#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1960-08-23

Hello my lovely Tutu-ettes!

It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another dose of ballet tutu history! Today, we're whisking back to the glorious summer of 1960 - a year bursting with exciting ballets, fabulous fashions and of course, the most amazing tutus.

It's been a busy week for me, my darlings. Last night I had the absolute pleasure of catching "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House. Just heavenly! I tell you, it was pure magic. Seeing all those dancers flitting about on stage, their tutus shimmering under the lights… well, it just makes your heart sing! And afterwards, a delightful shopping spree at Liberty’s - oh the exquisite fabrics, the pretty prints! I found the most gorgeous silk to create a brand-new tutu. You'll just have to wait and see!

But now, back to our history lesson. Let's jump in our time-traveling hot air balloon (pink, of course!), and sail back to August 23rd, 1960...

1960 was a fantastic year for the tutu. The design world was undergoing a big change, embracing bolder colours, sleek lines and a certain kind of sophisticated simplicity. It was an exciting time to be a ballet dancer, as the world of fashion embraced their iconic tutus in a way it never had before.

Imagine this: it’s the summer of ’60. The sun is shining, everyone's feeling carefree and fashionable, and you’re in London, attending the most talked about event of the year – the Festival of Britain.

The whole nation was buzzing, celebrating all things creative and inventive. Everywhere you looked, it was colour and fun - exhibitions, pavilions, even whole new gardens and bridges! And as for the costumes? Well, let’s just say there was a real 'dance fever' in the air!

What better time for the world to be swept away by a new generation of dazzling dancers and even more dazzling tutus!

For all you beautiful ballerinas out there, 1960 marked a turning point in the way tutus were designed. They began to incorporate elements of these new trends – they were shorter, the fabrics were lighter, more modern, and most importantly, they were all about allowing the dancers to move with such fluidity and grace!

The most talked about ballet in the summer of ’60? Oh, that would be the gorgeous “Ondine” by Frederick Ashton, which starred the stunning Margot Fonteyn!

Margot Fonteyn, oh what a dancer she was! Her grace and artistry was second to none! In Ondine, she danced with such captivating ease in a tutu that looked almost ethereal! It was all about those delicate, flowing layers, a ballet of pure elegance that made us gasp with every twirl!

Now, here's the fun bit - the design of those iconic "Ondine" tutus was inspired by the Belle Epoque era! Can you imagine - all that beautiful art nouveau inspiration, that elegant, dreamy quality – but translated into a ballet tutu that moved with the dancer! What an exciting time for fashion, for ballet, for dance lovers!

So, imagine all those ladies gathered at the ballet, all the lovely summer colours swirling, all the vibrant tutus taking centre stage! Just a magical sight! It’s easy to see why the summer of '60 was a real milestone in ballet fashion, wouldn't you say?

Speaking of inspiring ballerinas and captivating tutus, I have a story for you, my Tutu-ettes! This week, as I was wandering the delightful lanes of London's Covent Garden Market, I saw a group of street dancers performing to a jazzy beat. Their outfits were quite frankly breathtaking, a wonderful mix of sleek styles and daring cuts, with vibrant pops of colour!

And then, the most gorgeous young dancer entered the scene. With her sleek hair and a touch of rouge on her lips, she wore a perfectly sculpted ballet tutu, shimmering in the sunshine! It wasn't a traditional pink tutu – instead, she chose a daring cobalt blue with elegant white lace accents! She danced like she owned the world, moving with power and control - it was both inspiring and awe-inspiring to witness!

And that's when I realized that it’s not just about the style of tutu, it’s about how it makes us feel, about the power and beauty it represents! Whether it's the traditional romantic style, the sleek, modern design, or something bold and dazzling - a ballet tutu empowers! It gives a dancer freedom and confidence. It lets them move, express themselves, and, above all, to inspire!

That is why I adore a tutu – it's all about confidence, beauty, and having the courage to dance through life. Just like those street dancers in Covent Garden, remember – it's okay to break out of tradition, to create a tutu of your own, to inspire others and let your personality shine!

And so my lovely Tutu-ettes, let's keep celebrating this incredible art form. Whether we're dancing in a studio, watching a professional performance, or simply dreaming up our own tutu adventures - it's the tutu that reminds us of the joy and magic of movement. And who knows what stories we'll be able to tell in the years to come? Perhaps someday, my travels will lead me to a world where everyone wears pink tutus! But for now, let's raise our glass (or should I say our sparkling pink tutu-themed cocktail) to the world of ballet!

And please, do share your stories with me. Tell me about your favourite ballet moments, your dream tutus, or the times when you've embraced that magical feeling of moving gracefully in a tutu!

See you next Tuesday, for another delightful dive into the enchanting world of ballet tutus!

Emma x