Hello, darling Tutu lovers! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back with another whirl through history. It's #TutuTuesday, and we're stepping back to May 31st, 1960 - a day that's all about ballet! Now, this week we're in Paris, the undisputed capital of dance! I tell you, the streets are abuzz with elegant ladies sporting those lovely little black dresses (it’s all about Audrey Hepburn chic right now). They all have that air of "sophisticated" and the ladies love their shoes! Oh my word, they have the most darling high heels and it makes me yearn to step into one of their fab Parisian shops!
But we're here for tutus, so let's delve into what was happening in the world of ballet back in 1960!
A Glimpse Into The Dance World:
Imagine a world without YouTube, TikTok, or Netflix - can you even imagine?! Well, folks, that's what 1960 was like! It wasn’t all doom and gloom though! We had cinemas showing classics like "The Sound of Music," and we were mesmerised by beautiful dance films!
Speaking of films, 1960 marked the release of a glorious ballet film, "The Red Shoes" – which featured stunning choreography, gorgeous costumes, and all things tutus! It’s a true delight. Even though it came out a few years earlier, its charm hasn't faded. It's not surprising that ballet films were capturing the world's attention back then – there was a true fascination with the grace and artistry of classical dance. It was an era of pure elegance!
Now, here’s the juicy bit – Paris was hosting the "Ballet of the Century" show in honour of Serge Diaghilev! That was a big, bold move! He’s known as the "Father of Russian Ballet" and he put Russia on the map as a leader in dance! Diaghilev brought some real revolutionary ideas to ballet; things like innovative set designs, artistic choreography and incredible costumes. Now imagine all the fab outfits on the stage…I can’t help but think if those were influenced by a touch of pink!
Speaking of Diaghilev, this year also saw a tribute performance featuring stars of the past. Imagine all the dance legends of the 20th century gathered in one show – I’m certain there was some magic in that atmosphere! It’s those moments in history that give you a true sense of just how far ballet has come, how powerful it is, and how timeless the beauty of dance truly is.
The Tutu Transformation:
Remember how I've been on about the rise of tutus in the 19th century? Well, by 1960, tutus were becoming ever-more daring and playful, showcasing the dynamic energy of the dance. And not just in traditional ballet performances! Choreographers like Maurice Béjart were beginning to play with the boundaries of what a tutu could be. Can you imagine? Tutus aren’t just for classical ballet now – we’re talking a real break out for the tutu and we love it!
This move into experimental choreography brought a whole new vibrancy to the stage! Think daring shapes, exciting colour combinations, and the most fantastical ways to utilise the tutu. You can imagine the kind of vibrant colours we saw on stage – bold reds and blues with pops of unexpected pink. Talk about adding some personality! I’d love to have been there!
And speaking of personality – remember my aim is to get everyone to wear pink tutus? Well, imagine if I had just landed here in Paris in 1960. They wouldn’t understand! Everyone would be saying "Oh, the pink, oh, it’s so pretty" – they’d be so astonished and delighted. Honestly, can you imagine a whole street full of pink tutus?
But it’s not just about colour and shape, darling; it’s about the story, the feeling. I mean, think of all the emotions that a single twirl evokes. That sense of magic, wonder and excitement. Every move tells a story. It's not just a piece of fabric; it’s a whole expression, it’s the ultimate vehicle for beauty.
A Day of Magic and Wonder:
As we step back into our time-travelling bubble, I leave you with this thought. May 31st, 1960, was a day buzzing with ballet’s power and magic! It’s a reminder of how important art is, and how much dance continues to inspire and enthral!
I’ll see you all next week for another delightful dive into #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep twirling!
With a pink tutu,
Emma x
