19th June, 1962
Greetings, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite Derbyshire-born ballerina blogger Emma, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday, where we journey through time, exploring the dazzling evolution of the beloved tutu! I'm back in my pinkest, fluffiest tutu, and today we're heading to Paris! Ooh la la! I'm so excited because Paris is the city for ballet - from the opulence of the Opéra Garnier to the chic boutiques of the Marais district.
Today's date marks the day of a landmark ballet performance! Did you know that on the 19th June 1962, the very talented American dancer Suzanne Farrell premiered the world’s first ever performance of George Balanchine’s 'Jewels'? This three-act ballet, featuring a shimmering symphony of colours, is a masterpiece! You can bet I'm dusting off my ruby red tutu this week in honour of this breathtaking piece.
'Jewels', though quite different to the traditional tutu shapes we often see, revolutionised the ballet world with its breathtakingly modern use of colour, movement, and form. Imagine – it was like walking into a stunning, swirling, sparkling jewel box!
Speaking of revolutions in ballet... Can we talk about 1962's fabulous fashions? Oh, the clothes! We're stepping out of the stiff formality of the 50s, into a world of bold colours, swinging skirts, and sleek silhouettes. Audrey Hepburn became a fashion icon this year, donning chic sheath dresses with a playful touch of black, while Jackie Kennedy redefined elegant fashion in classic Jackie O' style – hats, scarves, and sharp tailoring were her forte! The mood? Modern, effortless, and sophisticated.
So, while 1962 might not seem immediately tutu-centric at first glance, there is a hidden magic here! That sense of fashion evolution – from the playful silhouettes to the vibrant colours – was already starting to shift our perspective on what the ballet could be, beyond its rigid traditional boundaries.
For me, fashion and ballet have always been intricately intertwined, so a year where fashion itself is starting to shift into bolder territory...well, that feels just as thrilling to me as seeing Suzanne Farrell's grand premiere in a ballet costume as unique as a diamond!
And as a side note... travel! Imagine the thrill of a Parisian trip! You can bet I’m hopping on the train to the City of Lights, soaking up the fashion, exploring the ballet scene, and indulging in some of the most delicious pastries imaginable!
So, while 1962 was a whirlwind of change and revolution in both fashion and the ballet world, one thing remains steadfastly in our hearts – the enchanting beauty of a tutu. From the romantic tutu-length skirts to the more streamlined and minimalist forms that began to emerge in the 1960s, the tutu still embodies elegance, grace, and beauty, just as it has throughout history.
Do remember, my dearest readers, a little tutu magic can transform any day! I encourage you all to wear a pink tutu today, dance your heart out, and let’s bring a touch of fairy tale joy to the world. After all, the beauty of ballet lies not only in its artistic expression but also in its ability to ignite a sense of wonder, magic, and sheer joy!
Until next Tuesday, may your tutus be fluffy and your spirits soaring high!
With love and sparkles,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to join me over on www.pink-tutu.com for even more fashion, ballet, and time travel fun. Until next Tuesday!
