Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog - this week we're taking a trip back to 1965! This is post number 6971 on www.pink-tutu.com and, as usual, I'm channeling my inner ballerina and twirling through the archives of fashion and dance history to find some seriously stylish inspiration.
You know I can't resist a bit of time travel! Honestly, travelling through the decades, finding all sorts of delightful discoveries in the world of fashion, is like finding a new box of tutus at the ballet shop! It's a glorious adventure! My latest journey brought me to the summer of 1965. Think breezy floral prints, pastel hues, and yes, the rise of the miniskirt! All super glamorous, and surprisingly comfy, just like the latest fashion trends, but back then you wouldn't find the street style fashion bloggers out and about... But let me tell you, you just know they're just about to burst onto the scene! It’s exciting times in fashion, just like for ballet.
Today is August 3rd, 1965. This Tuesday morning was already pretty spectacular in New York, where I landed just a short while ago after taking a fabulous train ride through the American countryside.
Speaking of spectacular, can we just talk about Rudolf Nureyev for a moment? The Royal Ballet is in town! Imagine being lucky enough to catch Nureyev on stage... Now that's what I call a captivating performance! I managed to snag some tickets to tonight's show. They call him “the bad boy of ballet,” a name that is always sure to be whispered at parties!
After spending all morning wandering around the chic boutiques in Bloomingdale’s, I'm pretty sure my head is still spinning from the amazing outfits on display! Just imagine, all those silks, those colours, and some fabulous Jackie O style hats... I’m picking up some fabulous pink silk fabric! I'm already planning on transforming it into a truly magnificent tutu. I just have to figure out which shade of pink to use – maybe a rose-pink or a light pink... The choices are endless! Oh, and did I tell you how excited I am to catch tonight’s performance of Swan Lake? Just the name of it conjures up images of tulle and grace – I simply can't wait!
What is there to say about tutus that hasn't already been said? Every twirl, every leap, every elegant pirouette is magnified by this beautiful garment. The sheer loveliness of the fabric, the flowing lines... Tutús just look like they were made for spinning! The very sound of their gentle rustle brings smiles to every face in the audience.
So where were tutus in 1965? Let's journey through some of the big ballet moments happening around this very special time!
Firstly, let's talk about the Royal Ballet, one of my absolute favourite companies. The year 1965 was the peak of their popularity with their glorious principal dancers like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. They were captivating audiences worldwide. What I wouldn't give for a sneak peek backstage in their glamorous dressing room, surrounded by the aroma of hairspray and the rustling of silk tutus!
Now, a tutu, if I may, is like a blank canvas for any talented costume designer. What I find fascinating is how they transformed over the decades - it's like watching a fashion story unfold! Some ballerinas loved to create the fluffiest, most voluminous tutus. It's easy to see how those became instantly iconic - a visual testament to beauty and pure ballet perfection. Imagine Dame Margot Fonteyn, a ballet legend, on stage wearing a fabulous tulle tutu in the Royal Ballet. The mere thought makes my heart flutter! It was a dance world built on timeless elegance.
You'll also hear me saying a big oui to France, because ballet tutus have a long, captivating history in the heart of Paris, darling! Back in 1965, the famous Paris Opera Ballet was doing its own kind of dancing on the world stage. This was a company famous for the elegant costumes, dramatic music and passionate ballets... But oh darling, those tutus, just stunning, full of drama, yet also filled with elegance, a combination which still gets my heart aflutter every time. And of course, let’s not forget that year 1965 marked the rise of La Scala and their dazzling performance in Milan, Italy, always an absolute must for any ballet aficionado!
Back in England, tutus, darling, were simply the must-have fashion accessory! Everyone seemed to have their own story about their favourite tutu, and for a girl like me, obsessed with fashion and all things pink and ballet, 1965 was like living in a tutu wonderland!
Just imagine: those amazing pink, white, and maybe even lemon-coloured fabrics, with delicate floral motifs... those classic tulle tutus in a pastel palette. That was the style I just adored, with a few playful swirls of chiffon for that extra touch of romance. Just like we do now, even in a smaller city like Derby!
If only you could all peek inside my wardrobe right now. Just rows and rows of pink tutus – I simply can't resist. But who am I to talk about a must-have item in your closet? I’m not afraid to wear a tutu pretty much anywhere! Just this weekend, I waltzed through the supermarket in a bright pink tutu! To say I stood out in that little town was an understatement, but to be honest, everyone seemed to like it! It was all a bit of fun, a splash of colour to a dreary shopping day. I’ve learnt, everyone’s heart melts when you wear a tutu and bring that magical feeling of joy and grace. It’s not just for ballerinas; it’s for everyone!
I'm so happy to share this beautiful little journey through tutu history with you.
So until next week, remember: keep twirling and be inspired to make the world a more joyful, more colourful, and yes, a more pink place. 💖🩰
Your time-travelling tutu-lover, Emma
Don’t forget to catch up with the other great #TutuTuesday posts on www.pink-tutu.com !
