Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and purveyor of all things ballet-beautiful! Today we're taking a trip back in time, with our #TutuTuesday focusing on a particularly vibrant era in tutu history - the 21st of November, 1961! Now, if you haven't noticed, I've got a bit of a thing for the colour pink, and this date has some rather fabulous pink tutu connections!
It's amazing to think that in 1961, ballet was booming! Theatres across the world were buzzing with stunning productions, filled with magnificent tutus that captured the imagination and left audiences breathless. Back then, the tutu was seen as more than just a costume; it was a symbol of grace, elegance and artistic expression. Think of it like a feather boa or a giant bow; a beautiful, delicate and powerful accessory that made the ballerinas practically shimmer!
This particular date holds a special place in my time-traveling heart because of its links to the iconic Royal Ballet! Now, everyone knows how much I adore ballet - the movements, the stories, the costumesā¦and let's not forget the amazing performances!
It just so happens that on the 21st November, 1961, the Royal Ballet held a performance of Giselle, one of the most beloved ballets in history. Giselle tells the heartbreaking story of a young peasant girl who falls for a nobleman pretending to be a commoner. The tale unfolds with ethereal beauty and drama, and itās a classic for a reason! Itās a bit of a whirlwind of love, deceit, madness and haunting grace!
Imagine the scene: The Royal Opera House in London, abuzz with excitement. The lights dim, and the orchestra strikes up the haunting strains of Giselleās famous music. Onstage, a beautiful young ballerina in a shimmering white tutu, embodies the delicate spirit of Giselle. You can just picture those fluttering tulle layers, swirling and flowing as she pirouettes and leaps across the stage, creating a vision of absolute ballet beauty! It's absolutely enchanting!
Now, my dear friends, what's a #TutuTuesday post without a little Tutu Trivia? The Giselle tutu in 1961 is considered a classic example of a Romantic tutu. These tutus were a true evolution in ballet fashion. You see, in the early days, ballet dancers were quite practically dressed. Weāre talking floor-length skirts, more akin to a nightgown. Thankfully, as the style evolved, dancers sought more mobility, so the skirt became shorter and shorter, leading to the glorious, airy tutu that we see today. Romantic tutus, which became prominent during the 19th century, typically featured flowing, layered tulle skirts with a focus on the airy, almost ephemeral look. And honestly? I think this look has absolutely timeless elegance.
My Fashion Muse: One ballerina who graced the stage that very same day was Margot Fonteyn. Oh, this darling! She's considered one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, and I find her absolutely inspirational. With her graceful moves, her exquisite style and those amazing tutus - she is the very definition of ballet royalty!
And talking about royalty, we canāt forget about Queen Elizabeth II, who is said to have a genuine love for ballet and has attended numerous Royal Ballet performances throughout her life. Can you imagine having Her Majesty grace you with her presence?! So you can just picture a very fashionable audience gathered on that date, all clad in their finest evening wear. It was truly a glamorous occasion.
You see, dear friends, the world of ballet is absolutely full of historical, cultural and sartorial gems waiting to be uncovered. Even a humble pink tutu has a fascinating backstory! So next time you catch a performance, take a moment to appreciate the history behind those swirling, enchanting layers. They're more than just fabric; they're a reflection of the incredible artistry and grace that has captivated audiences for centuries.
Until next week, keep swirling, keep twirling, and donāt forget: there's a pink tutu waiting for everyone out there!
Love and tutus,
Emma
P.S. As usual, I'll be whisking off to a ballet performance in Paris, where the OpĆ©ra Garnier has a captivating production of Le Corsaire scheduled. The costumes alone will be a feast for the eyes - you're talking sumptuous silks and vibrant colours! You canāt tell me the French donāt know a thing or two about fashion! Of course, I'll be updating my blog with photos from the show, including some sneaky glimpses of the stunning costumes, naturally! Until next time, keep those ballet dreams sparkling!
P.P.S. I recently discovered a little boutique in the heart of Derbyshire called āThe Ballet Boutiqueā. The shop itself looks straight out of a ballerina's dream! Delicate satin shoes, fluffy tulle and endless rows of sparkly headbands ā I was like a child in a candy shop! And guess what? They even had the most beautiful pink tutu, it's perfect for twirling through the Derbyshire countryside! You're going to love what I wear in next weekās blog!
*Keep it fabulous, my dears! *
