Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling fashionista, ready to take you on another enchanting journey through the history of our beloved tutu! Today, we're whisking back to a gloriously glamorous November 3rd, 1959, a date that's etched into my ballet-loving heart!
Stepping off the train, my pink tulle skirt swishing behind me, I landed right in the heart of New York City. Oh, the thrill of arriving in a bustling metropolis brimming with theatre! And of course, a visit to the Big Apple wouldnāt be complete without a stop at the world-renowned ballet companies that call this city their home!
My journey through time is always made more enjoyable thanks to my trusty tutu collection, a whirlwind of tulle and feathers that can whisk me through the ages! For todayās adventure, I've donned a light and airy, perfectly pink confection with an extra dose of sparkle ā just the thing for a night at the ballet.
Now, 1959 wasn't just the year of the iconic film āSome Like It Hot,ā it was a pivotal year in ballet history, with legendary choreographers pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. At the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine, a true genius of his time, was premiering āEpisodes,ā a neo-classical masterpiece. I can almost hear the thrumming of anticipation! And just a few days later, on November 7th, Margot Fonteyn would debut her "The Firebird." Oh, how I yearned to have seen these masterpieces with my own eyes, these dancers gliding on stage, the symphony of motion and music! I am not just a ballerina, I am a theatre enthusiast too. I just adore live performance. And so, I found myself drawn to the Broadway stages, taking in the brilliance of āThe Music Manā starring the incredible Robert Preston. Imagine - that captivating music, the heartwarming story, a truly perfect night out! Iām still humming ā76 Trombonesā as I type!
But it's not just about the dazzling performances. 1959 also brought forth a wealth of fashion inspiration. In those heady days of the early 60s, there was a sense of liberation in the air! The silhouettes were elegant, with skirts billowing and waists cinched, perfect for adding a touch of graceful femininity to everyday attire. And let's not forget about those fantastic shoes! Pumps with pointy toes, elegant flats, and even ballet flats, those perfectly feminine companions, were the epitome of style!
To get in touch with that 1950s spirit, I whisked myself over to Bergdorf Goodman, the legendary department store where the fashion set gather to indulge their sartorial fancies. I was spellbound! Velvet gowns, silk scarves, and of course, those stunning hats - the hats alone were a work of art! And let's not forget the shoes! Everything sparkled with a vibrant elegance that made me want to twirl in glee!
Of course, a visit to NYC would be incomplete without experiencing its unparalleled cultural scene. As a devoted lover of the arts, I immersed myself in the exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art, where abstract expressionism was flourishing. The vibrant colours and bold strokes echoed the spirit of the time!
My darling tutu, as always, provided a fabulous backdrop for these captivating experiences! I felt like I had travelled through time, and not just the past. My outfit took on the air of a stylish Parisian ballerina. My pink tutu had made the leap from the dance stage to fashionable city chic!
And what are the essentials for a time-traveling ballerina in the midst of New York's chicest city? Why, my dear, it's all about a splash of vintage elegance! My trusty tote, stuffed with a compact filled with pink blush (essential for achieving that effortless āfresh-facedā glow!), a vintage notebook filled with notes on āThe Music Manā music, and a small, silver pocket watch to remind me of the ephemeral nature of time. My pink ballet flat pumps with their velvet trim added a final touch of sophistication.
Of course, a proper English lady, even while traveling in time, is always prepared. I carry a tiny vintage travel set filled with essentials ā a bottle of eau de cologne to keep me smelling divinely fresh, a small silver comb for ensuring those wisps of hair are kept in place, and a compact mirror for last-minute adjustments to my lovely pink, full-skirt ballerina dress!
And, if thereās time, my trip isnāt complete without visiting the renowned Tchaikovsky Ballet Library - an oasis for the true devotee of the form. To be surrounded by balletsā historical treasures!
But don't just dream about it, darling, don't you simply dare to dare! Step out of your comfort zone and grab your own pink tutu ā no matter your size or shape. You, too, can embrace the magic and whimsy that these exquisite creations offer. Remember, even as I flit through time, my aim remains unchanged: to inspire every woman, in every age, to unleash their inner ballerina!
Now, it's time to plan my next time-travel escapade! Stay tuned, darling, as I bring you more fabulous ballet fashion moments through the ages. And remember to follow my blog for even more pink tutu goodness. Itās been a grand journey through history with you! Have a fantastic day. Lots of love, and remember: every day is an opportunity to embrace the ballerina spirit!
See you next Tuesday for another delightful delve into our tutu archives!
Yours in Tulle,
Emma
