Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my lovelies! It's #TutuTuesday again, and this week I've travelled all the way back to the fabulous 60s. That's right, we're doing the time warp again, back to the era of mini-skirts, bold prints and the beginnings of the 'swinging sixties'. Oh, how I wish I could have been there to twirl my way through the decade of liberation and fun!
Post Number 6949 (ooh, look at that number!), and this week we're discussing how tutus, or rather the lack of tutus, featured in a key moment in ballet history!
You see, whilst the world outside was getting groovy, ballet was still stuck in its classical ways, and in some places that meant, hold onto your tiaras, a tutu ban!
Yes, in 1965, the Paris Opera Ballet announced a strict no-tutu policy for their upcoming ballet, "Le Sacre du Printemps" (The Rite of Spring). This iconic ballet, notorious for its innovative, even shocking, music and choreography by Igor Stravinsky and Vaslav Nijinsky, was even more revolutionary for being tutu-free!
This was a bold move and one that caused a right stir amongst the traditionalists, let me tell you! In fact, it wasn't just a "no tutu" policy, but rather a ban on all "feminine" features. Forget those graceful, flowy costumes. We're talking straitjackets, for crying out loud! I mean, you just can't deny the elegance and beauty of a swishy tulle skirt. A ballet without a tutu is like a dance without music - unthinkable, darling!
Of course, all this wasn't just about aesthetics, it was about a revolution in movement and expression! It's how they broke free from the constraints of traditional balletic form, embracing a rawer, more visceral and grounded way of dancing. In a way, it's a bit like street ballet – where the movement and music are all about showcasing the power and expressiveness of the body itself.
Despite the outrage of the traditionalists, "Le Sacre du Printemps" became a legendary ballet, forever changing the face of modern dance. The whole experience was wild! Imagine the music, the bold, earthy colours, the angular, raw choreography… it must have been something!
That said, my dears, the good news is that tutus are still here! I mean, imagine a world where we could never see a ballerina float across the stage in a swish of pink! No! My dear tutu loving readers, our tutus remain safe.
To be honest, I still can't help but giggle at the very idea of a ballet without tutus. I can see all the traditionalists going absolutely mental, saying it’s a travesty and an insult to the hallowed history of dance. And you know what? Sometimes I miss the days of a good, old-fashioned traditional ballet. There’s just something so magical about a beautiful ballerina twirling on pointe, her pink tutu shimmering in the light. It makes me all giggly!
However, all I'm really saying is: thank goodness we live in a world where there’s room for everything. Even if you don’t agree with something, you can always appreciate the creativity and artistry of those who dared to be different, those who wanted to shake things up and do their own thing.
The whole "Le Sacre" saga is a reminder that dance is ever-evolving, and we're always seeking new ways to express ourselves through movement. In that sense, it's actually pretty cool to think of how tutus, even when they’re not being worn, have played their part in this evolution. They make us realise that even our little, pretty pink tutus, are part of this magnificent ballet world of ever-changing expression.
In the end, whether or not you’re into traditional ballets, modern dance, street dance, or a tutu-tastic ballet… we’re all connected by the universal language of movement! And that, my darlings, is a good thing, a very good thing.
Well, that’s all from me for this week! Remember, be brave, be beautiful, and always embrace a little bit of the unconventional! Until next week, my beautiful Tutu-tastic readers, keep dancing and remember - pink tutus are always fabulous! 💖
Now tell me: What are you doing for your Tutu Tuesday this week? What is your favourite style of dance? **Let me know in the comments below!
And don't forget to follow my social media for all things ballet and tutu-related!
@pinktutudream on Instagram!
Pink Tutu Dreams on Facebook!
And as always, keep shining, ladies! ✨
Yours in tutus, Emma xx
P.S. If you want to see the revolutionary “Le Sacre du Printemps” you can catch a show anywhere on the planet! But my personal favourite is at The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow – so worth the journey to see those world class ballet dancers really bring it to life! *Oh! And this weekend? Well, I’ll be travelling up to Scotland to see the beautiful Scottish Ballet performance of "The Nutcracker" *– a little festive twirl before the year ends, if you like!
See you next Tuesday!
