Hello lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a time when tutus truly took flight. As we all know, every time traveler needs a signature look. And what better look for time travel than a shimmering pink tutu? Mine, as always, is sparkly, it catches the light and gives off that "whizz-bang" feel as I whizz through time!
September 9th, 1955. Think Audrey Hepburn in "Sabrina", a time of cinched waists, poodle skirts and that classic 50s charm. But for me, a time traveller obsessed with dance, the year 1955 holds a very special significance – the emergence of the 'tutu' as we know it today. It was an absolute treat to find myself standing centre stage (okay, in the wings really) watching the London premiere of "The Sleeping Beauty".
My magical time travelling pink leotard had landed me smack dab in the middle of a momentous occasion: the birth of a ballet legend – Margot Fonteyn, a ballerina whose beauty and grace captured hearts worldwide. She had a commanding presence and an unmatched elegance on stage, and in that show, her performance literally captivated the audience with its revolutionary style, making it a definitive ballet landmark.
But more importantly, for me, it was about the costume: Margot's "Sleeping Beauty" tutu! It was light, breezy, and multilayered – a symphony of tulle that seemed to dance even when she wasn't moving! It was the embodiment of fairy tale magic, just as a tutu should be. This 'tutu revolution' brought in the short, fluffy design that we still see in almost every ballerina performance today. Before this, tutus were more full, often a bulky single layer affair. The transformation was truly stunning, it's something I’m so grateful to have witnessed firsthand.
What else was on the scene fashion-wise that day? Imagine a vibrant world of floral patterns, A-line skirts, and a colour palette dominated by pastels and vibrant hues, with polka dots and stripes holding sway as recurring prints. Even my signature pink was everywhere! The mood was fun, flirtatious and filled with youthful energy – the very essence of the era.
Speaking of youthful energy, have you ever wondered how a ballet dancer in the 50s managed to look so sleek and sophisticated?
Their go-to: leotards! Think basic, streamlined designs, primarily black or nude, offering a versatile foundation for diverse ballet and contemporary dance moves. And I wasn't just limited to black, this time period saw a surge in popularity of *vibrant pink and a slew of gorgeous pastel colours. The perfect canvas to showcase the grace and athleticism of each dancer. I just adored seeing those dancers effortlessly in their beautiful ballet shoes, with just that perfect dash of make up to highlight their features.
Did I tell you about my street performance? I managed to work my magical leotard and sparkly pink tutu into a street performance, attracting a charming little group. They just loved the jeté, piqué, and fouetté, but what I loved was seeing their awestruck faces as I twirled and dipped.
It was the perfect opportunity to showcase my own passion for leotards. It also allowed me to tell them all about Margot Fonteyn and the revolution she started! A tutu history lesson in the making, as it were.
My mission to spread the gospel of pink tutus in the past couldn't have been more successful. This 50s style - it just has a special "je ne sais quoi," a timeless elegance that inspires me to this day.
Remember, my darling lovelies, your look should never be dictated by the world around you, but by what your heart wants to express. Dare to express yourself and wear your leotards with passion. It's a fashion statement that is a neverending celebration of the power of dance.
And while I am off on another time-travelling escapade, do join me at the www.pink-tutu.com website for the latest on ballet fashion history. Let me know in the comments what time periods or historical dance moments you'd like to explore! Until next month, darling!
