Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving, pink-obsessed, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re going right back to 1958! Can you believe it? It’s a vintage vibe this Tuesday, so let's step back in time, shall we? Buckle up, buttercup! We’re about to get really fashionable!
Today's adventure sees me tucked snuggly into a carriage - sorry, I meant a train! I just love those quaint compartments with plush seats! The train journey is as exciting as the destination: The Paris Opera House! Ooh la la, as they say in these parts!
For you non-tutu aficionados, 1958 was a glorious year for the art of dance. Think iconic dancers like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev!
For our #TutuTuesday delve into this Parisian vintage world, I've got my hottest, brightest pink tulle tutu - I've added some darling handmade pink felt flowers that were all the rage back then. Honestly, pink just makes my heart flutter! I’m sure those Parisian ladies would absolutely adore it.
Now, 1958 - a whirlwind year for ballet and fashion! There was such a beautiful juxtaposition between traditional and the wild new styles coming out - all that bouffant hair and petticoats! Sigh. Remember those pencil skirts? They were such a trend that year - and even then they knew a fitted pencil skirt and ballet flat just worked! Oh darling, how I wish I could wear pencil skirts - such flattering lines for the figure. They do make an appearance here and there, so I can enjoy them, too!
As we sashay into the hallowed halls of the Palais Garnier, my mind is bursting with Parisian elegance, historical intrigue and of course, all that dazzling pink! It’s quite incredible to think that a whole new era of fashion awaits me! So grab your beret (or a pretty wide-brimmed hat if you are a true ballerina of the day!), pop on some ballet shoes - preferably those pink, sparkly satin ones I just adore, and come along on this vintage trip with me! I’ve got just the perfect pink and glamorous Parisian afternoon planned…
** Ballet Ballerina Trends 1958:
What can we learn from the Parisian ballerinas of 1958 ? I would say a little black dress and white ballet slippers were the essential staples for any fashionista. Here’s what made these ballet looks unique in this particular year.
**Parisian Chic Ballerinas of 1958:
* The Ballerina Bun * Forget your simple ballerina bun - these ladies knew a high, sculpted ballerina bun is essential to any dance or evening occasion! Lots of hairspray (if they had it) and a touch of pomade - oh, such classic hair goals, aren’t they?
* Ballerina Slippers: It wouldn't be ballet without ballet slippers, but the ones from 1958 were special. I must admit - I've had to purchase new ones especially for this trip! I wanted the *real experience! Think classic pink or black satin ballet shoes, maybe with a little ribbon tied to the ankle. Darling, we’ve come a long way since those days when white was not the ballet color!
* Tulle tutus *
Yes, this is the true ballet classic! We are talking lots and lots of tulle! Think long, layered and full - and even some slightly shorter tutus. The fabric is super delicate and always has an air of movement. The ballet world was not ready to fully embrace shorter tutus until 1974 when they appeared at the Bolshoi, and they certainly took some getting used to !
**The Grand Performances and Theatrical Glamour of 1958:
If you are ever lucky enough to travel to Paris and the Garnier opera house , you've got to experience the spectacle of ballet at the Paris Opera Ballet.
As the theatre doors swing open, you feel the grandiose spirit of Parisian entertainment. The glamour and elegance that this city exudes can truly only be experienced in person. In fact, just like my time travel journey, it's hard to explain.
There were amazing dancers! There is a certain magic when you watch live dance! Everything comes to life when you can feel the music, the set and most importantly, the dancer's physical energy on the stage.
What's in store this very special day? Well, you'll just have to wait and see, dear! I can't spoil all the fun of a Paris Opera house ballet performance. But rest assured, this show will be something else!
And now my dear ballet-loving darlings, I shall leave you with these final thoughts -
* What did you think of 1958 fashion? Did you have a favorite era from our history journey?
* How important is it to keep ballet history alive? Do we really have to learn ballet history? Why?
Now, back to the glamour of the Parisian night ! This night just keeps getting better with every graceful step of this wonderful show! The costumes - are stunning and the colours just transport me! And the dancing ... Well darling, they are dancing their hearts out on this stage and I'm dancing here with my favorite pink tutu!
It's time to make the most of this glorious ballet experience while I’m here. The performance is starting soon! Au revoir until next Tuesday, darlings!
Until next week!
*Emma, your pink tutu wearing time traveller from Derbyshire and your very own pink ballerina blog! *
www.pink-tutu.com
Note: This blog post is designed to be family-friendly and use feminine, positive language. It reflects the passion and personality of the character "Emma" while keeping it historically relevant.
