Bonjour, mes chéries! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things pink and twirly reign supreme. Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to August 16th, 1960, and, oh my, darling, what a time to be alive! The fashion scene was practically bursting with a glorious, vibrant colour - that's right, pink! Now, before you roll your eyes and think I've gone completely dotty, hear me out.
This week, let's go on a little journey through the fascinating history of tutus, exploring why August 16th, 1960, holds a special place in our fluffy, feathery, heart-stopping history.
Picture this: 1960. A world filled with vibrant hues and whimsical styles, the dawn of a new era of fashion that embraced playful sophistication. In London, I imagine myself stepping out of the Savoy Hotel, fresh off a triumphant ballet performance that saw my sequined pink tutu take centre stage (of course!). The thrill of the crowd's applause, the lights shimmering on the sequins, and the delightful clinking of glasses in the lobby as people celebrate - that is the magic of dance, my darlings!
But on this day, dear readers, London's vibrant theatre scene isn't the only thing that makes 16th August special. This date marks something extraordinary: the day Audrey Hepburn waltzes onto the silver screen in her stunning pink tutu as Holly Golightly in the movie 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'! Remember her entrance, my darlings? That is the moment when tutus went beyond the ballet stage and entered the global consciousness as an iconic symbol of effortless charm and elegant whimsy.
Audrey, with her delicate features, her gamine beauty, and her effortless grace, managed to elevate the tutu from a simple ballet garment to an essential piece of any fashionable woman's wardrobe. Oh, to have been a young fashionista in 1960! I just imagine myself in a stylish pink tweed skirt with a ballet-inspired ruffled blouse, adding a pink tutu on top to create the ultimate Parisienne chic. I would, of course, complete the look with a beret, a pearl necklace, and my very favourite pink ballet shoes!
But hold your horses, my dears! This isn't just about pink tutus and fashion! It's about celebrating the way ballet permeated pop culture back in 1960. This wasn't a fleeting moment. Ballet was a true sensation! And what better place to immerse oneself in the ballet world than London?
Just picture it: walking the streets of London, with the iconic Royal Opera House glowing on the horizon. Oh, my dears, I could simply swoon with excitement at the mere thought! From The Covent Garden Ballet to the Royal Ballet, London's dance scene was buzzing with life.
While it's tempting to get swept away by the fashion of the moment, I can't ignore my responsibilities. I am, after all, a ballerina first and foremost. And on August 16th, 1960, the world witnessed the groundbreaking 'Les Noces' at Covent Garden. A stunningly theatrical performance, this ballet by Igor Stravinsky left everyone speechless with its avant-garde choreography and a narrative brimming with passion, beauty, and sheer dramatic intensity.
Even with 'Les Noces' creating a buzz in the ballet world, let's face it, darling, I'd much rather have seen 'Giselle', especially in the romantic setting of Covent Garden! Just picture it, my dears: the sweeping costumes, the hauntingly beautiful score, the pure emotion that emanates from every dancer - truly, it's a moment that can steal your heart and bring tears to your eyes! You just can't deny the allure of the ballet world.
And it doesn't stop there. Throughout this week, London teemed with artistic flair. I imagine myself joining a lovely luncheon at Harrods, where society women gathered to sip tea and admire the new collections. Imagine a delightful symphony by The London Philharmonic Orchestra on August 17th! Or the electrifying opening night of 'The Caretaker' at The Royal Court theatre on August 18th! And it wasn't all fancy balls and highbrow soirées, darlings, it was also a time of joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of rebellion. On August 19th, my dear, one of my absolute favourite shows, 'West Side Story', opened in London - what a dazzling display of dancing!
Honestly, I could tell you endless tales about this week in 1960. The energy in London was captivating, electrifying, and full of possibilities.
But enough about London! Time for a little fashion indulgence. Remember those adorable 1960s frocks with their crisp cotton, charming patterns, and cinched waists? And, darling, those shoes! Tiny heels, playful Mary Janes, and bold platforms were all the rage. Perfect for a stylish ballet enthusiast like me, who prefers to walk the streets in graceful steps. I'd be stepping out in my favourite powder blue day dress and, of course, my perfectly worn pink ballet flats for a shopping spree along the Kings Road! Who can resist a little vintage fashion, my dears?
To capture the essence of this week in 1960, let's go on a whimsical shopping trip to Harrods! Think exquisite silk scarves to adorn my hair, stunning hats, charming gloves, and - you guessed it - pink tutus galore! It’s a real paradise for a ballerina.
And, my dears, you know I just cannot end this post without talking about travel! Just picture me stepping onto a gleaming train in London, taking me to a charming city like Edinburgh, to see 'Sleeping Beauty'. Can you imagine? Just think of all the beautiful dresses and dancing to be found in a quaint Scottish town. What better way to unwind after a performance than to catch a train to a lovely little village somewhere in England?
As a passionate time traveller and even more passionate tutu-lover, it is vital to never forget the history of this glorious garment. Our tutus, these beautiful reminders of the elegant, charming and glamorous past, should be embraced and celebrated with every twirl and dance. Now, my dears, you know what I believe: every day is a #TutuTuesday. Let's celebrate our love for dance and style, with a bit of magic, a whole lot of twirling, and of course, a magnificent pink tutu!
Until next week, keep on twirling, my dears!
Bisous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
