#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - June 16th, 1964 - Post 6912!
Hello my gorgeous fellow tutu lovers! It's your girl Emma here, back from another whirlwind journey through time with my trusty pink tutu, and today we're waltzing our way back to the fabulous 1960s! This is #TutuTuesday, the day we celebrate all things tutu, from their historical origins to their modern day impact, so grab your pinkest tulle and let's embark on a time travelling tutu adventure.
This week, we're celebrating June 16th, 1964, a date brimming with exciting fashion, cultural happenings, and a few extra special tutu moments. It was the time when the mini-skirt revolution was in full swing, with everything getting shorter and shorter (I just wish someone had thought to shrink my tutu down to mini-size, can you imagine!). We had bold prints, daring colours, and hairstyles so fabulous they'd make you want to break into a spontaneous pirouette!
Of course, with all these cultural trends happening, you know I had to take my tutu on a road trip through this fabulous time. I took the train (nothing beats a good railway carriage trip with a pink tutu!), hopped off in London, and waltzed my way straight to the heart of all the action – the world-famous Covent Garden.
Speaking of Covent Garden, what was being performed that fateful night you ask? Oh darling, it was a treat for the senses! The Royal Ballet was showing off their phenomenal talent with the breathtaking “Giselle” - a timeless classic filled with beautiful choreography, intricate costumes, and of course, the most fabulous tutus! Just picture my excitement, watching those tutus glide across the stage, twirling and swaying to the enchanting music. Truly an experience I'll never forget.
Speaking of tutus and elegance, did you know that 1964 saw a massive trend for ballet classes all over the UK? The graceful elegance of the dancers, the flowing tutus, the beautifully poised movements - they truly embodied everything that was fashionable during the sixties. From London to Edinburgh, the streets were alive with ballet studios. Even London's fashionable department store, Harrods, launched their own line of "ballet-inspired" clothes!
My tutu truly shone in that time, darling. While many fashionable women opted for the short mini-skirts, my fluffy pink tutu gave me a unique look, one that stood out from the crowd. And let me tell you, it got a lot of compliments! It wasn't all about the look though - I also joined in on the dancing trend and sought out local ballet classes wherever I went, perfecting my moves with other ballet enthusiasts. Let’s be honest, every girl needs a tutu for those spontaneous twirls!
While the tutu trend of 1964 had its own distinct flair, I feel it still inspires many modern-day fashion designs today! Remember those glorious ballgowns with fluffy tulle skirts? Tutus were a strong influence!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a #TutuTuesday without a little dose of the current ballet trends! These days, we're seeing the resurgence of the traditional tutu, paired with stylish modern interpretations. This means we see ballerina outfits mixed with sleek leggings, fashionable tops, and daring jewellery – giving tutus a whole new look and feeling. And darling, don't forget about those statement ballet shoes! From flat ballet pumps to fashionable heels with pointed toes, we’re embracing ballet style with a fierce flair.
Now I know some of you might be wondering: why wear a tutu in the 21st century? Well, here's why: tutues bring a touch of magic to every outfit! They let you twirl around like a beautiful ballerina and inject some whimsical charm to even the simplest look. They're about expressing your love for all things ballet, your sense of adventure, and most importantly, embracing your inner dancer.
So go forth and embrace the power of the tutu, my lovelies. Let your tutu be a symbol of self-expression, of your love for the art form and your own personal journey. After all, when you're wearing a tutu, anything is possible, even a time-traveling adventure through ballet history.
Don't forget to check back next Tuesday for another exciting installment of our Tutu Tuesday journey! I can't wait to see what fashion adventures await me in the next decade, and to share my findings with you! Until next week, darling, keep on twirling!
With love and a pink tutu, Emma
P.S. Want to know more about my time-travelling tutu adventures and see what fashion trends have been exciting me lately? Follow me on Instagram at @pinktutulife and feel free to drop me a comment here with any questions about tutu history, fashion, or just any other fun ballet stuff you want to chat about. And let me know if you’ve got a tutu tale you’d like to share!