Hey darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another exciting #TutuTuesday! As usual, I'm bubbling over with excitement to share my love of tutus with you, and what better day to do it than with a glimpse into the fabulous history of these dancewear wonders! 😉
Today we're whisking back to 9th February, 1960 – just imagine, the Cold War was in full swing, the first ever rock n' roll film "The Girl Can't Help It" was captivating audiences, and over here in the glamorous heart of the ballet world, tutus were strutting their stuff on the biggest stages in Paris, London, New York and Moscow! 🤩
Honestly, this time period is like stepping straight out of a classic ballet movie – all grand theatres, plush velvet seating, and swirling dancers in their gloriously crafted tutus! Think tutus crafted from layers upon layers of tulle, so floaty and delicate, they’d make even the most elegant of swans envious. It's almost enough to make a girl want to grab a tulle spool and a needle, eh? 🪡
Speaking of swan envy, let's travel over to Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, where, believe it or not, Tchaikovsky's iconic Swan Lake is enjoying its most impressive run since its debut in 1877. Talk about a timeless classic! Imagine witnessing the iconic final scene, with its stark white tutus, showcasing those mesmerizing graceful movements – I bet you’d be captivated! 🤩
But let's not forget about the world beyond the Swan Lake stage, shall we? This year marks a phenomenal year for contemporary dance too. Did you know, that at the famous Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, the innovative choreographer, Antony Tudor, was making waves with his expressive and emotional "Pillar of Fire?" 🤯 Now this wasn't your usual Swan Lake fair – with a more modern take on ballet storytelling.
Oh, I must tell you, even our train journeys in those days were pure magic, imagine! 🚆 In those pre-bullet train days, travelling across Europe was a treat in itself – time to admire the landscapes, get dressed up (I was wearing my oh-so-lovely blush pink tutu, of course), chat with fellow ballet fanatics, and let your imagination run wild before you arrive at the next grand performance. 😍
But darling, this trip isn't all about elegant dancers and sweeping tulle – we must remember that fashion was as captivating as any dance move! Picture this: The New Look, with its dramatic skirts, tight waists and beautiful, colourful fabrics – now those are the looks that were sending a flutter into my fashion heart back in the day! 🥰
Fashion and dance were literally intertwined – even on the street! A simple yet classic tutu, paired with a fitted jacket or elegant dress was practically a Parisian uniform! They had an effortless charm and a timeless femininity - oh, to be young again! 🥺
Of course, back then I wasn't your typical ballet blogger (though if someone invented the internet back then, I'd have been the first one to post, let's be honest!) But the heart of #TutuTuesday lies in the pure, unbridled joy of the art of dance. Back then, everyone, no matter their age or background, understood the power of a ballerina, the enchantment of a well-made tutu. I’m still working on getting everyone to wear pink, but let’s be real – everyone knows a girl in pink is a joy to be around! 💕
And that’s a wrap for #TutuTuesday today, darlings! Be sure to join me next week, as I embark on another dance through history. After all, our past is filled with countless stories waiting to be twirled out – and, dare I say it, to inspire us to wear more pink! 💗
* Until then, happy twirling! 💖*
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
(P.S. Don't forget to check out post #6684 for a fabulous roundup of the best ballerina fashion on the runway back in 1960! – Oh, and while you’re at it, you’ll find a recipe for a heavenly Pink Tutu-inspired cocktail… perfect for your next ballet-themed soirée! 😉)
