Hello lovelies!
It's me, Emma, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling friend, back again for another trip down memory lane with my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! I'm currently perched on a rather plush velvet seat in the Royal Opera House in London, awaiting the start of the "La Fille Mal Gardée" performance - oh, how I adore a good ballet! Anyway, back to our history lesson…
Today, we're journeying back to 17th March 1964, which, for those of you following my blog religiously (and you know who you are!), is post number 6899. Just think, back then, the Beatles were still riding high on the charts, everyone was obsessed with miniskirts and go-go boots, and you couldn't move for "Twist" dancing in the clubs! And while it might seem like the world was a very different place back then, tutus were still having a ball - literally!
Now, this date is particularly special because… hold on a minute, why does everyone seem to be staring at me in this dusty old auditorium? Ooh, is it my gorgeous, frilly, pink tutu? Honestly, sometimes the past can be quite judgemental about fashion! I'll just quickly slip into this black wrap dress I always pack for such occasions – just in case! Now, where was I…? Ah yes! This particular date in 1964 was special because Margot Fonteyn, that legendary ballerina who inspired a whole generation, had just announced she was going to be dancing in "La Fille Mal Gardée" - the very ballet we're about to see!
Now, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted (sorry, must have been the shock of that faux pas of wearing pink in this stuffy place), tutus were still very much the symbol of grace and elegance in the world of ballet. You couldn't escape them at all, whether you were watching a show or even going to a ballet class (where, by the way, those tight bun styles were definitely the "go-to"). They were the ultimate fashion statement for ballerinas, embodying all things whimsical and dreamlike.
Let’s take a peek at how tutus were evolving during this era. You might not believe this, but even back in 1964, the fashion-forward choreographers were starting to get super creative with tutu designs! Remember how ballerinas in the early days would have those massive, full tutus like pouffy, meringue-y clouds? Well, they were becoming a little… shall we say, less cloud-like. Imagine! Designers were taking inspiration from the growing movement of modern ballet, experimenting with new shapes and silhouettes.
The 1960s saw the birth of the "Romantic Tutu". These beauties were a bit more sleek and less billowy than the old-school designs. They hugged the dancer's form beautifully, making those long leaps and fouettes even more graceful and captivating. Remember those elegant tutus with the flowing, feathery edges, like the wings of a delicate bird? That's the romantic tutu – a symbol of dreams and grace, and oh so very flattering.
It was all about a change of mood - from dramatic to delicate, from imposing to flowing - and this, in turn, changed how audiences experienced ballet. And I am here for it! We know the tutu hasn't exactly been replaced by something new. They have stayed at the core of ballet performance and style but with every change, ballet evolved too. This is why the story of tutus isn't just about fabric and design, it's a journey of ideas, artistic movements, and a celebration of all things feminine and fabulous.
For the fashion lovers among us, a lot of the inspiration for clothing came from the stage. As ballet outfits became a bit less strict (yes, even a tutu can be strict!) and bolder, so did women's fashion! Imagine those long, floaty skirts that designers would introduce, just like the tutus on the stage! Even today, it's a constant source of inspiration for all the best designers - whether they know it or not. And wouldn't it be magical to walk down the street one day, feeling just as light and free as a ballerina on stage?
Now, before I'm dragged off to the refreshment stand (it's apparently not quite fashionable enough to order tea and scones before the ballet starts!), I need to share one of my most favourite things about travelling through time and experiencing the beauty of ballet! The people, the magic, and of course… the tutus! They bring together the best parts of any performance – they move us, inspire us, and just plain delight us with their dreamy, feminine energy. It’s the same energy, I truly believe, that motivates so many women to create and to perform, to push boundaries and share their stories. And how do we embrace this? With a touch of pink!
This, my darling readers, is why I’ve made it my mission to spread the pink tutu love around the world. Every single person has the power to shine – to feel fabulous, strong, and confident. All it takes is a little bit of sparkle, a dash of whimsy, and, of course, the ultimate in feminine fashion - a pink tutu! It's all about feeling confident and embracing the power of our inner ballerina.
So, there you have it! My little #TutuTuesday lesson for this week, taking us back to the captivating era of Margot Fonteyn and her majestic "La Fille Mal Gardée." Remember, ladies, every week, we're exploring a new chapter in tutu history, uncovering those wonderful, fascinating stories that brought this timeless fashion icon to the world.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for even more #pinktutu moments and join me next week, as we venture back in time, tutu in tow, ready for another exciting ballet history lesson.
Until then, keep shining and, most importantly, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for the latest tutu fashion tips and inspiration! You can even share your favourite tutu moments using the hashtag #TutuTuesday – and maybe I’ll feature you in one of my upcoming posts!
