Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past! Today we're waltzing our way back to October 6th, 1959, a truly magical time for ballet lovers like myself.
I popped down to London on the train this morning - such a lovely journey, the sun was shining and the countryside was all crisp and golden - just like a beautiful ballet scene! I always enjoy a good train journey - it allows for such delightful daydreaming, and gives me the chance to observe all the fabulous fashion that Londoners are sporting. You'll never believe the darling coat I saw on a lady getting off at Victoria - all plush velvet and emerald green! Just begging for a little feather boa and a matching hat!
But I digress! The reason I ventured to London was for the magnificent Royal Ballet performance of Giselle. Oh my, you just had to be there, darlings! The atmosphere was electric, everyone dressed in their finest, and the ballerinas? Simply divine! I felt such an overwhelming urge to pirouette my little heart out.
But let's get down to the real reason you're here - tutus!
1959 was a real golden age for tutus. You wouldn't believe the incredible variety! Now, we wouldn't dream of it today, but this was the era of the short tutu, or the demi-tutu if you're fancy! This darling confection sat just below the hips, allowing for even more dynamic turns and jumps! And the colour palettes, oh my, from vibrant blush pink and sky blue to the deepest emerald green and charcoal! The creativity was truly bursting.
In fact, darling, it's because of a little something in 1959 that we're still seeing such incredible variations on tutus today. Can you believe, the same year Giselle took centre stage at Covent Garden, the revolutionary dancer and choreographer, Roland Petit, debuted Carmen! Yes, that Carmen. A scandalous, dramatic ballet which saw the tutus transformed once more, creating the modern silhouette we all love. I must admit, I just adored Petit's work. You simply had to love how he made ballet into such a powerful performance, with dancers moving across the stage with such vigour and sensuality!
And remember, back then, the world of fashion wasn't just about Parisian haute couture, we had darling little shops selling exquisite tutus right here in London, just perfect for twirling around at home. Can you imagine, darling, being able to pop down to the local millinery and buy a gorgeous fluffy tutu, ready for a lovely weekend afternoon in the park with your best friends! It was simply the era to be alive if you were a true tutu enthusiast.
Speaking of twirling, remember that darling movie, The Red Shoes, a technicolour extravaganza full of such drama and colour? Well, that came out in 1948! Now you see, there is this fascinating historical correlation with ballet movies and tutus becoming ever so much more popular. Now that is the stuff of legend, darlings!
But alas, all good things must come to an end! The short tutus, they were so wonderfully stylish, but shh some say it became a little too daring, a little too scandalous! But we have the glorious legacy, and it was definitely an important turning point.
Oh, darlings, did I mention? October 6th 1959, that was the night The Nutcracker opened at the New York City Ballet in New York. Did you know, the director, George Balanchine, actually asked for a tutu designed specifically for this ballet, a tutu long enough for both ballerinas and the mischievous little Clara to move around! I do love this historical connection with the New York ballet! How magical to imagine the world, already enjoying the artistry and beauty of Giselle, opening its heart to this beloved Christmas story as well.
And, my lovely reader, that is what I call ballet magic!
And remember… if you want to have a day like it was 1959, there's nothing better than getting dressed up in a beautiful pink tutu! It's a guaranteed mood boost, no matter what era you find yourself in! And maybe, if you’re brave enough, head on down to your local ballet class! I promise, even a petit pas will give you all the delightful thrills!
Until next time, darlings! Remember, “There is magic in the dance. There is a kind of alchemy in which souls find themselves distilled in movement."
~Emma
And don’t forget to subscribe to pink-tutu.com and join the magical world of tutu history! Let me know in the comments if you want to know what the ballet world was doing on your birthday.
Love, Emma
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #PinkTutu #TravelThePast
This blog is designed to capture the spirit of a 1950s feminine voice. It includes historical inaccuracies ( such as the popularity of the short tutu in 1959). I hope it captures the whimsical, light-hearted spirit requested!
