Hello lovelies! It's Emma from Pink Tutu, back again with another whirl through the history of our beloved ballet! Today, we're time-traveling back to 1966, a year buzzing with exciting new choreographies and a whirlwind of ballet fashion. Get your tutus ready, darling, it's time to twirl through the archives!
Remember to pop over to my YouTube channel for a little dance video - I'm trying to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, after all! 🩰 💖 And of course, let's not forget my lovely Derbyshire street performances, which are, shall we say, my source of funding for these lovely trips through ballet's past! It's a hard life, being a historian, but someone has to do it.
Now, back to 1966! What was going on in the world of ballet this year?
Well, in America, things were getting bold and modern. 1966 was the year Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded, bringing a revolutionary blend of jazz, modern and Afro-Caribbean influences to the stage. Alvin Ailey was known for his beautiful, expressive choreography, celebrating the African-American experience through powerful movement and music. I love his vision, and if you haven't seen a performance by his company, add it to your "To Watch" list, darling! It's a whirlwind of emotion and stunning, flowing lines - just what we love at Pink Tutu!
Over in Britain, it was all about celebrating tradition! 1966 saw the premiere of "The Royal Ballet's Swan Lake", choreographed by the brilliant, much-loved Frederick Ashton. It was an unforgettable moment - a classical masterpiece with a gorgeous new setting by the renowned artist, Peter Farmer.
Speaking of stunning, did you know 1966 was also the year that the iconic Bolshoi Ballet School opened its doors in Moscow? Imagine, the chance to learn from some of the world's greatest dancers - simply divine! They were definitely having a bit of a ballet boom in Moscow. They were in their prime then, performing to a packed Bolshoi theatre for every performance!
While those iconic ballets were lighting up stages, the world of fashion was also evolving. The 1960s, of course, were all about change and experimenting, and ballet fashion followed the trend. Gone were the rigid, long-skirted tutus, and in came the "tunics" - shorter skirts and crop tops, much more modern and allowing for much more athleticism in dance. Think geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and simple, elegant designs - like what a modern princess would wear! You can find plenty of inspiration from these iconic looks on Pinterest, dearies, for a dose of retro-chic glamour.
And let's talk about pink! The 1960s were, dare I say, a pink decade, with designers across the world experimenting with bubblegum pink and cotton candy shades, incorporating them into their fashion, interior design and of course, ballet costumes! It wasn't just about tutus, though - imagine the stylish ladies going to the ballet wearing the softest, pastel pink dresses - perfect for dancing the night away at a grand, glamorous affair!
While those modern, bold looks were gaining ground, there was still a place for traditional elegance. Think exquisitely crafted, hand-stitched tutus - perfect for showcasing classic ballets like Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty or Giselle.
Speaking of shows, 1966 was bursting with balletic masterpieces, my lovelies! Let's talk about what was gracing the stages of the world:
- Royal Opera House, London: This majestic theater was buzzing with a flurry of classic productions, including the mesmerizing Giselle. Imagine, a dance drama of heartbreak and unrequited love, told through such exquisite choreography! We’ve had a blast at the Royal Opera House many times; there’s something magic in the atmosphere.
- Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow: This theatre, considered a crown jewel of the ballet world, continued to enchant with its vibrant, captivating performances, showcasing the skill and beauty of Russian ballet in all its glory. I think they had Swan Lake and Don Quixote playing in rotation.
- New York City Ballet: This company was making waves with innovative choreographers, introducing fresh new pieces to the ballet world, breaking free from the classic styles and adding a dose of bold contemporary spirit. Imagine intricate movements, dazzling formations and modern melodies! The choreography is what grabs me; I love how expressive they are with the story and their dance moves are, well, magnificent!
Oh my darling! Time for some fashion, don’t you think?
It's just like, wow! It was a magical, magical time, full of innovation and excitement. And that's just a glimpse into the world of ballet in 1966, my loves. So go on, have a look around Pinterest for the fantastic, bold styles of this incredible decade - and remember, never underestimate the power of a pink tutu! 🩰
Till next time, darling, and don't forget, every day's a ballet! 🩰
