#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1962-10-16

Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, back from another jaunt through the annals of time, and ready to take you on a delightful journey to the land of twirling and tulle. Today, my pink tutu is sparkling with a little extra pizazz because it’s October 16th, 1962. Grab your teacup and biscuits, and let's delve into the world of ballet in this wonderful, historical moment!

As the crisp autumn air blows through the streets of London, you can practically smell the scent of anticipation… for the opening night of "La Fille Mal Gardée" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! Can you believe it? That's right, folks, this delightful ballet of charming mischief is making its grand debut, and trust me, the fashion is absolutely divine. Just think, everyone will be talking about those lovely tutus. Oh, and you know I had to snag a seat for this enchanting production – after all, my passion for ballet is eternal, and who wouldn’t want to be swept away in this classic story?

Now, before I get carried away with the allure of that first night, let's rewind the clock and step into 1962. Think sleek, sleek, and more sleek!

The world of ballet in 1962 was buzzing with energy. Imagine flowing, elegant costumes, perfectly coiffed buns and of course, a bevy of breathtaking tutus gracing the stage!

• The Tutu is Queen! 1962, this era is a tutu lover's dream come true! We see the tutu, particularly the romantic tutu, reaching its peak of popularity. They’re just beautiful – they look absolutely stunning with all those layers and flow.

• The Elegance of Classical Ballet: From the prestigious Royal Ballet in London to the New York City Ballet across the pond, companies were flourishing with some of the most awe-inspiring choreographers of the time.

• Bold New Voices: A plethora of new works, and re-interpretations of old favourites, were springing to life across the stages of the world. 1962 was a time of both honoring the past and boldly pushing the boundaries of ballet.

I might have stepped out of my trusty time machine to reach London, but my journey truly began back in Derbyshire, where the heart of England beats strongest! You know I always love a good train journey; a delightful carriage, delicious pastries and a beautiful vista passing by are truly my cup of tea (and pink tulle, of course)! It's a rather grand way to start an adventure.

So, picture this – the countryside zipping by outside the windows, and me settling in with my travel book, all about the ballet's history – my latest obsession. Reading about tutus is a perfect way to get excited for a big night out at the ballet!

I always say a little dash of pink tutu goes a long way! And you know, the style in 1962 really embraces the girly flair – with beautiful feminine silhouettes and an almost ethereal feel. You couldn’t help but notice all the enchanting patterns in ballet costumes during those days – florals, swirls, lace, all those dreamy details – just irresistible! And don't even get me started on the ballet shoes!

Imagine satin slippers that shimmered in the spotlights and pointe shoes with exquisite bows. Everything seemed to gleam with beauty and refinement! Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I just found the most charming pair of 1962-style ballet flats in a vintage shop during my trip here, and they're absolutely adorable! Just the thing for a quick ballet inspired day out – with, of course, my trusty pink tutu!

You know I can never resist a fashion tip or two! And 1962 had an incredible ability to take the romance of the ballet stage and seamlessly transform it into everyday chic. Picture a ballet-inspired day dress in flowing silks, a pair of those enchanting ballet flats I just bought – and voila! The epitome of chic elegance for your next coffee outing with your gal pals! You can never go wrong with a little bit of ballet elegance!

From the romanticism of “Giselle” to the whimsical charm of “The Nutcracker,” the tutus worn in these ballets left a mark that's still seen in the modern dance world. You can see echoes of these beautiful, expressive styles, whether in a contemporary ballerina’s costume or a dress you might spot on a fashionable runway!

The story of the tutu isn't just about dancing – it’s an evolution of how ballet itself has moved through time! As dance styles shifted and new techniques emerged, the tutu's look changed, reflecting those exciting evolutions. The way a ballerina stands on her toes, how they stretch, and even how they interact with the music– these shifts in dance style directly impacted how a tutu was designed to accommodate those dynamic movements.

That’s what I find so fascinating about #TutuTuesday. We're not just looking at fashion – we're peering through a window into the artistic development of the dance!

What would 1962 be without a sprinkle of pink, of course? Now, you know I adore all shades of pink and have a soft spot for vintage fashion – and trust me, the shades of pink found in 1962 are utterly breathtaking! I even found some beautiful pale pink lace trim, just the right accent for my tutu and some pastel pink accessories. It’s a whimsical look that reflects the era’s exuberance while also incorporating my very own unique style.

Now, what shall we call my pink tutu inspiration today? Oh, I have it! How about, "The Prima Ballerina's Pink Dream." It speaks of delicate lace and vintage charm, and who doesn't want a touch of romance in their wardrobe? Just a little something extra to inspire you for a week full of style!

## Don’t Forget to Spread The Tutu Love!

Well, my darlings, I hope this little journey through 1962 has filled you with a sense of sparkling excitement. What are you waiting for? Put on your tutu and celebrate ballet's timeless beauty – it’s more than just a dance – it’s an explosion of creativity and beauty, woven with history!

Until next time, may your days be filled with twirls and smiles. Don’t forget to share your ballet experiences with me using the hashtag #PinkTutu! And remember, if you dream it, you can achieve it. It’s time to twirl your way into the world!

See you next week!

With love and twirls,

Emma

P.S. Don’t forget to join me every Tuesday for another delightful trip back in time, to explore the fascinating history of tutus!