Hello darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, back with another fabulous foray into leotard history! As you all know, December is my absolute favourite time of year. The festive season, glittering lights, and of course, the extra sparkly tutus! And speaking of sparkly, it's time to crank up the glam-factor and journey back to a dazzling December 12th, 1959. Grab your favourite pink tutu and let's go!
This time, my magical leotard has transported me to a whirlwind of 1950s glamour. Just imagine: sleek bobs, glamorous wiggle dresses, and of course, those leotards! Oh, how I wish I could grab a cuppa with the dancers back then! But first, let's dive into what was happening on this glorious December day…
Dancing Through The Decades
1959 was a time of exciting changes in the ballet world. It was a year filled with fresh, innovative choreographers pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet, much like my very own mission of getting everyone wearing pink tutus! (Speaking of pushing boundaries, did you see the amazing performance of the "Pink Panther" themed piece I did last weekend at the Chesterfield Market? It was a roaring success - I even managed to snag myself a vintage ballet slipper with a feather boa. Talk about finding a treasure! wink).
On this very date, a captivating performance was taking place at the renowned Covent Garden Royal Opera House in London. And what was it? None other than the magnificent "La Fille Mal Gardée" - one of my favourite ballets ever, by the way. This timeless tale of a spoiled young girl who doesn't want to be "well-behaved" has me swooning every time! Just the thought of seeing a 1959 performance gives me goosebumps!
I can just imagine the exquisite artistry and poise of the dancers. Oh, to be waltzing with them in a sparkling leotard like theirs, my heart filled with pure joy. They were sporting those stunning, classic ballerina leotards – you know, the ones with the perfect lines that accentuate every graceful curve. I just imagine those tutus – billowing, layered, and perfectly romantic. Sigh! I simply can't help but adore those classic designs!
The Fashion Frontier
But let's not forget about the other side of leotard history: the everyday! In 1959, the world was slowly but surely embracing a new, youthful and daring aesthetic. The world was starting to experiment with stretchier fabrics and bolder colors. Just like a ballerina pushes their limits, the world was starting to experiment with comfort and practicality!
Oh, but where to find this amazing stretchwear and all things leotard? This, my dear readers, is where my favourite vintage shop, "Leotard Dreams" in London, comes into the picture! Every time I time travel back to this era, it’s my go-to spot for fabulous vintage treasures. They even have a corner just for beautiful pink tutus – I swear it's as if they’ve been curated just for me!
The world was abuzz with the wonders of these revolutionary stretchy materials. We're talking fabrics like Lycra, which was being used for sportswear and activewear, and ultimately paved the way for the leotard as we know it today. So next time you slip on your comfortable dance wear, remember, we have those bold visionaries to thank for making such a huge difference!
Back To The Present, With A Tutu Twist
Now, I’m going to sprinkle some of that 1959 magic right back into your lives. If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating a bit of vintage charm into your look. Channel that classic elegance by opting for a simple yet elegant leotard in a rich color – think a vibrant emerald green or even a classic red. Or, take a leaf from the book of the modern ballerina by choosing a sleek and stylish one in a cool, refreshing color, perfect for layering with sweaters and cardies. (Pink ones, naturally!)
Don't forget the tutus! Find that one you adore, even if it's not strictly a ballet tutu. Go big and bold, layer up on tulle and tulle and more tulle, because as I always say: more tulle, more happy. * wink wink*. Just don't forget that classic dance shoe – there's nothing that oozes that "1959 elegance" like a timeless pair of satin ballet slippers.
And to my fellow pink tutu lovers, always remember: Life's too short to be boring! So grab your favourite tutu, head to your nearest dance studio, and let the world know that you are one fabulous ballerina!
See you next time for another pink tutu adventure!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Want to find out more about leotard history or see a totally glamorous tutu? I'd love to see you at my street performances! Follow me on Instagram @PinkTutuBlogger to find out my next location!
www.pink-tutu.com
