#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1959-04-28

Welcome back, darlings! It’s me, Emma, your tutu-loving time traveller, and I’m delighted to be back with you for another exciting journey into the world of ballet. This week we’re waltzing back to April 28th, 1959, a time when the world was captivated by the grace and elegance of ballet, and of course, the divine, dreamy, darling tutu.

As I boarded my trusty time-travelling steam engine (the best way to get to your destination, believe you me!) this week, I already knew what an exciting date this would be! This very day, the Royal Opera House, the hallowed halls of dance itself, was aglow with a production of The Sleeping Beauty, that absolute masterpiece by the brilliant Tchaikovsky! It had been specially chosen by the Royal Ballet for their annual season. How could I possibly miss out on that?!

Now, I love my shopping trips to Liberty in London. The clothes are so fabulous, just what a girl needs to find that perfect, flowy, graceful ensemble for an elegant dance at The Savoy! I could happily get lost in the silken, satin, and lace displays, dreaming up exquisite outfits that would make even the most discerning Duchess swoon. But even London can’t compare to the spectacle of the Royal Opera House, so I spent a good deal of time simply soaking in the atmosphere! Just picturing those opulent decorations, the buzz of anticipation in the air… sigh... pure bliss! The excitement before the curtain rises, knowing that soon, those ballerinas will be bounding across the stage in their breathtaking, billowing, perfectly pink tutus!

Oh, to think, that glorious, perfectly crafted tulle, the very heart of a dancer’s attire, a visual expression of movement, lightness and grace! This iconic garment of our ballet world, was born long before 1959, but let me tell you, darling, its popularity and prominence, its role in creating that beautiful, fairytale-like ballet magic... oh, it was certainly flourishing by this date! The tutu was truly the symbol of the times – a symbol of artistry, elegance, and that almost unreal, dream-like quality that captivated so many during the fifties.

As I watched, lost in the artistry of those captivating dancers, I found myself contemplating the influence of the tutu’s evolution, and how that evolution reflected the evolving ideas and attitudes around dance itself. In 1959, there was a definite, rather lovely classic feel to it all. The tutus were all quite fitted at the waist, clinging ever so slightly to those beautifully slender figures. Then they just, well, erupted out from there into a swirling, multi-layered extravaganza! But, with a classic approach to colour. There was a great deal of the traditional shades of pink, the pastel and ballet pinks and hues, of course, which were just about the only colours allowed on that revered stage at the Royal Opera House in those days! A great deal of white was around, too.

Now, don’t get me wrong, darling, this isn’t a “good ol’ days” thing, the world of ballet is always exciting and always in constant, enchanting motion. And in fact, you’ll often see inspired tweaks of these classical forms within contemporary ballets these days! Imagine those gorgeous billowing skirts, but given a unique shape, or made with shimmering materials or textures – just delicious! I adore contemporary ballets! Just wonderful, though my heart will always be for a timeless classics performance…

You know, it makes me realise just how timeless and influential these ballets and dancers have been on culture. I’d have to say that the artistry and fashion, the grace of ballet itself, has undoubtedly been influencing everything from film and stage to high fashion, even to children’s clothes! Every little girl loves dressing up like a ballerina, and that really brings the whole idea full circle, wouldn't you agree? We always try to mimic the great artists of the past in fashion and art - we adore the beautiful patterns and forms and trends - and there is simply no one who embraces shape more beautifully than those graceful ballerinas. I do believe we all share this common love of shape and style.

I think I may try and find some more authentically-sourced 1950s-style ballet fabric and craft a fabulous, timeless piece to recreate the look of those exquisite tutus! This little adventurer simply can't help but bring back some amazing little treats from the past. And speaking of treasures, the ballet show was just beyond brilliant! The performances, the story-telling, the emotions… It was captivating!

So, dear reader, that’s what happened on the 28th April 1959! And in conclusion, the very core of ballet is that elegance, that shape, that graceful beauty… and that magic – and nothing embodies those principles more fully than a tutu! Now go out and be a magical beauty and express your joy with movement and with shape, whatever that shape might be.

You know where to find me if you want a new, amazing pink tutu. I just know you are longing for some truly dazzling, fabulously pink fabric creations! I do offer online and real-life shopping excursions, I have stores around the world (and even one in a Tardis) if you ever want to visit! Remember to sign up for my free online tutuing class (available for subscribers only!). You could be just a dance step away from feeling like a dancing princess in no time! And don’t forget to follow my journey on all my social media platforms. Until next Tuesday, keep on dancing, darlings!