Bonjour mes amies! It's me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, back with another instalment of your favourite #TutuTuesday journey into the history of ballet fashion! Today's adventure finds us twirling back to the 21st of May, 1963. Now, this date holds a rather special place in my tutu-loving heart... but I'll get to that in a bit!
First, picture the scene: It's a balmy springtime day, the scent of lilacs filling the air. In the heart of London, I'm nestled into a cosy compartment on the train, sipping my afternoon tea (always a necessity when time travelling, wouldn't you say?). As I glance out the window at the bustle of city life, a surge of excitement flutters in my stomach. Today is all about the grace and beauty of the classical ballet, so put on your fanciest pink tutus, ladies! It's going to be a fabulous day!
From Romantic Ballet to Romantic Tutùs:
Before we dive into the thrilling events of this very day, we have to rewind a bit, back to the time of our glorious romantic ballerinas. They are my inspiration! Remember those flowing tutus with tiers of tulle, shimmering under the warm stage lights? Those iconic creations were born during the Romantic era of ballet (think mid 1800s!). These tutus became a symbol of grace and fragility, embodying the ethereal dream world the romantic ballet strived to portray. I love that! Such beautiful garments, like wings to make dancers truly soar.
1963: The Dawn of a New Era
But wait! By the 1960s, the ballet world was buzzing with a new energy. Just like me with my latest fashion obsessions, everyone was keen for a bit of change. Enter, the modern ballet movement! Forget the classic tutu with its rigid and bulky structure. The focus was on lightness and movement - tutùs, often with less tulle or a less voluminous silhouette, that gave dancers an almost sculpted look. This modern look would inspire iconic tutus, both traditional and avant garde.
And what was happening on the 21st of May, 1963?
Well, we had a truly remarkable performance at The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London! It's not just the stunning building which made it a splendid performance; it was the choreography itself. Imagine - Sir Frederick Ashton, one of ballet's most esteemed choreographers, showcasing a world premiere! A fresh ballet titled "The Dream".
He was inspired by a famous painting by a little-known Swedish artist, and even collaborated with Roland Petit, a famed choreographer in his own right. But wait, there's more! There's a special connection here, because... wait for it... it featured the legendary dancer Margot Fonteyn! Her name brings shimmers of brilliance and grace. Margot was, to me, the embodiment of ballet, a breathtaking ballet legend of that era.
This ballet, “The Dream”, it was said, offered an artistic ballet adventure and was filled with wonder and ethereal enchantment. I just adore how "The Dream" blended such diverse ideas. Ashton embraced newness, but kept his artistry.
As a young, time travelling ballerina who spends so much time learning about past styles, the artistic collaboration with the great Petit was amazing too. The 1960s brought a fusion of traditional and contemporary to make dance so inspiring.
Tutùs Galore, Shopping Delight!
Naturally, I made a pilgrimage to Covent Garden that day, not just to see this special performance, but to catch a glimpse of all the latest fashion and shopping finds in London! You know, me and tutùs - it's a lifelong affair.
I could spend hours gazing at the window displays on Bond Street, admiring the stylish, chic ladies in their sophisticated hats and outfits. But don't worry, I wasn't just about those grand, grown up designs, because remember, tutùs can be super trendy! That day, I spied the coolest shop called *"The Dress Shop." *It was on the famous Burlington Arcade and it was my favourite haunt for discovering tutus - all shapes, sizes and shades! If you ever have a chance to go on a shopping spree in the 1960s, definitely add Burlington Arcade to your list.
Just think how amazing a vintage shop is, filled with elegant creations and pieces of history - the fabric, the styles, the way those clothes make you feel... I absolutely adore finding the perfect tulle and embellishments to match the most stylish looks in the fashion magazines!
So, in conclusion, I think we can all agree: Ballet has always been about captivating us with beautiful stories and captivating movements! But in 1963, things started changing, pushing the boundaries of what we considered ballet. It's this evolution, this mix of tradition and boldness, that makes ballets and tutùs so enthralling and exciting for me today!
I hope this glimpse into the world of tutùs in the 1960s has inspired you to keep dreaming, keep dancing, and keep seeking your own inner ballerina! And don't forget to spread the love of pink tutus!
Until next week, remember... Every day can be #TutuTuesday ! Let's twirl together, dear friends!
XOXO
Emma
