Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip back to the Christmas ballet of 1955. And let me tell you, it was a truly magical adventure!
You know how much I adore a festive ballet, and this time I couldn't resist hopping into my trusty time machine (okay, it's actually a particularly fabulous, vintage bicycle with some special fairy dust – shhh, don't tell anyone!). My destination: a frosty Christmas in 1955, a time when tutus were still in their glorious heyday.
Arriving in a London just past a snowfall, the city was swathed in a hushed beauty, all sparkling shop windows and Christmas lights, giving off a warmth that contrasted with the crisp December air. I bundled myself in a delightful coat (faux fur, darling – the real thing was just too scandalous in those days), my heart already aflutter at the thought of all the beautiful ballets to discover.
First stop: the Covent Garden. Now, you might think, darling, that in 1955 it wouldn't have the glittering modern stage that graces it now, but the beauty lay in its simple, elegant form. They still performed those classics I love so much – 'The Nutcracker' was a particular favourite back then, with a spectacular Christmas Eve scene complete with dazzling snowfall (no digital snowflakes in those days – real snow falling on a real stage, you see, so enchanting!). The music – oh, the music! A symphony of violins, flutes, and timpani, a joy to my ears.
But darling, the costumes! It’s truly like stepping into a ballet-filled fairytale! The sugarplum fairy, ethereal and elegant, a delicate cloud of white tulle with an overskirt, swirling and floating across the stage. I can practically hear the whispering of fabric against the backdrop of the beautiful music. Imagine, a world where every girl dreams of twirling in a tutu like this, instead of, say, sparkly leggings and crop tops... well, the times, they are a-changing!
What really made my Christmas ballet heart skip a beat was seeing ‘Cinderella’. I was absolutely in awe of the choreography, full of lovely lifts and delicate, elegant steps, showcasing the romance of the classic story. The Stepmother was even adorned with a truly wicked, full-skirted gown, creating quite a dramatic contrast with Cinderella's pretty pink and white dress, which – let's face it – was almost as inspiring as a pink tutu in its own right.
Of course, a visit to a Christmas ballet in 1955 wasn't all about performances. Shopping for a bit of Christmas glamour was absolutely mandatory. Harrods was overflowing with the most delightful festive decorations: baubles galore in shades of silver and red, Christmas trees overflowing with tinsel, and twinkling fairy lights. And darling, you know what? Their lingerie department boasted the most incredible lace and satin garments – it almost made me forget all about the tutus for a moment! But alas, I came for ballet history, and nothing would keep me away!
You know how I adore fashion – the styles back in '55 were wonderfully demure, but still had so much chic! Full-skirted dresses were all the rage, cinched waists emphasizing the feminine silhouette. Women wore their hair with such elegance – a signature pageboy or the classic bob with victory rolls for that little touch of glamour. It’s amazing how the era had its own, beautiful version of glam.
What did you think of my Christmas time-travel escapade, darling? If you ever have the chance to witness a Christmas ballet from a bygone era, I urge you to embrace the experience, take it all in, and maybe even imagine you're stepping back in time – especially in your own delightful pink tutu! As always, don't forget to keep up your ballet spirit throughout the year – be a beacon of beauty and elegance, no matter where you are or what you’re doing! And never stop dreaming of twirling!
Lots of twirls and happy wishes, Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
