Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another exciting journey into the history of our beloved tutus. This week, we're whizzing back to November 28th, 1961, a time when fashion was evolving, ballet was thriving, and the world was abuzz with change.
So grab your tea, put on your prettiest pink outfit (did I mention I adore pink? Itās simply the colour for a ballerina!), and let's delve into this fabulous journey, darling!
A whirlwind of a year!
1961 was a momentous year, especially for our beloved ballet. Think about it, darlings! The year saw the likes of Rudolf Nureyev, the legendary Russian dancer, make his triumphant debut at Covent Garden. He completely captivated the audience with his incredible talent and flamboyant presence - quite a handsome fellow too! swoon The theatre was electric! It was truly a sign of things to come, a revolution in the world of ballet!
And let's not forget about the enchanting Margot Fonteyn! She was simply breathtaking. Her grace, elegance, and mastery over every movement sent a shiver down my spine - pure artistry! Seeing them perform in person would make you want to rush out and buy the prettiest tutu you could find, wouldnāt it, my dears?
Now, about this date!
November 28th, 1961. Not a huge event in the ballet world this specific day, but trust me, this is where things get exciting! You see, darling, in a lovely corner of the world - in that magical place where tutus twirl and dreams take flight - on this date, something magical happened: a budding ballerina, say perhaps myself, is likely just beginning to discover the beauty of a real ballet tutu! A real, authentic ballerina, who doesnāt just dream about twirling, but takes classes, watches the shows and knows the meaning of every plie, a demi-pointe and pas de deux!
Travelling back in time, to this date, brings a grin to my face.
Why? Because itās a date full of potential! On this date, youāll be finding a mix of fashion trends. The 50s styles were still hanging around, but the winds of change were beginning to blow in a youthful, lively, fashion forward direction. Youāll see lots of colour, exciting prints, shorter dresses and skirt shapes ā and a definite feeling of a brighter, more fun and dynamic fashion scene - in sharp contrast to the rigid lines and monochrome looks of the previous decades. I just can't resist the vibrant energy of the era, especially its fashion. The style? Think a whole lot of ooh la la darling!
Think 1960s chic, a beautiful blend of vintage and modern.
Think fitted blouses, sleek and cinched at the waist. Think those iconic and so-pretty āAā line skirts - or think full, flowing and fun! Remember Audrey Hepburn? Audrey epitomised this elegant look perfectly, didnāt she? And think A-line and straight, little and big dresses, with daring, bold colour, with a beautiful array of floral prints, geometric designs and that fabulous dotty look, like those iconic Mary Quant mini-skirts! Oh, to live in this time period with a pocket full of pennies, so I can purchase these glorious pieces from fabulous shops.
A bit of me-time!
Iād be looking for the perfect, sparkly tutu in those vintage shops (youāll find those stores on every high street and every back lane!) Iād be dreaming about creating a magnificent dance routine and imagine myself in a sparkly, twirling costume - that gorgeous, vibrant shade of pink that reflects my essence and personality - of course. This periodās styles would create the perfect backdrop for a dancer.
As for what Iād wear on this specific day? My personal style guide? Iām just so tempted to go full-blown 60s, darling! Imagine a full-skirted, a-line, shimmering pink dress (just a hint of sparkles, you know?) with a stylish and very much in vogue beret - oh my! To finish it off, some chic pumps, maybe in a deep turquoise to contrast beautifully against the pink! Now, thatās a look to set those hearts aflutter!
And yes! Letās discuss tutus!
While I haven't traveled to 1961, imagine with me, what you might have seen in the tutu departments, darlings!
I have no doubt the dancewear shops were bustling, even back in those times. Imagine being a ballet student on this day, stepping inside that store! The air is a swirl of excitement! Beautiful fabrics hang all around, satin and tulle whispering promises of graceful movements. Oh, I simply adore it! You canāt imagine how excited I was in my era to find my perfect tutus!
As a student, in those days you'd find an array of tutu styles ā simple ones, elegant, classical - and possibly even a hint of a touch of dramatic tulle! Oh darling, think "Sleeping Beauty" meets "101 Dalmations"! Can you see it? - all of this tucked away behind shop windows on that fabulous day!
For those dance fans on November 28th!
If you were lucky, a ballet would be taking place in a theatre near you on November 28th! So make your way down to the ballet - you might even spot my fellow dancers twirling around, making you fall in love with this magical art.
But I wonāt have travelled in vainā¦
...So on this #TutuTuesday, I leave you with my message: Letās celebrate that spark within each of us. The little girl that dreamed of twirling on stage, that daydream of a magical pink tutu, of ballet. Just keep twirling darling, the beauty of ballet, like that magical pink tutu is out there, just waiting for you to find it!
Remember, Iāll be posting again next #TutuTuesday with a new ballet adventure and fashion secrets!
* Until then, stay stylish and stay twirling! *
Love Emma xoxo
