Welcome, darlings, to Pink Tutu Travels, post number 1179!
It’s March the 3rd, 1957, and my pink sparkling leotard has whisked me back in time to witness the beginning of a bouncy ballet era! I can’t get over how much fun it is to dance in the fifties - it's all about exuberance and playful grace.
But first, a quick hello from Derbyshire! The daffodils are just starting to bloom, the sun is finally peeking out from behind the clouds, and my street ballet performances have been a riot! Everyone loves a spot of whimsical pink in their lives, and I’m certainly providing that!
Right, let’s zip back to 1957… My time travel has deposited me at The Royal Opera House, and the air is electric with excitement. This evening, the company will be premiering "The Merry Widow" ballet, choreographed by the legendary Frederick Ashton.
Now, “The Merry Widow” might conjure images of opulent ballgowns and waltzes, but believe me, this production is all about modern elegance! The ballet's storyline tells of a young woman, Hanna Glawari, newly widowed and incredibly wealthy, whose hand in marriage is sought after by all of Vienna's elite. Ashton’s choreography captures her independent spirit perfectly, and the costumes are just pure eye candy!
Let's talk about those costumes, darling!
I’m swooning over the pastel pink, peach, and lemon tulle tutus, all meticulously layered and expertly ruched. Imagine a delicate confection, perfect for the springtime, swirling and twirling in the soft spotlight! The dancers are wearing fitted bodices - a beautiful evolution from the bulky corseted looks of the past – but there’s something really graceful about the combination of a fitted bodice and the floaty tulle skirt, you know? I love how they create a figure-hugging silhouette without compromising that lovely ballet movement!
What's most fascinating about this 1957 performance is the way the costume design incorporates these softer hues, reflecting the ballet's joyful, flirtatious, yet innocent storyline. The pink palette feels almost…feminist! I love the subtle rebellion of wearing pastel pinks, yellows, and greens on stage instead of the traditional red, white, and black of earlier ballets. It feels like a statement, doesn't it?
Of course, there's a whole history behind those soft, romantic leotards! As any fashion-conscious ballerina knows, leotards were first adopted in the late 19th century, originally in dark, often practical, colours. The material and the style have been gradually changing, developing over time, evolving to fit new performance requirements. For instance, I imagine the evolution from a restrictive corseted top to a fitted, but more freeing, leotard was revolutionary, even back in the day!
The leotards in "The Merry Widow" are not simply for beauty, darling! The softness of the fabric and the loose style of the tutu make the dancers seem even more light and airy on stage, giving their movements an effortless fluidity. That's how ballet has progressed throughout the 20th century – an embrace of lightness and graceful expression.
This time travel adventure has left me yearning to revisit some of my own ballet wardrobe – I have a delightful soft pink tulle tutu with beautiful scalloped edging, and it needs a proper outing!
Remember, my darling tutufolk, our journey is just beginning! Keep those ballet shoes polished, keep those pink tutus twirling, and remember, pink is always the best! And if you'd like to follow my Pink Tutu travels every month, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com, where I'll be posting about my latest adventures and insights into the ever-evolving world of ballet fashion!
Until next month, darlings!
Emma, your Pink Tutu Queen!
