Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past! It’s freezing cold outside but it’s all cosy and warm in here, and you know what gets me excited about a freezing cold Tuesday? A little blast to the past, naturally!
As always, I'm perched atop my little dressing table chair with my hot cuppa in one hand and a pink fluffly tutu in the other - perfect for transporting me straight back to a fabulous bygone era.
This week we’re back in 1963, which, I must say, was a right ol’ exciting time to be alive! I just know you lot have been eagerly awaiting a peek into the fabulously fashionable world of ballet in 1963, so strap on your dancing shoes, grab a spot by the fire, and let’s hop on the time travel express to February 5th, 1963!
This week we're in Paris, which, as always, is positively bursting with excitement in the fashion scene, especially in the realm of haute couture. Paris in 1963 is so chic, like an explosion of sparkles and feathers! Can you even imagine all the glamorous gatherings happening on this very day, just bubbling with je ne sais quoi? I imagine Parisian socialites dressed to the nines for a glittering opening night, swirling around like butterflies in their evening gowns, the buzz of chatter and music filling the air, the click of heels on cobblestone...sigh
Let's hop on the Métro to Palais Garnier for some serious tutu action.
Oh, Paris! It’s like the world is built just for the Ballet – every single oeuvre d’art – from the ornate interior design to the meticulously crafted costumes – oozes opulence. I’m obsessed!
I always get a rush of pure joy watching the delicate movements of the dancers, their tulle tutus shimmering like magic, spinning gracefully. They’re like butterflies dancing on the stage, every single pirouette is like a little sparkle in a sea of dazzling movements!
Speaking of the tutus, let's have a peek at what the ladies are wearing!
Today, The Paris Opera Ballet is performing “Don Quixote,” a beautiful ballet based on the classic novel! As for tutus in 1963, think classic, timeless, graceful, and just a hint of a hint of the upcoming modernity. They're a bit shorter than what you’ll see later, darling, just a tad more slight , with just a bit of a softer silhouette, but still so elegant. Imagine delicate fabric swishing around the legs, with the iconic pointy toe shoe peek-a-booing out from underneath. It’s truly captivating. And don't even get me started on the intricate details, darling! Fringes, sequins, feathers, beautiful hand embroidery, you name it – they were doing it!
So what else can you catch on February 5th, 1963?
It was a time for the grand classics - Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Beethoven. Music that truly moves the soul! In the midst of all the tutu magic happening at the Palais Garnier, let's take a stroll on the cobblestone streets and take a peek inside the grand boudoirs of Paris.
Fancy afternoon tea parties, darling? Ladies dressed to the nines, of course, very chic. I imagine delicate finger sandwiches and petits fours on silver platters, tea cups with tiny dainty saucers held by hands gloved in pale pink. Just picture the conversations that would’ve taken place, in soft accents and with whispers about new tutus in *a *haute couture salon. **
- Did you see what Mme. Chanel just released?!
- And oh, the new ballet costumes for Don Quixote by **Balenciaga! Simply divine! *
Imagine how exquisite she'll look tonight ...
Swoon...just a beautiful and enchanting time to be alive!
Of course, we'll end our travels back to 1963 by popping back in time to Derby, England. It’s all a bit quieter here on February 5th, 1963.
But don't you fret, darling, for the joy of the tutu is a constant - even a cold Tuesday evening in Derbyshire will always* be better with a little bit of **pink fluffiness.
This Tuesday night, I’m slipping into my own vintage-inspired pink tulle tutu, just like the ones in Paris in 1963 – it just goes to show you can enjoy ballet and tutu time no matter where you are, what you’re doing. Just a simple touch of tulle goes a long way. Especially on a Tuesday!
I’ll be having a ballet themed tea party with a bunch of lovely ladies - because, when it comes to tutus, life is better with your friends, darling!
Join me at www.pink-tutu.com each week for another magical tutu-tastic adventure through the annals of dance!
Until then, darling, be sure to always, always add a touch of tutu to your day!
Lots of love and sequins, Emma
