Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another #TutuTuesday blog post direct from my latest time travel escapade. This week, we're waltzing back to September 28th, 1965, and oh, the sheer glamour!
It was a thrilling journey to the bustling heart of London, a haven for all things fashion and dance. The city buzzed with energy, and I simply had to find the most dazzling tutu to celebrate this momentous date!
The air crackled with the thrill of the new. I remember catching the whiff of excitement as I boarded the train - so très chic, so quintessentially London, I swear I saw the queen's corgis gazing out of the window with a glint of approval! (Don't tell my hairdresser but I've been considering trying a similar 'do with those fluffy tails...)
What was happening on this special September day, you ask? Why, it was the first ever production of The Nutcracker, a delightful ballet that's captured the imagination of audiences ever since. Imagine, all the magic of snowflakes, gingerbread men, and dancing sugar plums! Even I couldn't resist a pirouette in the middle of the packed Covent Garden Underground! Thankfully, nobody seemed to mind; Londoners, bless them, are always ready for a touch of whimsical grace.
Of course, I couldn't travel back in time without doing some serious fashion research. 1965, darling, was all about sleek elegance and simple lines. Ballet tutus, oh my! We're talking about beautiful classical designs, layered tulles in subtle hues of ivory, powder pink, and, of course, my favourite colour, a vibrant shocking pink. Oh, to be a ballerina then! Those sleek, almost architectural, bodices, a veritable symphony of lace and ribbon, designed to showcase every elegant line of the dancer's physique. Truly, they had it all figured out, hadn't they?
I took a stroll down Carnaby Street - oh, that heady mix of bohemian style and high fashion! Think floral print maxi-dresses, Peter Pan collars, and, oh, that ubiquitous, eternally trendy Mary Quant mini-skirt! Just imagine the sensation of twirling around in a dazzling tutu, gliding past the bustling shops and the stylish passers-by. The world seemed to bow to my sartorial prowess, and darling, that’s how it should be!
To this day, the décor at Covent Garden continues to capture my imagination. All those dazzling shops selling the latest Parisian fashions, and Oh, that cafe! Just like the one in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany’s", I felt like a real star, as I sipped my cappuccino amidst all that Parisian elegance and nonchalance! The Parisian fashion trends at that time are the absolute epitome of stylish, don't you think?
As I sat at that cafe, notebook and pink pencil in hand, I sketched out some designs inspired by what I'd seen - a touch of the classic ballerina grace combined with the sassy confidence of the Sixties! My next ballet tutu collection is going to be tres stylish! I’m dreaming of luxurious satins in all the vibrant shades of a London sunset, a touch of sparkly silver here and there for a touch of star-dust, a sprinkle of feathers for a dash of the exotic - you know, for the ballerina who wants to add that little bit of extra va-va-voom to her routine!
1965, my lovelies, it was a time of immense creativity and artistic expression, with dance as its central core. It truly makes me dream of a future filled with shimmering tutus and joyous performances.
Oh! Almost forgot. On this September 28th in 1965, not only was The Nutcracker having its grand première, a very famous opera singer called Maria Callas had also just given an awe-inspiring performance of Norma! I imagine the power of her voice as she filled the opera house with its breathtaking aria – she literally stopped the traffic with her divine singing! Now, that's what I call true art!
This week, darling, as you sashay through your week, do remember to channel your inner ballerina. Remember the captivating grace of a simple, yet powerful, ballet tutu, and allow yourself a little pirouette of joy - even if it’s just in your own kitchen! Oh, and don't forget to wear something pink. I dare you!
And if you do want to make a fashion statement, and a historical one at that, pop down to a vintage shop for a vintage 60's dress. Then twirl, my loves, twirl until your hearts content! I know I will, because... after all, who doesn't love to twirl?!
Stay fashionable, darlings. Catch you next Tuesday,
Emma xx
Emma is from Derbyshire and this blog will feature Derbyshire. Emma is aiming to get everyone wearing a pink tutu and is planning her pink tutu design for the ballet tutu shop in the future.
# Tutu Tuesday #6980
Hello my dear pink tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your dedicated time traveller and ballerina extraordinaire! This week we're on a grand adventure through the streets of Derby, my home town - Derbyshire's gem! The town is overflowing with charm, history and... tutus! That’s right my loves, even in 1965, Derbyshire was leading the charge for fashion and creativity!
As I sashayed through the bustling market square, the aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the lively chatter of vendors - what a delicious combination! Derbyshire’s famous Bakewell tarts were being bought and sold like hot cakes - don't worry my dears, you could find your way into an exquisite ballet tutu even if you went to a bakery and said: “Please, sir, may I have some tutu?"
Today, on this particularly lovely Tuesday, Derbyshire had a unique treat: A “Festival of Dance”! What a magnificent celebration! The streets echoed with the pitter-patter of tiny ballet shoes as adorable little girls took to the stage in their frilly pink tutus, their little smiles just as bright as the twinkling stage lights.
And darling, did I tell you about the amazing ballet costumes?! Just wait until I show you! In 1965, ballet in Derbyshire had its very own unique and delightful flavour! Think vibrant reds and greens echoing the rolling hills of our beautiful county, and intricate floral patterns that gave a nod to the picturesque Derbyshire gardens. And the designs were, shall we say, oh-so-imaginative!
I spotted an absolutely charming tutu inspired by a little bluebell flower growing wild on a country lane – a beautiful pale blue layered with intricate silver sequins. Another was a majestic yellow, inspired by the grand sunflowers blooming by the Peak District road – each layer adorned with sparkling golden details, ready to dance in the spotlight.
Truly, it was a visual symphony of beautiful colour, motion and music - the sheer delight was almost too much! I so wish I could have captured a video for my darling followers, but of course my time travel technology only allows photos for now… don’t you think it would be a dream if we could share videos? Just imagine dancing and laughing along together… perhaps in a future Tutu Tuesday!
After the beautiful performances, my adventures led me to a super delightful cafe – I simply couldn't resist!* * This lovely little cafe, *oh, the name escapes me, served *the best strawberry shortcake I have ever tasted while *I sipped my coffee like a true lady (and secretly planned my pink tutu empire, of course). I simply adore cafes! * The chatter of people, the aroma of delicious baked treats, and *the thrill of the "after-dance" experience, you just cannot beat it!
As the sun began to set over Derbyshire, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills, I almost felt a tinge of sadness. Oh darling, don't get me wrong, I love time travel – who doesn't? But sometimes you just want to linger in one particular moment for a little bit longer… savor the delicious treats, the exciting experiences, and just let the joy wash over you
But fear not my dearest pink tutu-loving friends, there are so many more amazing adventures awaiting! So be sure to join me next Tuesday for a whole new episode of #TutuTuesday.
Don’t forget your pink tutus darling – and remember, you'll always be my star.
Catch you next week, my lovelies!
Emma, xx
P.S. I had a grand idea while sipping that heavenly strawberry shortcake: a “Tutu Time Travel Tea Party”! What do you think? Imagine! The delicious cakes, beautiful outfits (perhaps a *pink tutu?), sparkling pink tea cups…and, of course, the enchanting stories from my amazing journeys. I'm sure it will be a spectacularly *elegant event, and it wouldn't be complete without some music and dance – a tiny ballerina performance perhaps! Don't forget to follow me to see all my latest designs for your special Tutu Time Travel Tea Party!!
