Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Itās Emma here, back with another thrilling chapter in our ballet tutu odyssey. Today, weāre hopping aboard the time-train and zooming to 4th September 1962! As a ballet-obsessed gal who loves pink and tutus more than anything, it's an absolute joy to share these stories with you. After all, isn't the past just brimming with enchanting tutu-related adventures?
Oh, and a massive thank you to all of you who joined me last week for our waltz through the 1920s. Seeing you all sporting your own pink tutus at the station was truly fabulous! (Remember, my mission is to get everyone wearing pink tutus - more on that later!). But now, letās put on our dancing shoes and twirl back to 1962ā¦
Paris: A City of Tutu-tastic Fashion!
Our journey this week leads us straight to the heart of fashion and dance: Paris. And darling, itās simply overflowing with tutu-mania! From the latest haute couture collections to the grand ballet performances, tutus are absolutely everywhere.
Now, picture this: I'm strolling through the bustling streets of Paris in a gorgeous powder pink tutu (it goes perfectly with my floral headband and new ballet flats, naturally), when I bump into a Parisian fashion icon sporting a spectacular black tulle tutu paired with a stunning velvet jacket. She gives me a knowing smile and whispers, "Darling, the tutu is having a moment! Even Chanel is using it!"
My heart leaps. It's true! Fashion is absolutely obsessed with the tutu in 1962. It's popping up everywhere, from glamorous evening gowns to trendy street style, with even those daring designers daring to mix it up with edgy textures and bold prints!
But hold on! Before I get carried away with all this exciting Parisian fashion, letās take a peek at what's happening in the ballet worldā¦
Ballet in 1962: The Story Behind the Tutu!
The tutuās reign in ballet in 1962 is not just about aesthetics, though those are undeniable. The tutu, even when it appears on the runway, represents the spirit of ballet itself!
As a Derbyshire lass born and raised on ballet (hello, Royal Ballet!), I always tell folks: ballet has got that spark. And right now, the tutu's that sparkle! This isn't a surprise because ballet itself is full of beautiful traditions: beautiful music, beautiful moves, beautiful clothes! But, in the 1960s, it seems like something even more special is happeningā¦
One big reason for this āsomething special" is that the world is rediscovering its love for ballet. On the 4th of September 1962, in New York, the first season of American Ballet Theatre opens to a rousing applause and full houses. This theatre will play a huge role in spreading the joy of ballet to American audiences for years to come, and it all starts with their tutus. Now thatās a bit of a story, eh?
What Else Makes This Day Special?
The 4th of September 1962 is also a great day for some good old fashioned fun! There's a giant international kite flying competition taking place in the city of Bergen, in Norway! Now I wish I could have been there for that. Can you imagine all those colourful kites soaring across the sky? What a magical spectacle, and all tied to the light and fun of a special day. I reckon the kites would have had a few tutu touches about them!
More to Explore: Bringing Back the Tutu!
Hereās my favourite bit, my dears. 1962 and 2023? We might be worlds apart, but the tutu has got a special quality to it that crosses time! The tutu is about the feeling of joy, of beauty, of expression, of letting your personality and your dreams take centre stage. The fact that even in the 1960s, a period of bold new fashion, the tutu held a spot on the runway and in ballet tells you everything!
My hope is to encourage that feeling of joy, of personality. Itās why my pink-tutu mission is so dear to me! Now, maybe some folks might think it's silly to wear a tutu outside of the ballet studio. But guess what? Thatās where the real fun lies! There's something wonderful and inspiring about being brave enough to stand out and embrace that sparkle.
So, whether it's for your ballet class or a weekend trip to the shops, grab your favourite pink tutu (and maybe even a little feather boa!), and get ready to twirl into the rest of this fabulous day!
Stay fabulous my dears, and never be afraid to dance!
See you next Tuesday for another journey in tutu-land! Until then, may all your steps be graceful and joyful!
P.S.: Did you know you can now shop my exclusive range of pink tutus online at www.pink-tutu.com? Just use the code āTutuTuesdayā to get 10% off your order - Itās not to be missed! Now thatās how you wear a tutu with pride!
