Post #6695
Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday journey! Today we're heading back to a gloriously glamorous decade - the swinging sixties!
Buckle up your ballet slippers, darlings, because this week we're venturing back to 19th April, 1960!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, why this date?" Well, let me tell you, this wasn't just any Tuesday. It was the day when the legendary Margot Fonteyn, Britain's very own prima ballerina assoluta, dazzled audiences at the Royal Opera House with her breathtaking performance in "La Fille Mal Gardée." Talk about a time warp!
Just imagine: the London air filled with excitement, the scent of freshly-pressed velvet mingling with the anticipation of the ballet.
It's important to note, that back in '60, the world of ballet wasn't the same as it is today. We had to work for our dancewear, darling! No online shopping back then. The tutus were much shorter, less frilly, and crafted from stiff, even rough, fabrics compared to the floaty wonders we have today.
But despite the stiffer silhouette, the beauty of ballet remained. The ballerinas, their bodies honed by tireless dedication, took to the stage in these earlier styles, showcasing grace and skill that took my breath away! I'm talking about an elegant, refined aesthetic that spoke to the class and elegance of the era. Think crisp lines, refined fabrics and an emphasis on classical form.
My oh my! Don't even get me started on the costumes! The ladies had it all: vibrant colours, breathtaking artistry, and those wonderful headbands adorned with flowers that could rival a garden's bloom! You just couldn't go wrong with a pop of colour, particularly in those stunning shades of lavender and green! The ballerinas truly knew how to make a statement on that stage!
Of course, back then, the ballet world wasn't quite as open and diverse as it is today. Ballet was mainly the domain of the privileged, and seeing it was a grand, exclusive experience. Still, that just added to the allure of the occasion! Just picture that grand old theatre, the velvet seating, the rustle of formal dresses, the whispers of anticipation as the curtain rose!
It makes my tutu-loving heart flutter! And for me, dear readers, this kind of magic makes this time travelling ballet historian the happiest person alive.
What can I tell you about the rest of the world on this glorious Tuesday in 1960?
Fashion-wise? We saw the iconic Audrey Hepburn grace our screens, ushering in a timeless style of classic sophistication. A love for simple lines, a chic, clean silhouette... But remember, this is the swinging sixties! So expect a little flair!
A few pops of colour, perhaps, with the classic tailored look, but bold colours are everywhere: fuchsia pinks, aquamarine greens and canary yellows were making bold statements on the streets! And let's not forget those stunning hats and shoes, with a fabulous heel height that would put any ballerina's toe shoes to shame! The London streets, and, dare I say it, the world, was a colourful explosion of glamour.
If you were to catch a train in London on that very day, what you would witness? The elegant Victorian style was being replaced with the smooth modernity of tube stations! Freshly-painted, sleek platforms were buzzing with a dynamic, fast-paced London energy, showcasing the modernity that was about to transform Britain forever! This was the start of an exciting time. The sixties were about to rock the world and bring with it a tide of change.
My, my! So much going on in the world on this fascinating April 19th. Just shows you that a trip back in time can be incredibly insightful. It makes you realise just how much the ballet and fashion have evolved over the decades - for the better - but it also shows you the enduring power of beauty and elegance that are timeless in this art form.
You know what, I can't just talk about it; I must share! As a fellow ballerina aficionado and avid tutu-wearer, I say, "let's take this lesson back with us, dear readers, and keep those pink tutus twirling with pride!"
Stay tuned, darling readers, and I'll catch you next week for another adventure through time with my favourite accessory - the humble but glorious tutu.
And as always, please, don't forget to spread the tutu-love! Tell your friends and family - we want the whole world wearing pink! It's not just about a fashion choice, darling! It's about celebrating femininity, confidence, and embracing your inner ballerina, no matter where you are in the world, or even in time!
Until then, remember -
Stay stylish, stay sassy, and twirl on, my loves!
XOXO, Emma
