Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another week of Pink Tutu History, your weekly dose of all things tulle and twirling. Today, I’m feeling extra excited, because I'm not only going to be sharing a bit of tutu history with you, but I'm also going to take you on a magical journey with me – a journey back in time to a very special date: 23rd July, 1963!
Can you believe it's been over sixty years since this date? It makes me feel a little bit old, but not enough to stop me from hopping on the Time Travelling T-train and heading back to see what fashion, what fun, and most importantly, what tutus, were happening back then!
Oh, and before I forget, remember I’m living my best life funded by my ballet performances - this time around I was lucky enough to land a solo role as the Sugar Plum Fairy in a London performance, so my travel budget is feeling wonderfully plump. 😉
Now, let’s go back to 1963...
The world in July 1963 was abuzz with excitement. The Beatles were dominating the airwaves, the Kennedy brothers were at the helm of American politics, and people all around the globe were enjoying the exciting changes the world was undergoing. Fashion, in particular, was having a blast with bold colours and exciting new shapes, so I’m sure you’re as excited as I am to delve into what a tutu-wearing girl would have been experiencing!
When I popped into 1963, the first thing that struck me was the sense of excitement in the air. People seemed to be more into going out, more into socialising and enjoying themselves. You could see that energy spilling into the world of dance too.
The ballet world was really starting to diversify! We saw a mix of traditional ballet performances alongside more modern, expressive, even experimental ones. Think Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev captivating audiences with their elegant technique. They were really pushing the boundaries of what ballet could be.
In this period, a tutu was more than just a garment; it was a statement. It said you were glamorous, confident, and graceful. It didn't matter if you were watching the ballet or attending a party, a tutu was the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and whimsical charm to any occasion.
Of course, not everyone was rocking a full-blown tutu, but let's be real, some things just never go out of style, especially pink! It was HUGE back then. Think bubblegum pink and blush pink, just delightful! Even dresses, coats, and accessories were showing off this fabulous colour. Pink was, and is, the ultimate girly girl shade.
As for the tutus themselves, we're not talking about the big, billowing tutus you see today. In 1963, a tutu was more likely to be a little shorter and made from layers of tulle, with a classic silhouette.
Oh! You wouldn’t believe this but the highlight of my journey in 1963 was a trip to London's famous department store, Liberty. This iconic store was full of stunning clothes and exquisite fabrics! It was truly a fashion paradise! The selection of tulle fabrics was amazing, and I actually found myself in a quiet corner, sketching some design ideas for a future collection.
One of the things I really love about visiting different times is experiencing the cultural differences. The world was much less connected in 1963, and while there was a growing interest in things from other countries, it wasn’t the same kind of cultural fusion we see today. But despite this, the love of ballet and the joy of dance crossed every border!
Before I close this blog entry and take you back to the future, let me leave you with this… as always, the true beauty of tutus lies in their ability to inspire and express creativity. They're a symbol of dreams, artistry, and imagination.
I really do hope you found this little trip back in time a fun and informative read. I have so many more wonderful tutu stories to tell you, so please make sure you pop back next week, and until then, remember, always rock your tutu with confidence and pride!
Lots of Love,
Emma
P.S. I know it's not quite the same as being in London in the 1960s, but there is a brilliant performance at Sadler’s Wells on the 30th July by a troupe from a city in the Eastern Europe - a country where everyone speaks Russian! I'll have a ticket waiting! I hope you can join me.
