Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate all things sparkly and twirly, especially the history of our favourite garment – the tutu!
It’s #TutuTuesday, and as ever, we’re whisking ourselves back in time, this time to November 6th, 1962! Can you believe it’s been almost sixty years since this day? It seems like only yesterday I was hopping onto the Orient Express, my trusty pink suitcase full of fabulous dresses, ready to dive into fashion history… and maybe snag a couple of vintage pieces!
Speaking of fabulousness, you know what’s going to be absolutely fantastic today? We're going to witness the glorious opening of the Royal Opera House’s ballet season in Covent Garden, London. They’re performing "Giselle", and if my timeline is correct, Margot Fonteyn will be dancing the lead role! She’s a real inspiration, always graceful and ethereal.
As for the tutus, I'm practically bursting with excitement! Back then, the traditional white tutu was still reigning supreme, especially for classical ballet. It would have been perfectly layered, just like the ballerinas today, and with just the right amount of fluffiness to create the most beautiful shape as they pirouetted and leapt across the stage.
Of course, if I could step into the past, I'd be adding a touch of my own flair! My favourite shade of pink would definitely be finding its way onto the stage – think shimmering rose gold fabric or a delicate blush hue – maybe even a touch of lace and tulle.
This isn't to say that 1962 wasn't experimenting with design. There was an adventurous spirit brewing! Just imagine the delight of seeing Carmina Burana’s famous “O Fortuna” scene where the dancers, dressed in striking costumes designed by Roberto Capucci, would have moved with an almost ritualistic passion.
The designs of 1962 were all about bold silhouettes and strong shapes – it’s where ballet truly began to break out of its traditional boundaries. It was exciting to see what other fashion ideas might inspire the ballet world!
You know what else was happening on November 6th, 1962? The Beatles were releasing their first single, "Love Me Do", which made me wonder if there might be some kind of influence from pop culture creeping into the dance world? After all, fashion and dance go hand in hand, wouldn't you agree?
However, 1962 was also a time of significant change – a shift from the old traditions to new ideas. This was a time when the world of ballet began embracing the tutu for more than just classical ballet. Remember how I mentioned a "breaking out of traditional boundaries" moment? Well, here's what I think:
That moment was a major turning point, a new era in the way the world perceived the tutu! While it was still deeply associated with the art of ballet, this decade saw the tutu become an ever-present icon in fashion, showing up on catwalks and even infiltrating street style.
As you can see, the story of the tutu is so much more than just a piece of clothing! It’s about stories of creativity, of innovation, of dancers defying gravity and dancing their hearts out in glorious outfits! And of course, it's about all the stunning colours and shapes it’s transformed into – because honestly, is there anything a tutu can't do?
If you’ve seen a show that’s blown you away with its stunning costumes and have an old-school tutu tucked away somewhere in your wardrobe (or your dream wardrobe), you might even get to live out a fantasy – why not wear it and step into your own little piece of history?
That’s all for this week’s #TutuTuesday, my darlings! I’ll be back next week with another fascinating chapter from ballet's enchanting past – but until then, remember, always embrace your inner ballerina and rock that tutu!
XOXO, Emma
(PS: Follow me on Instagram @PinkTutu for my latest adventures and tutu-rific pictures!)
