#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1960-12-20

Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your Pink Tutu-wearing guide to all things tutu-rific! It’s a beautiful December day here in Paris, and as always, I'm absolutely positively smitten with this exquisite city. Today we're going to take a whirlwind journey through time to explore the world of tutus around December 20th, 1960. Now, hold onto your tiaras, because we're about to waltz back to a decade that oozed elegance and grace!

Before we start, I have to confess, it was rather difficult to pinpoint the exact goings-on in the world of ballet for this particular date. You see, archives and records were much less accessible back then, and the Internet was a mere twinkle in the eye of a future technologist. So, imagine me, on a Parisian metro journey, surrounded by sleek, chic ladies in black, frantically searching through dusty old tomes. Thankfully, some real gems were discovered – a captivating mix of history, fashion, and oh-so-tutu-licious fun!

This era saw some of the most dazzling ballerinas gracing the stage. From the radiant Margot Fonteyn in England, to the enchanting Maya Plisetskaya in Russia, each performance was a dazzling display of skill, emotion, and an incredible amount of tulle. These phenomenal women were more than just ballerinas; they were icons. They weren’t just showing off their steps; they were pushing the boundaries of ballet, shaping the very way we view the art form today.

Think for a moment, my darlings, how many incredible performances we might have missed. There was the chance to have witnessed the breathtaking grandeur of Swan Lake, the breathtaking intensity of Giselle, and the poignant drama of Romeo and Juliet. Every step, every twirl, every arabesque felt charged with a history and heritage spanning centuries, yet imbued with the exciting spirit of this remarkable decade.

As any self-respecting ballerina knows, tutus are not merely for the stage; they are fashion statements. In 1960, the tutu started transitioning from its classical form, the classic full-length skirt, towards new shapes.

Picture this: shorter, fluffier, and often boasting beautiful details that whispered "contemporary" yet still retained that exquisite elegance. A sprinkle of the nouvelle vague (New Wave) cinematic style was certainly evident here – the desire for sleekness, modern lines, and the embrace of change. We are still witnessing the results of this exciting evolution in tutu design today, with ever more diverse, beautiful and creative forms emerging all the time!

Imagine, then, if you had stepped out in a 1960s-inspired tutu! Think crisp cotton with a vibrant splash of pink, just enough pouf to create a whirl of colour, a bold statement of fun and style! Wouldn’t that be just the thing to liven up your Tuesday evening at the ballet, darling?

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Tutu Tuesday without me taking you on a quick tour of my latest ballet adventures! A trip to Paris was simply irresistible – imagine cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and those magical performances that enchant you from the very first curtain rise! From Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo at the Opera Garnier to the ethereal beauty of a performance at the Theatre Champs-Elysees, my tutu journey in Paris was full of grace, charm and stunning elegance!

I do hope you’ll join me in the coming weeks as we continue exploring the captivating history of ballet. We’ll uncover secrets, unveil fabulous performances, and, of course, indulge in our mutual love for those delightful pink tutus. Stay tuned for more Tutu Tuesday brilliance! Until then, wear your pink tutus with confidence, darling!

Bisous and twirls,

Emma