#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through Time! - Post #6679
Hello Darlings!
It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another delve into the fascinating world of the tutu! Today we're taking a trip back in time, landing right smack-dab in December 1959!
Grab your tiaras and dust off those fluffy tulle skirts, because we're about to take a journey to a time when ballet was a beacon of elegance and sophistication!
I have to admit, I'm a little bit smitten with this period. It's such a gorgeous and glamorous era for the ballet world! Just picture it: grand, chandelier-lit theatres, elegant gowns swirling around in the waltzes between acts, and breathtaking performances by iconic ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Alicia Markova. It's like stepping straight into a fairy tale!
So, what exactly was going on in the world of tutus on this particular day in December 1959? Well, my dears, The Royal Ballet were dazzling audiences at the Royal Opera House in London with their exquisite performance of "Giselle". This classic Romantic ballet, with its heartbreaking story of love and betrayal, has been captivating audiences for centuries. And can you imagine those beautifully billowing tutus in the final "Mad Scene"? Absolutely breathtaking!
Imagine a theatre aglow with shimmering chandeliers and the scent of lilies in the air. You'd hear the sweet notes of the orchestra playing the magical score by Adolphe Adam, the orchestra swelling as Giselle whirls in her exquisite tutu. Swoon!
It's no wonder that "Giselle" was a huge success and is still so popular today. In fact, it's a must-see for any budding ballet fan.
Speaking of budding ballet fans, my dearest readers, I do so hope you're embracing your inner ballerina, especially on these cold, dark December days. There is nothing quite as enchanting as twirling in a delicate tulle skirt. It's practically impossible to be grumpy while wearing a tutu!
Oh! Speaking of being in a pink moodβ¦did you know that Rudolf Nureyev, one of the most celebrated male dancers in the history of ballet, first met his beloved teacher Tamara Karsavina at the Bolshoi Theatre on 17 December 1959, exactly 12 days before our date today?!
Isn't that amazing?
A tiny historical side-note for my avid readers:
Did you know that "Giselle" is set in a time when ballet was just transitioning into the romantic era? It's so fascinating to see how fashion and ballet styles evolved throughout the years, from the structured tutus of the earlier periods to the lighter, more fluid tutus of today.
To get you all in a 1959 mood, I went on a rather splendid shopping expedition. Now I'm positively bursting to tell you about the amazing pink tulle I found in my favourite vintage haberdashery in Nottingham! I must be the only one in all of Derbyshire who has it. Itβs a gorgeous shade of soft bubblegum pink that practically glows. Oh, darling, I'm envisioning a dream tutu with layers upon layers of this stunning pink tulle.
Of course, dear readers, you all know I simply adore traveling through time, and I must admit, my latest trip was a real joy! I travelled by the most wonderful sleeper train!
The journey started with the most glorious view from the train window as we travelled from London to Edinburgh. The crisp autumn air, the lush fields fading into the distance, the rolling hills - everything seemed to glow with a muted light as we sped through the beautiful landscape.
As soon as we pulled into the station in Edinburgh, I simply had to make my way to a local antique shop. The owner, a delightfully eccentric lady named Violet, told me she was "delighted to see a lady with such good taste"! She even insisted I try on a selection of stunning, vintage ballet shoes - oh, darling, I felt like a little princess!
We laughed as Violet showed me her prized collection of ballerina books. My favourite find? An elegant little tome from the early 1900s detailing all the different styles of tutu. From the classical bell to the fluffy tulle designs! You all know how I love history, darling.
This train ride truly inspired me, as all train rides always do!
To bring that spark of the past into your present, I dare you all to take a little journey yourself. Head out on a weekend adventure! Visit your local vintage shop and get inspired by the designs and fashions from the past.
I've also planned a rather delightful ballet event for next month to celebrate the 1959 era. So keep a lookout on my site and socials, and be sure to join us for a fabulous night of dancing and celebrating this remarkable era!
Well, my dears, it's getting quite late here in my London flat, so I must be off. Be sure to check out my latest blog posts on www.pink-tutu.com, and don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday snaps on social media.
And please, do continue to embrace the enchanting world of ballet and remember, dear readers, a touch of pink can always brighten the day.
Sending you all lots of pink and glitter!
Emma