenter to join me on a virtual trip to Paris! So, just let me know if 1957 has a favorite tutu memory for you. And remember, to stay beautiful and fabulous, Emma xx
