Welcome back, fellow tutu enthusiasts, to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! It's your girl Emma, back again with a new glimpse into the history of tutus! Today we’re taking a trip back to the vibrant 60s, a decade that was as full of life and energy as the swirls of our beloved tulle skirts. I found myself skipping right into a Parisian afternoon in May, my pink tutu fluttering like a butterfly in the sunshine. Can you even imagine the delicious pastries, chic fashion and playful air?
A Swinging Sixties Snapshot:
In 1963, the world was a fascinating blend of tradition and change. Fashion was an explosion of colour and style - mini skirts were making their bold statement, while bold prints, bright colours and groovy patterns dominated the streets. The Beatles were about to conquer the world with their music, the space race was hotting up, and a new wave of creativity was flowing through everything. It was a time for exploring the boundaries, pushing the limits, and embracing the freedom of expression.
And guess what? That same sense of liberation could be felt in the ballet world, too! Gone were the days of rigid and ornate designs. Tutus became sleeker, more modern and expressive. Think bold colours, geometric shapes and daringly revealing cuts. Gone were the classic pink and white tutus that ruled the stage. Dancers in daring teal, turquoise, or even black tutus, brought a powerful and theatrical new vision to the art of ballet.
This was the era of groundbreaking choreographers like Twyla Tharp and Merce Cunningham, who broke free from traditional ballet structures and embraced modern dance influences. Ballet companies like the New York City Ballet were shaking up the dance world with new and revolutionary choreography.
Now, let’s take a little trip to the theatre and imagine a scene of excitement. The music fills the theatre. It's full of life and vibrancy, like the city itself. And out comes the lead dancer, a vision of elegance in a chic black tutu, dancing with such power and emotion that it sends shivers down your spine. What a dream, right?
Shopping for the Swinging Sixties Look:
And wouldn't you just know it, as soon as I finished the performance, I took a jaunt around the shops of Paris, my tutu rustling behind me as I window-shopped with glee. There I saw so many delicious details to incorporate into my personal style. A pop of colour on a classic black tutu, perhaps with some silver sparkles or a dramatic new hairstyle - I had to take notes! Remember, a ballet dancer isn't just a dancer, they're also a fashionista, a performer and a constant ambassador for the beauty and grace of this art form! And I think it’s time we all take a lesson from the fearless fashion choices of the 60s!
Speaking of fearless, I need to let you know that the most wonderful thing I stumbled upon on this journey was a little cafe just around the corner from my hotel. It served the most decadent and delectable cakes and macarons you could imagine. We could talk about the swirls of colourful frosting or the delicate swirls of macaron shells all day long, but it would not do the scene justice. It was like a dream in delicious, sugary pink and lavender tones! You’ll find my own delicious pink-tutu inspired recipe on the website later this week. But until then, enjoy this picture of this beauty, the cherry on top of the wonderful Parisian evening I found myself enjoying:
But what are you waiting for, darlings? I've set the scene. Let's take our own walk down a Parisian street in our pink tutus. Get those sequins shimmering, feel that Parisian energy in the air and - most importantly - wear your pink tutu with confidence! This #TutuTuesday is all about celebrating the glorious colours, the powerful style and the pure magic of the 1960s!
And before you go, remember to share your photos and stories on social media using #PinkTutuTuesday, because the more pink tutus we see out there in the world, the more joy we can share together. And what is better than a world full of tutus and kindness, don’t you think?
Stay pink and be bold, Emma xx
(Post number: 6855)
www.pink-tutu.com
