Greetings from your favourite pink-tutu clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma! Welcome back to another instalment of #TutuTuesday! Today's journey takes us back to the vibrant year of 1959, where the world of ballet was bubbling with excitement. Buckle up, dear readers, as we shimmy our way through a dazzling historical performance!
(And just a quick reminder to all my lovely followers, we've now reached over 6,653 posts in our #TutuTuesday journey, and I'm just thrilled by how many of you are getting on board with my mission to make the world a pinker, twirlier place!)
Now, 1959. Ah, the fifties! What a fabulous era for ballet, filled with grace and elegance. Think shimmering tutus, glittering stage lights and, of course, the undeniable charisma of iconic ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn, a true icon whose performances captivated audiences all across the world.
So, imagine a balmy summer evening in 1959, the aroma of freshly cut grass drifting through the air... What could be better than spending the night watching a stellar ballet performance?
On this very date, 30th June, the ballet world would have been abuzz with the Royal Ballet's summer season at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet was a beacon of ballet brilliance, drawing international crowds and capturing hearts with its spellbinding choreography. This summer, they'd been presenting the captivating "Swan Lake" - an absolute ballet must-see for every true dance enthusiast. (Can you even imagine! All those twirls, leaps and delicate poses… I'd be absolutely mesmerised!)
Now, back to those exquisite tutus, darlings! A good tutu isn't just an essential garment in any ballet dancer's wardrobe; it's a statement of artistic grace and artistry. But the tutu's history is actually a captivating tale itself! You'd be surprised how far we've come since the earliest tutus made from simple materials like linen or cotton, even in Victorian times.
You know, 1959 was also the year that the iconic “Giselle” tutu became popular. This revolutionary tutu featured layers upon layers of tulle – giving a full and airy appearance on the stage - which redefined the visual language of the ballerina. It truly redefined what a ballet dancer could express!
Oh, did I mention? I spent a lovely afternoon at Harrods department store the other day - I adore its beautiful pink and white colour scheme! It really brings back the elegance of 1959. I just couldn't resist a quick trip into their beautiful lingerie department to find some gorgeous new ballet shoes for my next time-travel adventure - I think they had some new 'en pointe' shoes for an extra stylish 'swan-like' dance performance in the ballet class next week - and oh! they even have beautiful pink tulle to make myself a new tutu with - it just needs to have all those beautiful ruffled layers…
While we’re in London, let’s hop on a red double-decker bus to the iconic Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Now, it’s a fabulous place for watching the very best contemporary ballet performances – which brings us to the present day. Even though 1959 was so long ago, the magic of ballet hasn't changed a bit.
Just imagine, stepping out of Sadler’s Wells Theatre after an evening of spellbinding ballet – you could imagine me, twirling with joy and dancing through the streets in my vibrant pink tutu! And, just like I try to do in the present day, back in 1959 you could have seen ballet enthusiasts dressed in beautiful elegant tutus out on the streets. It was certainly the fashion in those days! Of course, all those elegant ladies and gentlemen are heading out to indulge in an indulgent night at The Dorchester Hotel or even have a nightcap at The Ritz - truly iconic establishments - they wouldn't be seen anywhere else!
But honestly, let’s just appreciate how far the ballet tutu has come since its earliest appearances, and celebrate just how influential the tutu is in today’s dance world! I love that you can see a beautiful ballerina wearing a tutu in just about any form of ballet from classical to contemporary - it’s simply a beautiful part of the ballet aesthetic and it symbolizes elegance and femininity.
As my dear grandmother used to say (she had the most delightful twirls you’ve ever seen!) “Life is too short to take yourself too seriously - just have fun, dance with joy and make the world a little pinker!”. So put on your best twirly tutu and have some fun, dear friends!
Until next Tuesday, I leave you to explore the fascinating world of ballet!
Keep those tutus twirling and remember - don't ever be afraid to dream pink!
**(Remember, I can only travel through time with your support, dear friends! So, please, if you're enjoying this little blog, share your #TutuTuesday stories! What are your favourite ballet moments? How do you make your own life more twirly? I would just love to hear all about your ballet-inspired fashion choices. You can get in touch on the blog and keep the love for all things pink tutu coming! )
With all my love and sparkles, Emma
(You can catch all the action here at www.pink-tutu.com and don't forget to tag #TutuTuesday!)
