Bonjour mes amis!
It's Emma here, your trusty guide through the fascinating history of the tutu, and, of course, spreading the glorious gospel of pink tutus. You know, some days you feel like the entire world should be waltzing through life in a gorgeous pink tutu, and this week is one of those days.
Let's journey back in our time machine, which - for today at least - has a pink velvet interior and is filled with the lovely scent of Chanel No. 5, to the 30th August 1960. This day was extra special, because it saw the opening of a very special ballet that I absolutely must tell you about.
Before I reveal this fascinating peek into ballet history, let me just tell you all about the amazing dress I found on my latest vintage shopping spree in Paris. You simply must see it. A gorgeous lilac silk dress, with the most delicate lace details. It's perfect for an afternoon tea with the girls followed by an evening of theatre. I'm dreaming of adding a fabulous feathered headband to complete the look. Imagine it, darling - feathers and lilac? Sigh.
Now back to our historical time hop, back to August 1960 - can you believe itās been over 60 years since then? Time seems to be galloping along.
Well, let me tell you, this day in 1960, the world of ballet was quite stirred up. It wasn't just another Tuesday ā it was a premiere day for a ballet you might have heard of ā āGiselleā. Yes, my dears, this legendary ballet had its premiere performance right here in London! And can you imagine? It wasn't just any performance. The show starred the most famous ballet dancer at that time ā * Margot Fonteyn*. How thrilling!
Can you just picture the anticipation? London was buzzing. Just like today with a brand new Disney movie, this premiere was all anyone was talking about. All those amazing, romantic tutu storiesā¦ everyone had been eagerly awaiting this production, and there was even a lovely ballet special on BBC television that week. Can you imagine! I would have been there, watching and dreaming.
And talking about tutus, have you seen this month's issue of āDance and Dancersā magazine? Oh my, the tutus they featured this month are just exquisite! Theyāre mostly traditional tutus, very classic, but oh the lovely flowing lines and colours - I particularly loved a tulle-filled pale pink creation on one of the featured dancers! Just lovely, utterly divine! And they are so in style right now, the absolute must-have item for every true ballet enthusiast.
Speaking of fashion - and of course I am ā the ballet fashion is absolutely fabulous. Oh, how I love this period! The 1960s had some of the most interesting clothes. Think sharp lines, beautiful materials, and colours that are bold and yet oh so flattering! I think the way people wear colour and mix styles today is all about channeling the boldness of this amazing era. Imagine a bright coral or sapphire tutu with a vintage 1960s coat or even a sleek, 1960s miniskirt ā so divine.
But you know, darling, there's a little more to the 1960s than tutus and fashionable ballet stars ā There were social changes happening too. Yes, in a world obsessed with elegant tulle skirts and the most dazzling ballerinas, this decade saw women and the dance world making huge changes. It was during the 1960s that many of the old traditions were challenged. For instance, this was a time when the Royal Ballet saw women begin to take on lead roles and make history, a new chapter in the ballet world! And all of that just from an incredibly bold and dynamic artistic director - Dame Ninette de Valois, who, by the way, had already created so much for the ballet world - think "The Sleeping Beauty" in London. But she just wouldn't let womenās potential be hidden, and so she opened so many doors and opportunities! Bravo to that amazing lady!
You know, these stories are why I love to travel by train. The journey itself is like a ballet, each town and landscape is another movement in the beautiful story of life.
But remember, darling, don't just stand there and admire a pink tutu - WEAR it! You can buy a pink tutu in almost every city, every village. It's waiting for you. And who knows? You just might inspire the next big tutu trend! I have my hopes on all of you, dears, for spreading the beauty and magic of pink tutus, even in the face of changing times.
And with that thought, I am off to dance a final plies until next week! Keep that pink tutu in mind. I promise to return for a next adventure with another #TutuTuesday!
Until next week,
Your devoted ballerina,
Emma
*(Oh, and for you *real vintage collectors, donāt forget to check out those lovely ballet performances! They might even have tickets on saleā¦wink wink ) **
Visit www.pink-tutu.com for more information and exclusive offers!
