Hello my darling Tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballet aficionado, ready to take you on another whirlwind adventure through the history of the most fabulous garment known to womankind – the tutu!
This Tuesday, we're stepping back in time to a truly special year, 1959, a year bursting with vibrant fashion and some truly legendary ballet performances. Oh, and just imagine – I got to wear the most fabulous fuchsia pink tutu with layers of tulle so delicate, you could practically see right through it! It's almost a shame that all this beautiful vintage fashion isn't around today, but let's be honest – would you really trade your sleek modern tutus for a more modest silhouette? I certainly wouldn't!
1959 – A Year of Change & Creativity
So, picture this, dear readers – 1959, a time when ballet was on the cusp of a major transformation. Imagine all the big names of the ballet world: Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, and the incomparable Galina Ulanova. What incredible talent and sheer artistic power those three embodied! These pioneers of dance weren't just performers – they were trendsetters. They inspired a generation of dancers and ballet audiences, with their stunning movements and their equally impressive costume choices.
This year also marked the launch of a ballet company in a city that's practically synonymous with the art form – New York City! The New York City Ballet, a beacon of contemporary dance, was born, fueled by the visions of the incredible George Balanchine and the charismatic Jerome Robbins. They set the stage for a new era in ballet – one that embraced both classical technique and revolutionary contemporary choreography. It's no wonder this company became an instant hit with its audacious and modern performances!
Back to My Fuchsia Delight!
Oh, how I loved the delicate fabrics and the elegant shapes of the tutus of this period. And, just so you know, my pink tutu, a confection of pink and layers upon layers of fine tulle, fit in perfectly! It was a time when femininity was celebrated in every way, and the tutus definitely embodied that spirit!
For this time travel adventure, I made my way to Paris, the heart of high fashion, the beating heart of couture. You just know the tutus are out of this world – it's a paradise for ballerinas. I actually found this glorious little vintage store hidden on a backstreet. It was packed with fabulous costumes and shoes – and let's not forget the glittering, oversized jewels! Imagine – you wouldn't know whether to spend your hard-earned shillings on the sparkly brooch or the shimmering dress, or both!
This day I'm actually feeling so much the joy of a proper girly ballet outfit – a simple black, knee-length, ballet skirt that lets my pink tutu stand out with its romanticism. Of course, you can't wear just any tutu. No, no – this time my tutu needs a matching headband with the most fabulous, delicate feathers. A beautiful ribbon tied around my bun adds another layer of romantic whimsy. But who am I trying to kid? You all know my number one rule – always be as pink as possible!
London Calling!
After Paris, it's off to London on the overnight train! Ah, travelling on the sleeper train - what luxury. Even if I'm not travelling to see a performance I'm surrounded by incredible sights on every corner - my dear old England really is one of the best places for a tutu-wearing time traveler to explore.
Of course, while I'm in London I just had to visit the Royal Opera House. This is truly a temple of ballet – home to the Royal Ballet, and I know it would make the perfect setting for the most magnificent tutu performance ever. Oh, how I dreamt of standing on that legendary stage – bathed in the spotlights, the tulle swirling, and the thunderous applause! What a dream come true that would be!
But this Tuesday, I'm going to a matinee show. The story they're performing is "The Sleeping Beauty" – how much I adore it! Imagine those glorious costumes - all the velvet, lace, and feathers, creating a perfect storybook atmosphere.
Inspiration and a Call to Pinkness
The stories I've told you about this Tuesday from 1959 hopefully bring the period to life and fill you with ballet bliss. Do let me know if you have a favourite historical ballet date, as I love your feedback.
My dears, I want to close by asking you all to wear pink tutus today - not for me, but for the love of the magnificent pinkness it represents. Think about how joyful and glamorous tutus are and then picture yourselves sporting your own version, no matter how you define it. It's about celebrating your personal style, your uniqueness, and reminding yourself of the power and grace we find in ballet.
Go on! Dance around in your own personal pink tutu, no matter what anyone else says. It's your moment – so own it! Until next week, I'll be spinning and twirling with the most fabulously pink tutu I can find – may you find yours too!
With love and glitter,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
