#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - Post 6614 - September 30th, 1958!
Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another delightful dose of Tutu Tuesday history! 🩰💖 Today, we’re twirling back in time to September 30th, 1958. I can practically feel the excitement bubbling in the air – the theatres are buzzing, the shops are overflowing with new designs, and everyone’s eager to get their fill of fashion and dance.
Where shall we visit today? This week, I'm whisked away to a glamorous destination. New York, darling! Imagine, New York City in 1958! That's where my time-travelling adventures lead me. So exciting! 🗽🍎 And oh, wouldn't you just love to see what those incredible dance performances look like?
But before we explore the stage, let’s have a little chit-chat about the tutuland around us.
Tutuland Travels:
Speaking of travelling, I just LOVE train journeys! There’s nothing more wonderful than settling down in a plush carriage, tucking into a spot of afternoon tea, and gazing out of the window as the countryside flashes by. That's my favourite way to see the world, don't you think? I even found the most lovely little antique hatbox in my recent jaunt. I found it tucked away in an old antique shop on a quiet street near Leicester Square in London. Inside? You wouldn’t believe the amazing old feather boa and a wonderful hat trimmed with delicate vintage lace, just the perfect additions for a retro evening! So I'm on my way to New York - with all my lovely accessories and my tutu bag! I can't wait to see what the stores look like! I wonder if they sell lovely pastel pink tutus! I think I might try on a bright red tutu! It'll be amazing! Do you love shopping for tutus?
The Show Must Go On!
Let’s talk ballet, my favourite topic! It wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday blog without a fabulous performance to review! Oh, wouldn't you just love to be at the New York City Ballet today? That’s right! You’d find yourself enthralled by a performance of the "Four Temperaments". It’s a masterpiece! Ballet critics consider it one of George Balanchine’s greatest works. This exciting, unique work explores different human personalities - melodramatic, melancholic, choleric, and sanguine! Just think of the emotions the dancers convey! 💃🎭
And talking of choreography, have you seen the newest ballet shoe trends this season? I found the cutest pair with little pink ribbons that go all the way up the ankles - absolutely divine! 😍 Wouldn’t they look delightful with a tulle tutu skirt?
Tutus Throughout History: 1958 Edition!
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the tutus!
Today in 1958, ballet tutus are experiencing a thrilling evolution! It’s a golden era, my darlings. Think classic silhouettes but with a fresh, exciting flair. Remember, our tutus need to move with us as we twirl and leap across the stage, don't you think?
Think: long, flowing tutus in lightweight materials like chiffon or tulle. These tutus float effortlessly as dancers pirouette and leap across the stage. What I like best is that they are almost translucent and seem to have a shimmer, making the whole look magical! I think you can see why it's one of my favourite eras. Imagine swirling around the stage, my beautiful tutu billowing out in a glorious, romantic cloud around me - what a perfect vision for the perfect day!
And of course, let's not forget the iconic layered, voluminous tutu. This style brings the romantic side to ballet right up to the forefront - think full and dramatic. Just imagine the look, swirling around the stage as if I was a gorgeous rose! I absolutely adore this tutu style! I want to dance!
You might see a beautiful selection of colours: from the classic ivory and white to vibrant hues like pale pink, azure, or the luxurious golden yellow. It's not just the shape that's beautiful, but the movement. Just look at how dancers seem to defy gravity as they glide through the air, creating graceful and powerful moves that take our breath away.
The world of fashion is echoing these ideas and you can spot the new looks in street fashion too - you've simply got to have a touch of ballet in your outfits! Don't you agree? It is an undeniable influence for designers across the world. It makes me just want to step outside my flat and waltz down the streets! It makes me wonder about the possibilities! I mean, have you considered dressing up in pink and tutus as an outfit to wear around town? Just think, my darling, think of the joy it would bring to all the people you would pass!
Shopping Sprees:
Oh, my dear friends! We've talked about shopping. I just had the most lovely time visiting some of the wonderful shops around New York City today. The store displays were fabulous! Everything was just so chic! They even have some lovely new designs! Imagine my delight when I discovered the new 'Tutuland' shop! What a gem! My imagination went into overdrive, looking at the tutu colours! I loved their pastel tutus and also all their glittery gold tutus too! It's absolutely breathtaking!
The newest trends include everything from exquisite silk gowns for formal balls to a lovely line of brightly coloured evening sweaters with a little extra bounce to their step (in the fabric, not in a tutu kind of way!) Oh, and what a treat: we mustn't forget the sensational scarves. Every colour of the rainbow with sparkly silver or golden flecks woven into them! Oh darling, you have got to check these out.
Just the thought of being able to waltz down Broadway in the perfect vintage outfit! I think a sparkling red tutu might be the perfect way to top the outfit off - with matching shoes and a bright, bouncy hairstyle! Just picture it. You, looking fabulous, making everyone just want to stand back and take in the incredible visual! You've got to find yourself a shop window with an incredible reflection! You've got to get yourself out and embrace life to the fullest. That's what fashion and dancing are all about! What do you think?
Let's Take it to the Streets:
As I often say: Ballet is more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle! So don’t just stop at the theatre, my darlings. Embrace the spirit of ballet and twirl your way into a happy day! Why not bring the excitement and grace of ballet to your daily lives, huh? Let's celebrate and share that wonderful sense of happiness, wonder, and joy with everyone.
I do! My lovely friends, if there's anything more magical than ballet, it's inspiring the world with it! 🩰❤️ That's the dream, isn't it? A world where tutus are worn everywhere.
Join me in the mission! Embrace your inner ballerina and let's paint the world pink - one tutu at a time! 💖🩰💋
See you next Tuesday! Have a wonderful week everyone!
P.S. Don't forget to share your favourite tutu stories with me - I want to hear what you’ve been up to in tutuland. And let me know what other destinations you’d like to travel back to. Where shall I go next? 🗺️
Love and twirls, Emma 💖