Hello dears! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! 🩰💕
This week, I've whirled my way back to 2nd May, 1961, and oh, what a year it was for the world of dance! The exciting, whirlwind world of ballet seems to be thriving in this year and tutus are popping up all over the place! This week I’m in the ballet capital of the world, Paris. Imagine it - chic Parisian ladies and gents, in beautifully-crafted costumes that just scream elegant movement, filling theatres to watch incredible dancing. It’s so glamorous. And let me tell you, the tutus here are beyond anything I've seen back in my time!
But let’s get down to specifics. What was going on with tutus on this very day in 1961? Well, darling, the world of dance was brimming with exciting productions and inspiring choreography. Just yesterday, the Opéra National de Paris presented the incredible “La Fille Mal Gardée,” the most joyful ballet story that tells of a father’s desire to match his daughter with a rich but useless suitor, and a romantic relationship between his daughter and the simple, but honest, peasant boy! Such drama. Such amazing movement, Such glorious costumes, Such breathtaking music, It really had me reaching for the tissues! There was so much to love and a new ballerina stole my heart: Brigitte Lefèvre. Oh my, I just love this ballerina’s style, she’s really making an impact!
Let’s take a look at some of the glorious tutu creations being worn in 1961:
The Romantic Tutu
Ah, this one really catches my eye. We’re still living in a time of elegant, airy, classical ballerinas. A dancer in this tutu will be perfectly at home on the points of her shoes! Made with multiple layers of tulle, gathered at the waist and sometimes featuring intricate detailing on the bodice - I can see a delightful touch of pink with ruched velvet around the hips here! It's the classic look, perfect for depicting dreams, airy fantasies, or graceful beings in ballets like “Giselle” or “La Sylphide,”. These dreamy tutu shapes really show off a dancer’s fluidity and graceful extensions, and this is definitely a tutu I plan to recreate in my time – maybe with a splash of silver sparkle, hmm? ✨
The Classical Tutu
For ballerinas who need to command the stage, a powerful stance and incredible control, this style of tutu is what you need. Less frilly and a little more structured than the Romantic tutu, the Classical tutu really highlights a dancer’s strong movements and athleticism. A favourite of ballet dancers, particularly the “corps de ballet” , it's built on a tight-fitting, slightly longer skirt, providing both support and elegance. In these tutus, a dancer can move seamlessly with incredible precision, but it takes great strength and technical skill. Think Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty for those classic looks!
Oh darling, there’s such a difference between these tutu styles and how we wear them today – although there are definitely modern variations that make my heart race! These old styles offer an excellent base and provide an appreciation for what the future of dance has in store!
Speaking of tutus today, did you see that new tutu collection at [Fashion House name in Paris]! There's a gorgeous blush-pink one, with layers of delicate tulle and little crystal accents that’ll make you twirl with delight. It’s the perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern flair! You really have to see it for yourself.
The Magic of Tutu-Land
I hope this peek into the world of tutus in 1961 has given you a bit of history-inspired inspiration!
There's something about tutus that makes me so happy! I adore their airy, whimsical feel. The sheer magic of watching ballerinas in their flowing tutus just sweeps me off my feet every time. This is why I devote my time to discovering more about these delightful pieces of dancewear – don’t forget you can follow me on all the usual places to share your love of all things tutu! And darling, remember that pink is definitely the colour of happiness. And while tutus may be popular around the globe, I believe every one of us deserves to experience the joy of a twirl in a pink tutu at least once in their lives! Let’s change the world, one pink tutu at a time. ✨
Love, Emma 💖
P.S. Next week, we’re heading to London for #TutuTuesday - make sure you join me and check out www.pink-tutu.com for all my favourite tutu tips! And of course, feel free to share your favourite tutu stories, too!
*See you all next Tuesday! * 💖
