Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling fashionista, and today I'm waltzing you back to 1958!
As a true believer in the magic of a well-chosen tutu, I've been yearning to revisit the fifties for ages. Think classic, elegant lines, frothy tulle, and that oh-so-charming vintage flair that just screams "ballerina"! ✨
You might think a tutu-loving girl like me would be a bit of a fish out of water in this era, but I can assure you, you'd be surprised. The fifties saw the rise of the "Ballet Boom," and even though tutus were far from mainstream fashion (yet!), they were gaining popularity thanks to the incredible growth of ballet schools and the influx of new dancers into the spotlight.
I've got my trusty vintage maps and a bag full of sparkling hairspray at the ready – let's take a peek at what's happening in the ballet world, darling!
The Starry Stages:Oh, the theatre scenes in 1958 were absolutely buzzing! The most celebrated ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Natalia Makarova were electrifying stages all over the world. A quick jaunt to Covent Garden (I do love my train journeys!), and I could have caught one of these fabulous performances myself!
Speaking of Covent Garden, The Royal Ballet was already a star in its own right, and you wouldn't be able to miss its beautiful new home, the Royal Opera House, sparkling in all its grandeur. If you couldn't get tickets for a show, a ballet class at the Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park was another amazing way to soak up that ballerinasque atmosphere.
And over in the States, New York City was home to George Balanchine, the mastermind behind New York City Ballet. The "father of American Ballet", he was weaving a new, modern kind of magic on stages that everyone wanted a glimpse of.
The Changing Silhouette:You wouldn't have caught me without my own classic tutu, of course, but even back in '58, dancers were exploring new shapes and designs! The "ballet look" was going through a delightful metamorphosis.
Imagine sleek, streamlined costumes, maybe with a hint of geometric patterns or a subtle bit of embellishment. And while long, billowing tutus were still holding onto their traditional charm, shorter styles and even pantaloons started making an appearance on stage. It was a fascinating evolution towards a more modern silhouette!
And remember, it wasn't just on stage where things were shifting! The influence of ballet on women's fashion was already gaining momentum. Think A-line dresses with flowing skirts and delicate floral details—a touch of ballet magic right on the streets!
The Little Details that Make the Difference:I'm all about embracing the details, darlings. And you'll find some seriously lovely bits and pieces from this era. Remember pink was huge (you'll find a certain pink-obsessed ballerina with you right now!), but lilac, baby blue, and pale green also stole the hearts of those fashion-forward folks.
Think delicate floral headbands, a touch of sparkle with some beaded brooches, and maybe even a beautiful silk scarf knotted just so. And if you really want to capture that ballet charm, why not try a tiny ballerina charm on a delicate chain?
But let's not forget about the shoes! Remember those oh-so-stylish satin pumps with cute little bows, perfect for twirling the night away. Just imagine how fabulous I looked in a soft pink tutu and those stunning shoes!
My Top Tips for Adding Some "Tutu Magic" to Your Day:It's Tuesday, and we know what that means - a dose of tutu magic is in order! Whether you're in the 1950s or the 21st century, there's no reason not to bring a touch of ballerina charm to your day.
Here's what I'd do if I was stepping out in 1958:
Embrace the floral print: I'd wear a soft, flowing dress in a delicate floral pattern, and pair it with my favourite pink ballet flats for a touch of vintage grace.
Go for a vintage inspired ballerina bun: Smoothly swept-back hair, maybe with a few strategically placed pearls, is perfect for that chic ballet vibe.
Tie a beautiful ribbon on your bag: A touch of delicate silk adds elegance and personality to any outfit!
Go to the theatre (or just the cinema!): Ballet performances are incredible, but even a fun night at the movies is a great opportunity to get into the "show" mood.
And last but not least... wear pink! Embrace your inner ballerina by rocking that pink!
And remember, my dears, the power of a pink tutu lies not just in its appearance, but also in the joy, grace, and confidence it inspires. Whether you're twirling in the 1950s or waltzing into the future, let that tutu remind you to embrace your inner ballerina and let your light shine brightly!
Until next week, stay pink! - Emma xx
P.S. Have a look at this picture of The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden on October 21st 1958. Isn't it amazing? ✨ The photo shows the ballet dancers doing their final bow. So inspiring, wouldn't you say?
