Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another whirl through history for #TutuTuesday. I’ve just stepped out of my time machine (a charming vintage railway carriage I call 'The Swan') and into a world of swinging '60s fashion, bold colours, and oh, the music! Today, my dears, we're twirling back to 14th July, 1964!
The Magic of Ballet in 1964
Now, let me tell you, darling, this era was buzzing with excitement. The ballet world was blooming, with stunning productions taking the stage all over. Just the other day, I caught a glimpse of Margot Fonteyn, her performance absolutely captivating! I also managed to pick up the most fabulous pair of red patent leather ballet shoes – just the right touch of rebellion for a stylish '64 gal!
Tutu Tales: 1964 and Beyond
But let's get back to our beloved tutus. 1964, darling, was the year where a truly magnificent transformation began for the world of ballet fashion! Imagine this, my dears: a little tulle dream with an even fuller, more generous skirt! Imagine the whirl! This, my darlings, was the birth of the "Romantic Tutu". Imagine this beautiful silhouette - it's all about ethereal movement and delicate artistry, like a flower floating in a gentle breeze! The Romantic tutu really captures the spirit of a romantic ballet! Imagine Giselle's tragic love story, brought to life in this wispy, enchanting tulle cloud. I almost cried with joy at how incredibly beautiful these designs are, and the wonderful lightness and graceful movement they allowed the dancers to portray!
This style was a radical departure from the more restrictive tutus of the past and became the definitive look of the romantic era. We're still dancing with this one, darling! I wouldn't be surprised if the Romantic Tutu, with its glorious flow and ethereal elegance, remains a firm favourite of ballet designers and ballerinas for decades to come!
*And for the Pink-tutu Obsessive? *
Today, my loves, I’m delighted to introduce you to one of my favourite vintage fashion finds from my time traveling escapades: the gorgeous 'Ballet' style dress, a true icon of the 60s! It’s basically a beautiful pink version of a ballet dress! We're talking soft, flowing layers of chiffon and organza, darling, complete with a darlingly wide, ballerina-inspired skirt that makes you feel like you could actually take flight! So fabulous, right?! Imagine pairing that dress with some white knee-high boots – pure magic!
Keeping Up with the Times: The World of Fashion
Oh, I must tell you, 1964 was a whirlwind of fashion and creativity, and the ballet world was riding the wave! This was the year that bold colour took centre stage – vibrant reds, bright greens, and, of course, that divine pink! It felt as if every girl wanted to have a bit of that balletic grace and flair in their style, whether they were rocking a tutu, or adding a touch of the iconic “Ballet Dress" to their wardrobes! Oh, and those stunning white gloves! A real game-changer in the world of style. It seems like every stylish lady out there was dreaming of being a beautiful ballerina.
The Beatles, my darlings! They were causing a stir too – all about rebellious youth and rocking out! Can you imagine the scene? Just so incredibly exciting! I wouldn't be surprised if some of those little ballerina dresses even found their way into a Mod band’s wardrobe, or a little disco, right! Oh, to be back in that moment again! It’s impossible not to be infected by this amazing spirit!
From The Stage to Street: A Ballet Fashion Explosion!
The 1960s, dear friends, was an extraordinary period where the world of ballet and fashion really intertwined. It felt as if the world had suddenly realised that those beautiful dance moves, the captivating twirls, and those wonderful elegant outfits could be more than just confined to the theatre. Ballet started appearing on the streets and in every day life. I spotted this on my travels. I’ve got some great images on my #pinktutu blog about ladies getting ready for a night at the ballet! The pictures are fab, but even more than that is how the pictures show us that ballet started inspiring all the fashionable ladies and their everyday clothing! You could wear the ballerinas look without a tutu. That, my darlings, was when a ballet fashion revolution truly began!
And of course, there was this wonderful thing – that sense of joy. I’m getting all warm inside just thinking about the joy of 1964. I truly felt it when I visited The Royal Ballet school. It really felt as if everyone wanted to dance!
Where Will I Time Travel To Next?
And now, dear friends, it's time to step back into my darling 'Swan', I have another exciting stop to make! My blog wouldn’t be complete without giving a bit of insight into how I plan my trips. And, yes, a little behind the scenes of how I manage to be able to time travel at all. This blog is free to access, and to share with your friends! I’ve got plans for my trips from donations that I’ve been collecting by doing performances – mostly ballets at the theatre. What an amazing way to keep my passion for dance alive! And to continue these time travels for you all!
For next week, my loves, I'll be whisking us away to the Victorian era! It’s a new set of rules in the ballet world and a really exciting new world to be in, which I can't wait to tell you all about. Just think – some of the first pointe shoes, those incredible costume designs… my imagination is racing.
** Until next time, keep your twirling feet ready and your hearts open for ballet! And please remember, we’re all ballerinas in our own ways – embrace the beautiful and elegant spirit that shines inside you!
Yours,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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P.S. Don't forget to share your favourite tutu moments on social media with #TutuTuesday!*
I can't wait to hear from you! I love hearing about how you get into the ballet mood at your place! Is your family full of tutu lovers too?!
