Hey everyone, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! This Christmas season, we're going to do something special. We're going to travel through time, in the most magical way – by stepping onto the stage of a bygone Christmas ballet!
Hold on tight, darlings, because we're jetting back to 1959. This year was filled with delightful, shimmering Christmas ballets, all waiting to be relived! Oh, the thrill! Now, don't worry – I've been practicing my time-travel techniques in secret. After all, how else would you think a girl like me, obsessed with pink tutus, ends up being the ballet history whisperer, right? My top secret? Street performances! That's right! Bustling London streets are my time-travelling machine! Just a few well-placed pirouettes, a well-placed leap, and whoosh! I'm off to another time!
Christmas in 1959 was a symphony of sparkly gowns and graceful leaps. Imagine this – the crisp London air, the twinkle of Christmas lights reflected on freshly fallen snow, and the warmth of the theatre. Can you picture it, darlings?
For 1959 Christmas, the ballets took centre stage. The London Coliseum was buzzing with 'The Nutcracker', while the Royal Opera House hosted 'Swan Lake' – always a stunning classic. Just thinking about those spectacular sets, the grand costumes, and those graceful dancers sends shivers down my spine!
Speaking of costumes, darlings, let's talk about 1959's ballet fashion! Think sweeping tulle skirts, glittering embellishments, and – oh, my – those exquisite tutus! They were all the rage, from the 'Sleeping Beauty' at the Sadler's Wells Theatre to the 'Giselle' performances around the country. There were layers of lace, velvet, and silk, with just the right touch of shimmer and shine. Now, who needs a Christmas tree, right? We've got sparkling costumes instead!
It was a wonderful era, wouldn't you say, dear readers?
I know you're wondering: “Emma, what ballet shoes did they wear?”
Well, imagine supple leather pointe shoes with ribbons that just whispered a symphony of beauty with every step. The perfect fit, and so light – imagine the thrill of wearing those graceful slippers on stage. Think ballerina bun hairstyles – always chic – a hairstyle fit for a true Christmas ballet.
But hold on, we're not just stopping at the ballerinas. The men, darling! They added a touch of masculine elegance! Imagine velvet breeches, embroidered vests, and dapper bow ties – what could be more charming? They waltzed with the ballerinas with the confidence of a prince and the grace of a gazelle. It was a time for true dance and grace, wouldn't you agree?
Now, it wouldn’t be Christmas without shopping! Imagine the delight of browsing through those charming shops of the time. Silk scarves, exquisite jewels, and – of course – the finest fabrics for those stunning costumes! And of course, let’s not forget those pink tutus – they were, well, just irresistible. Oh, the joys of Christmas shopping, indeed!
Oh, 1959 Christmas – so glamorous and sophisticated, yet oh-so full of joyful charm! We should all try and recapture some of this magical Christmas spirit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to hop back to the present time to practice my 'Sugarplum Fairy' variations for the next Christmas ballet I’ll be dancing in. Maybe it’s a tad chilly to twirl in a tutu and slippers, but you have to embrace a little chill to feel the Christmas cheer, right? Plus, with a dash of holiday spirit and a sprinkle of glitter, any temperature will be just fine for my pink tutus! Don’t you agree, dearies?
Until next time, let’s all stay twirling – because every day is a ballet, darling!
Emma
*P.S. * And speaking of Christmas spirit, I must share the wonderful charity I've been supporting. "Tutus for Tiny Toes" is collecting old ballet shoes to be recycled into new ballet slippers for underprivileged children. Every pair counts! Do share their details with all your fellow dancers!
www.pink-tutu.com is always a little piece of me on the internet. Come back soon, darlings!
