Hey there, darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, back again with another edition of Tutu Tuesday! It's a gloriously sunny day here in New York, and the city is buzzing with excitement for the Ballet Theatre's performance of Giselle later this evening! I just had to wear this bubblegum pink tulle confection - a truly perfect complement to the bright, playful energy of the day.
And what a fabulous day it is to talk tutus! Today we're stepping back to August 11th, 1959. This date isn't particularly renowned for tutus, but, like every other day, it has its own story to tell about our beloved ballet wear. Let's dive in and see what secrets this vintage Tuesday holds!
Firstly, let's set the stage (pun intended!) It's 1959 - think poodle skirts, petticoats, and those fabulous full-skirted evening gowns everyone adored! This era in fashion was about volume, elegance, and the art of making a statement with a little swish and a twirl. Tutùs, as a form of clothing, perfectly fit that aesthetic!
What were the tutus like in '59? Think soft, delicate tulle and romantic styles. A touch of hand-beaded embellishment, a smattering of strategically placed sequins - just enough to catch the eye in a softly flattering way. In many respects, it's a style we could bring back! I’m certainly not averse to a bit of delicate beading myself. And what about colour? Think creamy white, blushing pink, even a dash of lavender. And you couldn't forget those iconic ballerina slippers! Delicate and pointed, they made every movement even more graceful, and those perfect ribbons... oh, so charming! The key in '59 was, well, grace, darling. Nothing brash or overly theatrical. Just elegance, femininity, and movement like a wisp of air!
Now, if we fast forward back to today, let's have a chat about the performance this evening. Giselle - a ballet with a powerful, dramatic narrative. Such tragedy, such romantic yearning, yet also a triumphant, ethereal beauty. It's why this piece is a favourite amongst dancers and audience members alike.
I know many of you might be thinking about ballet in the way that it's performed today, and those are wonderful performances - thrillingly acrobatic and beautifully innovative. But think for a moment about the tutus in '59, those exquisite soft tutus. And imagine watching a ballet classic like Giselle, performed with grace, charm and just the right amount of dramatic flair. Wouldn't it be absolutely magical? I'd happily catch the train back in time just to experience that, wouldn't you? I do believe there is something undeniably romantic and poetic about the grace of tutus from this era, that feels utterly timeless and special.
Before I bid you adieu for this week, let's think about the tutu of today. It has evolved - the structure, the colour, even the very fabric - into a tool for performance, an expressive medium, even a statement of individuality. Whether it's for a Broadway production or a modern ballet choreographed to a pounding techno beat, the tutu of today is a marvel of innovative design, expressing the limitless possibilities of performance!
But don't let's lose sight of the past, my darlings! Every fashion trend finds its root in another era, and the tutu is a wonderful example of that. A ballet garment with a vibrant history and limitless possibilities, constantly reinvented and re-imagined! It's all about that sense of timeless beauty.
And that’s the very spirit of Tutu Tuesday.
So next time you step into the theatre or your ballet class, look closely at your tutu. Think about the long journey of design and reinvention it represents. Think about the countless stories, memories, and expressions woven into its fabric. And most importantly, think about how a single garment can take you on a breathtaking dance through time. Remember, darling, it’s never too late to channel your inner ballerina and find your own touch of magic!
And if you ever feel a little lost in time, just picture that soft, twirling tutu, and you'll find your way back to something beautiful.
Don’t forget to check out pink-tutu.com next week for more Tutu Tuesday! I’ve got some wonderful news to share - just you wait!
Until next time, and always wear your tutus with pride, Emma xxx
