Hello my darling Tutu Tribe! 💖
It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means… it’s time to whisk you back through the wonderful, whirly world of tutu history! Today, I’m grabbing my pinkest, puffiest tutu and setting my time machine to September 22nd, 1959.
Now, imagine if you will, darling, London. A world of grey skies and even greyer coats! The city’s buzzing with post-war excitement and the thrill of a changing world, and… you’ve guessed it – ballet is at the heart of it all!
It's a little less dramatic than the glitz of Hollywood (though it still boasts some famous names – we'll get to those!), but the ballet world of London is about elegance, precision, and telling stories with every graceful movement.
Let’s go back, darling, and take a peek…
A World of Classics
In 1959, Covent Garden, with its magnificent history, was still the place to be for world-class ballet. This year saw legendary productions of "Giselle," "Swan Lake," and "The Sleeping Beauty". Can you imagine seeing these classic tales come to life with the amazing talent that graced those stages?! I would’ve given my dearest tutu to be there!
Royal Ballet: A Flourish of Talent
Talking about talent, The Royal Ballet Company was reaching new heights. Imagine, darling, these fantastic dancers: Margot Fonteyn, a ballerina whose beauty and artistry simply stole hearts, and her partner Rudolf Nureyev, who brought charisma and flair to every role he performed. It was a golden era! They danced together and wowed the audience with their incredible performances. Now that was pure magic!
Beyond Covent Garden: The Buzz of Dance
While Covent Garden remained the crown jewel, London had another brilliant gem, The Sadler's Wells Theatre. Imagine, darling, its small-but-perfectly-formed auditorium was packed with ballet-lovers eager for new interpretations of traditional pieces and experimental contemporary ballets. This place buzzed with energy, a new generation of choreographers, and exciting experimental works.
Tutus in the Limelight: Styles of 1959
You bet your bottom tulle that the ballerinas of 1959 wore tutus with the grace and confidence they embodied. While they still stuck to those classic, beautiful tulle creations, you might find, darling, some new embellishments – a touch of sequins or a bolder shade of pink. I’ve been studying photos and illustrations, and it seems these ladies, although with strict routines, definitely found a little flair to make their tutus unique!
London's Glamour: Ballet and High Fashion
Imagine, darling, going out on the town in a beautiful 1950s ballgown and a matching evening clutch. Then picture this: stepping into Covent Garden and seeing those ballerinas pirouette on stage, each a picture of refined elegance! The link between fashion and dance was strong and the fashion scene influenced by this graceful elegance.
I've found such lovely photos, darling, of elegant ladies arriving at performances dressed to the nines. A lady's evening attire in 1959 definitely needed to match the refined glamour of a ballet performance! I find myself wondering – what would be the current equivalent of those beautiful gloves and fascinators? Hmm… something to consider for my next London trip.
Train Time: London's Journey to Fashion
Speaking of trips to London, darling, what better way to get around this grand city than by train?! Imagine me whizzing through London's train stations in a stylish coat, with a pink tutu peeking from beneath! Ah, darling, such glamorous visions of me and London's chic fashion…
The London of 1959, with its stylish clothing and impressive ballet scene, is truly a world worth remembering. From Covent Garden to Sadler’s Wells, this period had something magical, captivating not just London, but the world.
So, dear tutu tribe, what are your favourite pieces of 1950s fashion? Do you enjoy ballet performances? What would you wear for a fancy gala opening? Share your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll be sure to reply!
Until next #TutuTuesday, stay fashionable and graceful.
Your very own,
Emma 💖
PS: Make sure you come back next Tuesday, I have something very special to tell you about!
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