Hello, my lovelies! Emma here, and welcome back to my monthly wanderings through time! Today marks Post number 1211 on www.pink-tutu.com - another sparkly journey through the fabulous world of leotards and tutus! As always, my time travel kit (and my heart!) are firmly encased in my shimmering pink leotard, which just happens to be rather good for hopping between decades!
This time, I'm taking you back to 11th November 1959. Why this date, you ask? Well, it was the opening night of The Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House in London - a night bursting with glamour, gorgeous costumes and of course, leotard-laden beauty! Oh, and can we just say: a ballerina's dream come true. I've never seen a better showcase of exquisite costumes!
But before we waltz through the Royal Opera House, let’s set the scene a little. Remember my trusty Time Machine (you've seen it, haven't you? A truly majestic pink-sparkled leotard) brought me back to Derbyshire in 1959, and this November morning was positively crisp and clear. After grabbing a scrumptious bacon butty and a mug of strong, black tea (definitely a necessity to fuel any ballet dancer!), I donned my most elegant ballet dress - a soft, pastel-pink creation that perfectly captured the ethereal elegance of the 50s. And, as per my standard routine, my time machine came in handy by flashing me forward to the dazzling opening night!
The Sleeping Beauty had my heart a-flutter before I even stepped foot inside the Opera House. Can you imagine the spectacle! It was one of the most spectacular ballet performances I've ever seen! The opulent costumes – think luxurious silks and satins, dazzling rhinestones and shimmering tulle - took centre stage, truly making it a night to remember. The sheer drama of the performance was captivating. It truly brought the beauty and elegance of ballet to life. I felt utterly mesmerized, especially those delicate, hand-stitched tutus in the most beautiful shade of dusty rose. My heart, it truly skipped a beat for those beautiful ballerina tutus! I absolutely must get myself one of those for my own collection... just the perfect shade for a vintage dance party, don’t you think?
It was also the year the New York City Ballet first produced The Nutcracker. A tradition we all hold dear and now celebrate all over the world. Imagine, just starting out as an original tradition that’s stood the test of time, and brought joy to generations - a beautiful idea. My head was truly spinning with these thoughts. I took to the stage of London's Royal Opera House - a secret performance of course, a flash mob if you will - to share my ballet spirit, a moment in time, with the 1959 crowd. Can you picture a whole throng of pink tutus, gliding with grace? It was absolutely magical! I even had a few brave souls join me in a whirlwind tutu-twist! Oh, those smiles - the joy was pure and infectious.
Speaking of joy and tutus, let's talk fashion! Remember the iconic leotard worn by none other than Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face - a movie released that very year! Oh, what an inspiration! This leotard (a masterpiece by Edith Head!) captured the 50s vibe so beautifully – slim, graceful lines with elegant ballet influences. It made the whole world want to embrace ballet. This movie was pure leotard glamour! Oh, and the Pink* hue of Audrey's leotard. Simply divine! It just shows that even then, pink tutus and leotards were the perfect symbol of the playful and chic, with just the right hint of sophistication!
My wanderings through time continue tomorrow – who knows what secrets of ballet and leotard fashion lie in store? I'll be back with a brand new story to share next month - until then, happy twirling, and may all your days be sprinkled with a sprinkle of pink!
Much love,
Emma
