"Oh darling, did you see that fabulous tulle? It's just dreamy..."
Well, darlings, it's Tuesday again! Which, as you know, can only mean one thing - #TutuTuesday! Today we're going to take a little trip back in time to February 21st, 1961 - just picture those glorious bouffants, that fabulous eyeliner and, of course, all that delicious tulle! Oh, wouldn't it be amazing to have a time machine and just pop back there for an evening at the theatre? Can you imagine, twirling away in my perfect pink tutu amidst a sea of pastel dresses and perfectly styled hair? I just adore this period, the colours, the elegance - the perfect mix of classical grace and bold style. I wouldn't trade my time machine for the world, though I suppose I could make a fortune by whisking people back for a taste of a bygone era...perhaps with a touch of the Pink Tutu Boutique sprinkled in, just to give it that extra something special! Imagine that: the first ever time travel boutique, "Pink Tutu Past Times."
What to do in 1961? I'll tell you...
Now, you can imagine that it was impossible for me to go back in time without visiting some of London's most iconic theatres - sadly not all of them are still standing today, so let's not dwell on that, but instead dream about what might have been. I went for a tour of The Coliseum, for starters, which looked just magnificent! Even if I didn't actually catch a performance, it was such an incredible thing to experience the grandeur of this place first hand - it just screamed classic ballet and stage performances!
On the 21st of February itself, there were a bunch of fabulous shows taking place, just for us. You might think it's odd to talk about shows in a Tutu Tuesday post - and trust me, darling, I have no problem talking about ballet shows all day long, but bear with me! The "New Look," introduced by the ever-so-talented Christian Dior in 1947, still reigned supreme, influencing the entire world of fashion, but it also made its mark on the stage. The theatrical wardrobe had undergone a dramatic metamorphosis. Those gorgeous floor-length dresses, the fabulous gowns - everything screamed glamour. And oh, did it give me ideas for some stunning outfits for the Boutique!
While it was a Tuesday, 21st February saw The Royal Ballet put on a "Giselle" at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The "New Look" hadn't left these productions unscathed either, and the elegant and flowy skirts in the performances just sent me into a daydream. I was completely lost in the world of the ballet, so caught up in the spectacle that I didn't realise the time passing. How lovely! Imagine, catching a classic ballet and then having the opportunity to shop and dine amidst the hustle and bustle of 1960s London - talk about the perfect Tuesday!
But what's Tutu Tuesday without a peek into the world of ballet itself, dear reader?
A bit of Ballet History
We're delving into the history of tutus, now! In 1961, we still find ourselves squarely in the midst of the golden age of ballet, just imagine, in its most traditional form. Classical ballet flourished, a timeless elegance gracing the stages across the world. It was in the Romantic era that the tutu, in its earliest iteration, truly took center stage!
During this period, around 1830, there was this magical combination of technical mastery and artistic expression. This, in my humble opinion, just added even more elegance and movement to the entire art form! Imagine these fabulous women pirouetting with so much freedom, grace, and grace in these short, beautiful and billowing tutus - it really is the epitome of elegance! Now, 1961 saw a progression into the even more recognisable tutus - you know, the ones with multiple layers, those glorious tiers and all that exquisite detail. You simply cannot go wrong with a tulle masterpiece. The designs still echoed those first airy styles but added an extra layer of elegance and detail, if you know what I mean!
The best part about these elegant tutus? You guessed it: it just made it all the more dramatic! Imagine those fabulous ballerinas bounding across the stage in a soft yet structured tutu. What a truly enchanting spectacle it must have been! The design became iconic in this era - so much so that the basic silhouette has hardly changed in all this time. We, even in this time, enjoy the gorgeousness of tutus and even, dare I say, our beloved pink tutu.
Now, we don't need to rewind to this decade to enjoy these gorgeous tutu styles. Even today, there's something timeless about that elegant look and the way that it can transform a simple outfit into a statement! For a day out in town or a big evening occasion, a perfectly styled tutu skirt (not forgetting those perfect pink tights) can never fail to get you noticed, whether it’s an evening at the ballet or a delicious supper out. I'm sure we can agree on that!
Now, dear reader, are you starting to appreciate the exquisite timelessness of the tutu, just like I do? It just seems like they transcend time and continue to captivate, a style icon and a statement piece forever, forever fashionable, a testament to elegant dance and artistry, a must-have in every fashion-forward lady's wardrobe, especially when it comes in pink!
I will just say, even in this time, the world loves to see a ballerina pirouette, leap and perform their dance with a graceful sway. Now, do you fancy something exciting, just like those iconic stages? Don’t forget, I host Pink Tutu Boutique’s “What's Trending: On Stage & Off", this coming Friday.
If you can't catch me there - don't despair - come on down to the Pink Tutu Boutique in the city centre of London! We're on Bond Street, just a stone’s throw from all the best designers, so pop in and get a stylish update from one of our experts! We’d love to make your dream outfit come true!
See you there darling, for some stylishly good fun!
Emma x
P.S
You may be wondering, dear readers, just what is there to see today that's just as fabulous as these wonderful ballerinas and these glamorous, classic tutus? And honestly, dear reader, my fabulous, fashion-forward friends, you don't have to look far, especially if you find yourself in London, the centre of fashionable life!
Something exciting in 2023!
London is renowned for its museums, shops and iconic theatres - and, just so happens, the London Ballet at Sadlers Wells theatre, London has something special for you - it's hosting a performance of Giselle! You may be wondering why I’ve picked this piece out to tell you about...well, darlings, this iconic ballet is a firm favourite, and a must-see! If you don’t believe me, just check out that Gisele was put on, what feels like forever ago, in that exciting era we've just visited! That said, darling, why don't you join me at a performance of Giselle this very evening? And if that wasn’t enough, darling, it's part of a run until the 18th March, so get your tickets for the next performance, darling - trust me, you will not regret it!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma x
