#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1958-02-18

Hello darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! I'm your time-traveling, tutu-loving, pink-obsessed blogger Emma, and today we're taking a trip back to 18th February 1958 – a time when ballet was already a firm favourite, but the world of fashion was just starting to blossom in a glorious new way!

Now, I know you're probably wondering why I chose this particular date. Well, on this very day, The Bolshoi Ballet graced the stage of the Royal Opera House in London, wowing audiences with their extraordinary performance of Swan Lake. Can you imagine the sheer spectacle?! Just the thought sends shivers of excitement down my spine. 🦢💖

But enough about ballet (for now!) – we're on a fashion journey today. Let's go back to the glamorous, ever-so-slightly retro-chic world of 1958!

The fifties, my dears, were an era of dresses, dresses, dresses! Feminine silhouettes were all the rage – think full skirts, nipped-in waists, and graceful lines. Christian Dior was a superstar designer, having introduced the New Look just a few years before – a revolution in fashion that celebrated the feminine form and brought a sense of refined elegance to the world.

Pink was a favourite hue in those days, just like it is today. Think soft blush tones, pretty baby pinks, and elegant coral hues – all perfectly complementing the pastel shades and vibrant colours of the fifties fashion.

Of course, the queen of colour then, as now, was undoubtedly Audrey Hepburn. Her elegance and charm embodied the fashion era – from her little black dress to the princess-worthy gown in Funny Face (a film you must watch!).

And what about tu-tu's, I hear you cry? Well, in 1958, tutus were firmly established as the uniform of the ballerina, with their beautiful tiers of tulle providing a lightness and grace on stage. They were a bit more romantic and delicate in their construction, think shorter, pouffy, and very full. Imagine swirling clouds of pink tulle on stage - how dreamy! 💖

I wouldn't be a true Derbyshire lass if I didn't give you a little bit of local fashion history. The Peak District was still an important area for textile mills, so there was plenty of gorgeous cotton being produced for garments across the nation. It wasn't just about fashion either, it was also helping the post-war recovery with some of the nation's fabrics coming from right here in Derbyshire!

While we were all about the fluffy tutus in London, the fashion trends in my own little corner of the world weren't too different from the capital. My favourite places to visit? Why, Derbyshire House and the Nottingham Arcade, where we could marvel over the beautiful fabrics and fashions from those iconic London stores, transported here via rail, just like me today! 🚂

A Note on Traveling: Did you know, in 1958, it took around four hours to travel by train from London to Nottingham?! I mean, how quaint is that? Now you can jump on a high-speed train and make the trip in just under two hours! It makes my journey back in time seem much more romantic, doesn't it?

It wasn't all just the grand stages of London's Royal Opera House where tutus were shining back then. There were performances everywhere, from the little town hall theaters to the ballet studios, there were young dancers like myself (well, except I was wearing my pink tutus to go dancing in the local ballroom, or simply shopping on a Tuesday morning!), spinning and swirling around in these wondrous costumes, spreading joy wherever they went.

Now, don't get me wrong – I absolutely adore the dramatic, beautiful tutus worn in today's ballet (longer, more flowy, super elegant! ), but those little, classic, 50s-style tutus had a certain je ne sais quoi, didn't they? And there’s a reason those looks are back in vogue in fashion – just like pink, they just make you feel good. 🥰

So, whether it's on stage, in a shop, or just strutting down the street, keep the pink flowing, and let's show the world the sheer joy and freedom that comes with a pink tutu. 💖🩰

Well, darlings, this little history lesson has come to an end. Remember to keep visiting www.pink-tutu.com, for all your tutu inspiration and to join me on this exciting journey through the fascinating world of ballet fashion history every #TutuTuesday.

Until next time!