Hey there, lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things tulle-tastic. It's Tutu Tuesday, and that means it's time for a trip through history! Buckle up, because we're travelling back to 26th December 1961! Can you imagine waking up to the smell of roast turkey and plum pudding, knowing you have a whole day of family fun ahead? I know I sure would!
Now, you might think it's strange, but the thought of travelling to this date got me thinking: what would people be wearing back in 1961? And more importantly, were they embracing the power of the tutu? My pink tutu, which I lovingly named "Petal" is positively quivering with anticipation!
Remember, folks, my motto is every day can be Tutu Tuesday! I truly believe everyone should wear a pink tutu at least once in their lives. But let's dive into our time machine, and see what tutu wonders were on show in the year 1961!
The Swinging Sixties: A Decade of Change
1961 was right in the heart of the Swinging Sixties - a time when society was changing rapidly, and fashion, naturally, reflected this change. Just like the tutu itself, which was changing its own look!
We can trace the beginnings of the tutu to the 1830s, with its beginnings tied to the invention of the "tulle" fabric. And if you are lucky enough to catch a ballet in London or New York, chances are youâll be watching dancers pirouette and jetĂ© across the stage wearing tutus designed after a particular look or story. As ballerinas became the epitome of feminine grace and elegance, the tutu transformed from a utilitarian garment to a symbol of both artistry and power.
The Big Ballerina Stars of 1961
Imagine this: Youâre lucky enough to be sitting in the Royal Opera House in London, just waiting to see a ballerina take centre stage, in a classic tutu, to the beautiful, majestic music of Tchaikovsky. Back then, everyone was talking about Margot Fonteyn, the legendary English ballerina. In fact, this time, I'm going to channel my inner-Fonteyn and bring the "look" right up-to-date. Itâs a mix of classical beauty with a hint of 1961, and of course, it has to feature a beautiful tutu. Think big tulle, sleek black velvet, with my classic ballerina bun - topped off with a big pink ribbon!
From the Theatre to the Streets
It's not just ballet where we see the power of the tutu. Back in the day, tutuless fashion had its own moments of grandeur. Iâve even seen photos of Brigitte Bardot herself, the ultimate Parisian chic, with her hair looking suspiciously like a ballerina bun!
So, I think it's fair to say, that although tutus weren't on every street corner, ballet and dancing still held a strong place in society in 1961. Itâs time to spin, my dears!
From Derbyshire to New York
One of the joys of time travel is being able to visit all sorts of interesting places. In December of 1961, a certain âNew York City Balletâ was making quite a splash on the theatre scene, with one performance being a production called âThe Nutcrackerâ. A timeless Christmas story that we can all relate to - and, funnily enough, it even features tutus! I hear that this company is going to make a special trip to England later in the year for a big event called *"A Celebration of Ballet"! * It's so exciting to hear that our lovely tutu-inspired dance performances are being shared around the world!
It makes me excited to imagine all the amazing ballet shows and shops waiting for me to explore! Perhaps, my dear friends, a trip to New York City is on the cards in the future - maybe even with my darling Petal by my side. Imagine - tutus, Broadway, delicious food!
A Day Trip to the City of Lights
Speaking of travel, one of my favourite modes of transportation, has to be by train. Back in 1961, a train journey from Derbyshire to London would have been an exciting adventure, as if by magic, whizzing through the English countryside! Perhaps a cup of tea with biscuits from the cafe on board and an evening in London. I wonder if the Royal Ballet had a performance at the Royal Opera House that night? Wouldnât it be wonderful to experience a ballet that played in the days of Tchaikovsky or Bette Davis dressed in a tutu of some of todayâs dancers ?
But now itâs time to start preparing for my trip to Derbyshire tomorrow to see my family! Perhaps, as itâs Christmas week, Iâll treat them to some hot cider from the market as we enjoy a walk along the Cobbled streets. Of course, Iâll be sporting Petal, making sure that all my family friends are feeling joy and good vibes !
Donât forget, darling readers, always look your best ! Wear a beautiful dress, dance around your home with your best smile, wear your hair up with a cute ribbon and above all⊠wear your tutu, as often as possible! It's my life's ambition to encourage everyone to embrace the Tutu. If I can travel to all four corners of the world in a tutu, you can, too! And for those who haven't quite caught the bug - don't worry, we're all about gradual steps. Try wearing pink more often - trust me, it makes a world of difference. đ
That's all from me for this week, darlings! Keep it fun, keep it fabulous, and until next Tuesday, happy twirling!
Your pink tutu loving friend,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S: Don't forget to follow me on social media! Let's talk tutu! #TutuTuesday #PinkTutuLife #BalletHistory
