Hello my lovelies!
Emma here, your resident tutu-loving historian and ballerina extraordinaire, straight from Derbyshire with the latest in the world of ballet history!
Today we're taking a trip back to 1960, a year overflowing with dance, dazzling tutus and excitement that would make even the most seasoned ballerina swoon.
We're venturing back in time, fuelled by the joy of movement and a whole lot of glitter (thank goodness for my time travelling skills!)
A World of Elegance and Expression
1960 was a time of incredible change for the world, and the world of ballet was no exception! Just picture this: women in whimsical tutus performing feats of grace and beauty. It's simply enchanting, isn't it?
The year was alive with thrilling productions:
The Royal Ballet: The Royal Ballet was, and continues to be, a powerhouse of artistic brilliance. In 1960 they were touring the world with productions like "Giselle" - an absolutely iconic tale of love, heartbreak, and betrayal. And the beautiful choreography and stunning costumes? Divine!
New York City Ballet: Across the pond, the New York City Ballet was gaining international acclaim with bold, innovative works. Choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins were creating groundbreaking pieces that pushed boundaries, challenging conventions, and setting new standards. They were absolutely trailblazers, with designs that broke away from tradition! Imagine that, the colour block "Agon" with its simple but stylish tutus, or "Serenade" with it's sweet, flowing movement and traditional look.
The Paris Opera Ballet: The elegance of French ballet was alive and well in 1960, and the Paris Opera Ballet were offering audiences timeless classics such as "Swan Lake" with its exquisite sets and spectacular dancing. It's all about the elegant swan costumes, those ethereal, feather-like tutus that truly made you believe those dancers were becoming graceful swans on stage.
The World of Ballet Fashion
Oh, the fashion! I'm in absolute awe! Tutues were taking on a whole new identity.
The "New" Tutu: In 1960, the ballet world saw a rise in the "modern" tutu design. Think of lighter, more fluid fabrics with layers of silk tulle that moved beautifully with the dancers' movements. Imagine a swirling cascade of softness, rather than the rigid, traditional look we know and love from the Victorian era.
The Ballerina's Dream Dress: While the ballet stage was home to tutus, ballerina's fashion outside of the stage was a symphony of grace and glamour. The "Princess line" dress with its cinched waist and full skirt, the perfectly draped "A-line dress," and the effortlessly chic "Shift dress" were staples, often seen in rich silks, shimmering brocades, and elegant pastel colours.
Bold Beauty: Makeup played a significant role in emphasizing a ballerina's elegance. The bold "winged eyeliner," which really frames the eyes beautifully, was all the rage. Paired with delicate lipstick and soft blush, a ballerina could radiate timeless glamour. And who can resist a hint of rosy red lipstick paired with a pink tutu, I ask you?
Time to Unleash the Tutu-Lover Inside
Oh my darlings, 1960 was a year where dance soared! Imagine seeing these brilliant performers and feeling that magic of a well-executed fouetté, or an exquisitely graceful pirouette!
You can embrace your own inner ballerina spirit! A simple way is to throw on a fabulous pink tutu and whirl through the streets with joy and abandon. You will feel every bit the stylish 1960s ballet diva and be spreading your love for ballet with every step.
So, go forth my pretties, and remember, a world where everyone wears a pink tutu is not a dream – it's a movement! Let's dance to a better, brighter, more tutu-tastic world. And remember to stay pink, stay pretty, and always, always dance!
XOXO, Emma The Pink Tutu Blogger
