Hello darling tutus!
Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutus! It’s me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina. I’m popping in from a rather spiffing trip to 1963, a delightful year for dance and fashion. Now, before we get to the nitty-gritty of today's tutu history, let’s grab a cuppa, darling, and let me tell you how this trip came about.
Ballet’s Magic, Train Travel & a New Dress!
After last week’s fascinating look at tutu history in the 18th century, I found myself pining for something a bit more… modern. (But don't get me wrong, darling, I still have a huge affection for the romantic, pouffy styles of those bygone eras!).
So, off I went to the Royal Opera House for a stunning production of Giselle. Such lovely choreography and a phenomenal dancer playing the role of Giselle. She looked absolutely divine! And her tutu - a gloriously billowing, tiered masterpiece. After the show, I had to indulge in a little retail therapy in Covent Garden!
Let me tell you, London in the 60s is positively abuzz with energy! I snagged a chic little dress, and some fab shoes with a fabulous kitten heel. And what did I wear to make it all so extra special ? Well, let's just say that a fluffy pink tutu was my accessory of choice, naturally! I practically had everyone on the Tube turning their heads to admire the vibrant pink, and who could blame them?!
But enough about me, dear reader! Let's dive into our topic for today:
Tutu Tuesdays: The Dance Evolution of the Tutu!
Tutu History 1963 – A New Era in Ballet Fashion
1963, a year when the world of dance, fashion and, yes, even tutus was on the cusp of great change! So, buckle up your tap shoes and let’s take a whirl through this fabulously fashionable decade.
The '60s and the Rise of Modern Dance
You might be surprised, darling, but the year 1963 was a big one for the birth of modern dance. Now, when I say modern dance, I'm not talking about those sassy and contemporary dance shows we see today, but a completely different approach.
Goodbye Romantic Era - Hello Modern!
The early 1900s marked a shift away from the classical, flowing tutus of the romantic era to a much more practical approach. These new "modern" dancers were expressing themselves through freedom of movement and wanted to get away from the restrictive gowns. Think - less swishing and more sharp angles!
The modern dance styles demanded movement, movement, movement. And so, a shorter, tighter tutu became a necessity. They weren't fluffy, poofy creations like the tutus we see in classical ballet; instead, they became smaller, almost like skirts!
Where to find those fabulous modern tutus!
To learn more, head on over to our favourite dance stores around London! There’s one near Buckingham Palace that stocks some beautiful, chic pieces! A friend of mine, an absolutely divine ballerina with a lovely sense of fashion, actually even made some of her own!
But, honestly, darling, even with all the new styles appearing, traditional tutu lovers like me still hold a special place for the classical designs. I mean, there's just something so captivating about those swirling skirts of yesteryear. Divine!
But Wait! What Was Happening on April 23, 1963?
You might ask what significant tutu moments occurred on this exact day? Well, I’m so glad you asked! On 23rd April 1963, The Royal Ballet had just just wrapped up their fabulous run of “La Sylphide”, the very ballet where Marie Taglioni first wore her stunning white tulle tutu in 1832! How amazing is that? I adore La Sylphide! It’s just so delicate and magical!
So, you see, this era saw a mix of tradition and innovation in the world of dance and tutus. While classical tutus continued to charm audiences, new and bolder styles began to take center stage. And for us tutu lovers, darling, there is always something amazing to learn!
What's Next on Tutu Tuesdays?
So, there you have it, darling! That’s all for today, but don't fret! I have some extra special Tutu Tuesday blog posts coming up next week. I've been scouring the internet for even more fabulous information and even managed to find an original photo of that glorious "La Sylphide" tutu – stay tuned, dears!
In the meantime, don’t forget to stay connected with the tutu world on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, where you can find all kinds of information about my favourite fashion trends and even learn about our little shop at the back of my website where we sell custom-made pink tutus, of course! You don’t want to miss out on the fun – there are even amazing tutorials on how to make your own amazing tutus!
Until next week, darling! Keep twirling and be fabulous!
Emma x
(And don’t forget to leave a comment on what your favourite kind of tutu is! You know how much I adore reader interaction! 😉 )
