#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1961-06-20

Hello my darlings! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, bringing you another dazzling instalment of my #TutuTuesday journey through the history of the most magnificent garment ever invented – the tutu! This week, my time machine’s taking us to the 20th of June, 1961, just a touch over sixty years ago! Fancy a spin through the shimmering world of ballet in this bygone era?

Now, for a bit of background: as any self-respecting tutu enthusiast knows, this era saw ballet absolutely thriving across the globe! From the majestic Paris Opera Ballet, to the grand Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, dancers were wowing audiences with their incredible artistry, elegance, and oh-so-charming grace.

But I'm a firm believer that history isn't just about the grand spectacles! It's about the little details, the charming snippets that reveal the spirit of the times. And in 1961, that spirit was a glorious cocktail of modernity and tradition, a delicious blend of innovative choreography and timeless ballet techniques.

Imagine, darlings, walking down the grand boulevards of Paris, your pink tulle skirt swirling in the Parisian breeze, heading for a glittering performance at the Palais Garnier. Or stepping out onto a cobbled street in Moscow, the famous Bolshoi Theatre towering before you, a thrilling wave of excitement coursing through you! The magic of the dance would have been absolutely breathtaking.

Speaking of the Palais Garnier, the magnificent Paris Opera House, let’s have a quick peep at its rich history on this very date! On this day, way back in 1875, the iconic opera house held its grand inauguration! Now that’s a party worth talking about! Imagine all the sumptuous gowns, the glamorous people, the enchanting melodies… ah, I do love a good celebration, and 19th century France just had a way with them, wouldn’t you say?

Now, let’s rewind a bit back to 1961, shall we? Our lovely Parisian ladies were rocking some rather sensational styles. This era was a celebration of all things feminine. The silhouette was beautifully defined with cinched waists, full skirts, and delicate detailing. Remember the sweet allure of the 'New Look' pioneered by Christian Dior just a few years before? Imagine a lovely tulle skirt inspired by Dior, a little longer, maybe a soft shade of pink, absolutely delightful! And those darling little hats? Just divine!

Fashion wise, my dears, 1961 was all about a blend of elegance and whimsy. Remember how much I love tutus and all things frilly? Well, tutus and ballet took centre stage in 1961. A little fact: did you know the Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" ballet was first premiered in Moscow in 1877 and is a popular classic still? How captivating, wouldn't you say?

It seems even today, ballet holds such an esteemed place within the realms of art and culture! A few months before, back in March of 1961, The Royal Ballet in London debuted Kenneth MacMillan’s “The Rite of Spring” - it's such a powerful ballet, one of the most enduring masterpieces of our time. Ballet just knows how to capture the heart, don’t you think?

Here’s a bit of a little time travelling secret. On my most recent travels through time, I caught the most fabulous show in New York city! This charmingly eclectic Broadway production just blew my mind, even though Broadway has such a flamboyant energy in 1961, nothing beats the graceful and refined magic of a ballet! New York's the perfect playground for the avant-garde, isn't it? Oh, the vibrant streets, the towering skyscrapers, and those amazing shops! Now that's a mix of exciting and chic I couldn't resist!

Now, my loves, let’s get back to those twirling delights - the tutus. While this 1961 is definitely a beautiful ballet era, there is also a new movement developing.

What's so exciting is that even back in the day, dance and fashion were intertwining in such an elegant and dynamic way! The graceful movements of the ballet dancers were a source of inspiration for fashion trends, and the fashion designers embraced these influences to create garments that not only showcased the beauty of the female form, but also moved with an elegance all their own!

Take a little peep at some of the gorgeous photos of ballet dancers in their tutus. You can almost feel their grace and artistry coming through those photos, don't you? I could lose myself for hours just admiring the exquisite fluidity and poise of their movement, their captivating elegance and confidence, all showcased beautifully within a swirl of delicate tulle and velvet. It's no wonder they called them the 'prima ballerinas!'

It's this passion for the beauty and movement of ballet that drives my #TutuTuesday journey! Oh, and of course, my obsession with tutus. A classic pink tutu with its bouncy tulle layers evokes this magical feeling - that magical combination of power, grace, and whimsy that embodies the ballet itself. It just has that sparkle of something truly extraordinary!

In my own wardrobe, I have a stunning pink tutu I wear every single day! But here's a little secret: I often use it as inspiration when shopping for clothes! A flowing skirt, a soft scarf, even a beautifully cut blouse, I find inspiration everywhere for new ways to wear tutus – or at least to embrace the spirit of a tutu! It’s an element of whimsy, an embracing of the playful, the beautiful, the feminine – everything I love!

Now, for our grand finale, let’s take a look at what was happening on this special date – June 20th 1961 – with my favourite fashion resource - The Telegraph - in my digital time machine. Ah! The newspaper reports are about The World Health Organisation – the WHO! They are urging action from countries across the world to end the threat of Malaria! They also reported the great interest in Ballet in the United Kingdom with many people attending performance! How fabulous! We must work together for good. But in a world full of difficulties, let’s keep remembering the beautiful dance of ballet. Isn’t it a wonderful reminder of all the magic that surrounds us in life!

Speaking of beauty, my lovely lovelies, let me leave you with a charming thought – imagine this June 20th in 1961! You, a young, fashionable girl, all dressed in a beautiful, flowy pink skirt. You’re holding your Mum's hand on your way to a magical performance. And just as you get to the entrance of the grand theatre, a gentle summer breeze picks up, carrying with it the sweet aroma of the nearby bakery and a delicate scent of flowers. The sun is shining. You’re already feeling a touch of that special sparkle! It’s a moment, just like that, that inspires dreams. And this my dearest darlings, is the very essence of tutu time!

Have a sparkling week and be sure to join me next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday! Now I am going off on a new adventure in the time machine to my beloved Derbyshire, but I shall leave you all with a twirling hug and a dash of tutu magic! Don’t forget my motto: a pink tutu is the ultimate accessory – the magic wand that helps make every day extraordinary. Till next time darlings,

Ciao for now,

Emma, The Pink Tutu Lady

www.pink-tutu.com