Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, your tutu-obsessed time traveller, back again with another thrilling instalment of Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're going right back to 1958, a glorious year for tutus, and a time of real excitement in the world of ballet!
Grab your tea and biscuits, put on your prettiest pink tutu, and settle in for a whirl through history with your favourite pink-loving time-hopping ballerina.
1958: A Tutu Tale
Ah, 1958! A time of poodle skirts, bobby socks, and those impossibly beautiful full tutus. You know, the kind with the mountains of tulle, swirling with every pirouette, almost taking flight! Think Margot Fonteyn twirling on the Royal Opera House stage in a cloud of silk. This is the era of tutu elegance!
Imagine, darling, travelling by train across Britain, seeing the iconic Royal Ballet performing at Covent Garden, or heading down to the Southbank for a delightful performance by the Sadlerās Wells Ballet. Tutus are everywhere, a symphony of white and pink on the stage, the ultimate expression of graceful artistry!
Iāve had a little wander through the London shops this week, darling, and trust me, it's a paradise for the tutu-loving fashionista! We're talking delicate fabrics, stunning hand-stitched designs, and colours as rich as a summer sunset. Every girl dreams of owning a tutu fit for a princess, and 1958 is the perfect era to be living that dream!
A World of Tutus
But, you know me, darling, I'm all about exploring the world! This week, we've taken a little train ride to Paris, that charming city of lights. Did you know the Palais Garnier Opera House, that exquisite venue with its swirling staircases and majestic chandelier, is truly the pinnacle of architectural glamour? Seeing a ballet performance there, surrounded by the breathtaking grandeur, is truly a treat for the senses. The Parisian ladies here have the most incredible tutus, theyāre all about beautiful silk and intricate details. It's a tutu lover's dream come true!
Oh, but wait! It's not just Paris that's going crazy for tutus, darling. In New York, the New York City Ballet is taking the world by storm! We saw George Balanchine, the master choreographer, in action, a true genius, with innovative ballets featuring ballerinas gliding in tutus, a sight to behold! I'm thinking about catching a show this very weekend! Perhaps a performance by Suzanne Farrell, known for her gorgeous jumps, in a tutu so delicate and romantic, just the sight to inspire my next creative endeavour.
And don't forget the West Coast, darling! San Francisco Ballet is putting on some fabulous shows. Tutued ballerinas gracefully dancing against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay? Sounds idyllic, donāt you think?
The Legacy of 1958
This year is truly an iconic moment in the world of the tutu. Imagine it: a magical tutu that becomes an extension of the ballerinaās body, an expression of dreams and grace. It is an elegant testament to beauty and artistry that inspires every tutu-lover, right here, right now. I love seeing the influence of the elegant 1958 tutu on contemporary designers today! Those stunning tutus are definitely still the inspiration for the current fashion trends. Itās such a joy seeing designers put their modern twist on classic elegance!
#TutuTuesday Fashion Corner
You know I love a good shopping trip, darlings! So, today I've been treating myself to a whole new collection of tulle, laces, and satin ribbon ā enough for a whole ballet of new tutus! Imagine, delicate pink ribbons intertwining with swathes of silk, and a sprinkle of sparkling sequins for good measure. Just divine!
Oh, darling, and remember, thereās a Tutu Tuesday challenge happening every single week. Show me your love for tutus and share your pink tulle outfit for a chance to be featured in my blog! Tag your photo on Instagram with #TutuTuesday for a chance to have your stylish, fabulous self featured!
Now go forth, my dears, spread the joy of the tutu, and never let go of your dream of being a graceful ballerina! Remember, there's a bit of a tutu fairy in all of us.
Until next Tuesday, darlings! XOXO
Emma
P.S. I've found this absolutely charming shop, darling! A treasure trove of ballet books and posters, itās called āThe Dance Bookshopā. And the books on ballet history? Iām a little obsessed with them! Itās a real haven for ballet-lovers and tutu-enthusiasts, and a great place to explore all the history of the wonderful tutu. You can find it just down from the Royal Opera House! I recommend a visit ā and if you do, maybe pop a few extra tutus in your basket for me. You know, just because! š
