#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1961-03-21

Welcome back, fellow twirlers, to my #TutuTuesday blog, Post #6743! Today we're twirling back in time to the 21st of March, 1961.

Now, picture this, darling! A time when London was a swirling whirlwind of fashion, the theatre was abuzz with excitement, and you could hop on a double-decker bus just to see the latest dance performances. Ah, the romance of it all!

Speaking of romance, my friends, there’s no greater love story than the one between the ballerina and her tutu. It’s a connection that goes deeper than just fashion, it’s about a yearning to dance, a longing to express emotions in the most delicate and beautiful of ways.

Today’s Tutu Tuesday is extra special, because it marks the opening night of "Giselle," one of the most beloved ballet classics, at the Royal Opera House. Oh, my darlings, how I dream of travelling to the Royal Opera House myself, just to see the grandeur and to experience the sheer artistry of this famous piece. It's a story that captivates, the ballet that ignites the imagination.

1961 was the year of ballerina, Nadia Nerina, whose dancing was considered “electrifying,” and I just can’t wait to tell you more about her and this historical event later! But first, let's talk about ... you guessed it!

*Tutus! *

In 1961, the world was starting to embrace new trends, and dancewear was no exception. We were seeing a shift away from the longer, more traditional tutus, like the romantic, flowing ones favoured by dancers like Margot Fonteyn. These tutus were a breath of air, literally! Their movement, like a whispering breeze through a field of flowers, added to the magic of classical ballet.

In their place, a shorter, tighter fitting "Bell Skirt" or “Balloon Tutu" was taking centre stage. This was all thanks to one revolutionary designer, Christian Dior, the “enfant terrible” of fashion! Oh my! Imagine tutus designed by Dior, what an incredible era!

These tutus allowed the ballerinas a greater freedom of movement, which was fantastic, because their leaps were higher and faster than ever before.

However, I love all kinds of tutus! My favourite is the "bell skirt". Just thinking about its layers, the fabric cascading and whirling around a dancer's legs – oh it makes me want to dance! Don't you just feel a surge of exhilaration? I bet you do. We were living through a time of evolution in ballet. It was like a dance on its own, wasn't it?

Speaking of ballet and history, there’s another exciting piece of news I'd like to share with you all. Do you know what happened in 1961? The legendary Russian dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, defected to the West! He's an iconic dancer, whose career spanned several decades and made an immeasurable contribution to ballet! Oh my goodness, to see Nureyev dance ... the thrill!

The news of his defection caused a sensation throughout the ballet world, and his performances in London in the years following became must-see events. Just thinking about the sheer power and charisma of his dance ... well, just thinking about him and this time makes my tutu want to spin!

London was alive with culture. The whole world wanted to be part of this ballet whirlwind, this explosion of creativity! You couldn’t help but get swept up in it, swept up in the beauty of ballet. Oh, my! Imagine, the streets of London filled with tutu-wearing women... my ultimate dream, wouldn't it? Perhaps someday, we'll have a whole week of Tutu Tuesday, darling!

Just as I was beginning to write about how important a tutu was to ballet dancers then... the train is going through a tunnel and the connection has just cut out! Oh! My, so disappointing! This is my cue to go and enjoy the ballet I am en route to watch. See you all next #TutuTuesday with Post #6744 for more fun tutu talk, darlings.

P.S. While you're here, darling, check out the new "Pink Tutu" fashion line, a pink tutu collection available now for everyone, from the smallest ballerinas to the most elegant fashionistas! Because it’s always tutu time! Isn’t that the best?

*#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #BalletLove #Fashion #Twirling #DreamBig #BalletDreamer *