Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another dazzling dose of ballet history on this lovely #TutuTuesday! Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to 17 December 1963 – just picture it, a time of bell-bottom jeans, The Beatles, and some seriously iconic ballet!
Now, before I get carried away with my love of all things pink and fluffy (you know me!), let’s take a trip back to 1963, shall we? Where did all the excitement for tutus lie? Well, if we’re talking fashion-forward tutus, it was definitely New York City. The fashion capital of the world, with its Broadway glamour and an endless stream of creativity. Can you imagine all the stunning shows that would be happening around the city on this very date?! My inner fashionista is screaming just thinking about it.
But what about the ballet scene? 1963 was a fascinating year for ballet! New York City Ballet, led by the legendary George Balanchine, was a vibrant hub. Balanchine was the master of the minimalist tutu, revolutionizing the look of the classic dancewear and, of course, with his iconic works like "Agon" and "Symphony in C" performed by a plethora of beautiful, graceful dancers.
Speaking of graceful, can we talk about the ballet slippers worn in those times? While they wouldn't quite reach the 'ballet slipper heaven' I know today (the endless rows of shoes you find in a proper London dance shop, sigh...), 1963 was a time when the sleek, simple design was truly taking centre stage. The beauty of a ballerina’s pointe shoe lies in its understated elegance. It allows the dancer’s skill to truly shine, making it a crucial part of the overall look of the ballet performance.
And of course, no talk of ballet is complete without discussing The Bolshoi Ballet! This legendary Russian ballet company was also on fire in 1963. Can you imagine witnessing their powerful, technically brilliant performances, like their legendary “Swan Lake”, a ballet still as magical today as it was then.
But let’s get back to the heart of my love, the tutu. What’s a tutu, you ask? Well, picture this – a gorgeous swirl of tulle, swirling gracefully around a dancer, a true testament to feminine beauty! There are many varieties of tutus, each with its own history and charm, but let me tell you about one particular star: the "Romantic" tutu which was very popular around this period. Think layers upon layers of soft, billowing tulle that would cascade like a waterfall as a dancer spun across the stage – pure magic, I tell you!
Now, let's think about me travelling through time. Where in the world would a pink tutu wearing girl find herself on this 17th December 1963? Maybe catching a Broadway show on Broadway, that's definitely a thought that makes my heart flutter! Maybe soaking up the glamour in an opera house. My fashion sense would definitely be turning heads with my vintage finds – a twirling tutu, of course, and some gorgeous, brightly coloured garments. Let’s face it, a girl always needs to make a statement, right?
Do you know what's exciting about this time period, darling? There was an absolute fashion boom. Imagine all the fantastic fashion shops – you could lose yourself in their beautiful, eclectic wares, finding stunning outfits for every occasion! Imagine those gorgeous velvet jackets paired with an emerald green dress, or a dazzling pink hat with feathers... Now you are talking about some real fashionista heaven!
Oh, speaking of exciting things! How was this date celebrated back then? Well, just like now, it was another Tuesday!
Maybe we can indulge ourselves with some Christmas spirit – you know, a delicious afternoon tea, or catching a heartwarming theatre performance! Just imagine the sparkling decorations in every corner and the joyous Christmas carols echoing in the air - ah, magic!
Of course, a proper time-traveling trip is all about making the most of transportation – and who could forget about the beautiful trains! Just picturing those old-fashioned carriages and the clickety-clack of the wheels on the track. I'd happily spend hours on that train with my eyes gazing out at the world whizzing by, a ballet book tucked in my lap, and of course, my lovely pink tutu by my side. The train is truly a romantic escape!
And, oh, darling, don't forget – to achieve your tutu dreams, remember to take a leap of faith! Wear your tutu, dance with joy, and share your passion with the world. Remember, with a bit of courage, creativity, and a healthy dose of sparkle, there's nothing you can't achieve.
* Until next week, my darlings! Remember to stay fashionable, stay sparkly, and stay in your tutus!*
* xoxo Emma *
