#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1965-02-02

Bonjour mes chéries!

It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, here, ready to whisk you back to the groovy sixties with this week's #TutuTuesday! 🩰

The sun is shining on my pink tulle today (which, as a pink-loving ballerina, is how I measure the goodness of any day), and that reminds me, you guys, I just had the most fabulous journey back to February 2nd, 1965, in a lovely old, and slightly grubby, train carriage. (A little tip, don't go wearing white tutus on a vintage train trip, unless you want a very unexpected "artistic" touch!)

My travels are funded by my fabulous ballet performances, which gives me enough coin to pay the train-traveling-tutu-wearing fairy for a little time travel jaunt every week. 😉

Now, let's get down to tutu history!

Oh, darling, it's like stepping into a time capsule! This era was ALL about embracing colour, swirling textures, and, naturally, the glorious tutu.

1965 was a pivotal year for the tutu. Why, you ask? Well, The Royal Ballet's "La Fille Mal Gardée" was doing absolutely phenomenal at Covent Garden, causing a stir with a fantastic and innovative "whimsical" tutu, the sort of tutu that, as we all know, inspired future generations of ballet designers. The dancers twirled around on stage in a whirlwind of bright, playful, and beautifully layered creations, creating an enchanting fairytale of romance and excitement that had everyone talking.

Remember, the world's obsession with all things French (oh la la, that chicness!), combined with a resurgence in the love of classical ballet (as I often mention, thank goodness for a good ballet) meant that tutus, particularly in a French style, were taking centre stage across the globe.

This was an age where the power of the theatrical ballet tutu, combined with a ballerina's poise and elegance, truly shone. This is exactly what happened in the incredible production of "La Sylphide" on Broadway, the New York City Ballet, (oh how I do love a trip to New York City), were captivating audiences with breathtaking tutus and elegant leaps.

But darling, tutus weren't just confined to the stage! Imagine it - 1965, fashionistas around the world, even the little fashionistas with their little ballet shoes, embraced the spirit of the “free love" and “youthquake" and incorporated the ethereal and feminine elements of the tutu into their daily wear! It’s no wonder they did; think of the whimsy, elegance, and romanticism these pieces embody.

The sheer loveliness of tutus - in a multitude of different fabrics - burst into our streets. Imagine floral fabrics, gossamer fabrics, and even sequins! The world was embracing the beauty of the feminine and ethereal, with ballet and its elegance leading the way! ( I love wearing a beautiful flowing tulle to dance in. There's nothing like the feel of such a graceful fabric swirling around you as you spin.)

It’s an absolute joy to wander the streets of 1965, imagine tutus worn with a sense of liberation and individuality, just as they are worn today. Oh darling, they are still worn everywhere in so many exciting styles - and I just can’t get enough of them!

That's one of my favourite things about 1965! It was an era of incredible societal change - a time where the arts, and especially the world of ballet, were accessible to everyone. Ballet became, gasp, *hip! (I guess I must blame all that fabulous 1960s pink.)

The "youthquake," where young people like me are influencing trends and shaking up society - I love this! The tutu became a symbol of empowerment and creativity!

It was super cool to take ballet lessons in those days and so many kids across the globe, all dressed in their very best, took to the ballet classes! You know it’s something to truly get excited about when little ballet buns on top of little heads take over the streets in a blur of pink! I love nothing more than looking up at those darling tutus and all the happy faces below - a symbol of pure childhood joy, don't you think?

Imagine: Little ballerina Emma in Derbyshire, England (Where all those delightful sheep live) in a tutu at a time when tutu’s were still something of a symbol of high art and high society - oh how much fun that would have been. I think my lovely Mum would have had to send me to dance lessons for that one. I believe we are, shall we say, “different”. (Now, that’s the fashionista Emma you know and love!)

Oh darling, this is just a taste of what's been happening in the wonderful world of tutus in 1965. It’s a year packed with stories, tutus, and ballet! 🩰

So as I get ready for my latest ballet adventure (and a new tutu for the event!), I hope you, darling, will also look out for ballet shows in your area. I’ve got a date with a magical new tutu to slip into for the most gorgeous ballet in Paris - ooh la la!

Just to tickle your ballet fancy: This Tuesday, February 2nd, 1965, was the night of a new production by The New York City Ballet. What are the chances? The chance to dance in my lovely new tutu?

I think you're just a *tiny bit jealous!

And oh, by the way - did you see my gorgeous pink sequin tutu on my Instagram? (The link is just there to your right...* don't forget to hit that "like!" *).

Oh darling, this has been such fun. Don’t forget, to join me here next week for more #TutuTuesday, on www.pink-tutu.com. Remember - it’s the time-traveling tutu blogger here, Emma, with all my love - I promise it will be a whirlwind of delightful tutus and a magical, dancing story every week!

Don't forget your ballet shoes and have a fabulous time!

*Bisous, Emma. * 💖🩰