#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1965-08-10

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutus and all things fabulous! It's #TutuTuesday and I'm positively buzzing with excitement, as today we're stepping back in time to 10th August, 1965! My Time-Tutu machine whirred me right to the heart of London and let me tell you, fashion is fabulous! It's a bit more "Mod" and "Swinging Sixties" than I'm used to, with mini-skirts and bold colours taking centre stage. But I still spotted the twirls of tulle peeking out beneath the bright frocks!

Now, I wouldn't call 1965 a "Golden Age of the Tutu" in the way that, say, the Romantic Era or even the 20th Century were, but it certainly wasn't a forgotten period! Tutus, darling, have a way of charming their way through the ages.

And speaking of charming, guess what's happening on this very date? Why, the opening night of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London! You know how much I adore Giselle. It's the story of a love that transcends all boundaries. It's a timeless masterpiece of passion and heartbreak that melts even the coldest of hearts! I saw a sneak peek backstage. You simply wouldn't believe the sheer detail on those tutus – so much ruffling and hand-stitching! It made me want to grab my sewing machine and start creating, just like those brilliant craftspeople who brought Giselle's dreamy vision to life!

Let's talk tutus! Back in the day, they were more traditional – you know, big, fluffy clouds of tulle that really knew how to take up space. No short tutus for this era. Think full-length, maybe some pointed bodices for those extra romantic and ethereal vibes, you know, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" levels of magical enchantment! Even off-stage, there's a tutu influence, think "New Look" full skirts by Dior! They had a real dreamy quality, just like a ballerina spinning on point.

This wasn't an era of crazy-bold experimentation with tutu styles. The "perfect" tutu, the one that everyone associates with ballet, had already emerged. We're not talking about super short tutus here, those are more for a bit later in time, no, we're talking about full-on, romantic ballerina style, the epitome of graceful elegance! They reminded me of the traditional pink and white candy floss tutus that always take my breath away. I have a real fondness for the more timeless designs that never truly fade out, tutus, I truly believe, will always remain one of fashion's finest and most beautiful creations.

So back to Giselle. A bit of background, darling. Giselle, our tragic heroine, she's a simple village girl who, sadly, falls in love with a deceitful Duke in disguise. The drama! It's like Romeo and Juliet with twirls! This ballet is the kind of story that just pulls you in, no matter how many times you've seen it.

As I watch the ballet, I imagine myself transported back in time. I would love to dance in Giselle, swirling in those tulle masterpieces with all the passion and beauty in the world. But alas, I'm still trying to figure out the time travel rules regarding backstage intrusion - it seems "don't change the past" is paramount. So I'll stick to appreciating it from my favourite seat, with a giant cup of tea and a box of macarons, for now!

Don't you just love the "Swinging Sixties"? They truly embraced everything bold and colourful and the outfits had an exciting sense of youth! Think mini-dresses with playful prints, go-go boots that added a touch of daring to their dance moves and statement hats that were a symphony of bold shapes and colours. A true revolution in style!

This, dear friends, is what I call "Tutu-inspired Fashion." The designers back in the 1960s, like Mary Quant and the legendary Andre Courreges, really captured the spirit of a Tutu. They understood how to capture the energy and joy that radiated from the dancers, how to make an outfit move.

For me, this period reminds me that fashion is more than just what's in the shops. It's about the confidence and joy we express through clothing. You wear it and it elevates you to a higher level! Think of all the incredible emotions a tutu evokes, those graceful swishes, the sheer brilliance of those full, voluminous layers. I'm always inspired to find ways to bring the "Tutu spirit" to my everyday wear!

After a trip to London, you can understand why I find it such a wonderful inspiration for my own adventures in pink. Everywhere I go, there's this intoxicating air of art, music, and fashion. It's a whirlwind of creativity and passion that leaves a smile plastered on my face from the moment I arrive until the moment I step back on the train!

From the cobblestone streets of Soho to the elegance of Kensington, it's the ultimate haven for those who love the arts and all things delightful. Covent Garden, the home of The Royal Opera House, it's one of my absolute favourite places! The historic architecture, the smell of popcorn and orange blossom scent, and the buzzing atmosphere! There's always something special brewing at Covent Garden - whether it's a live band in the square or a beautiful new fashion display, London really does have it all!

London always makes me think about pink tutus in a new way. You see, London's like a canvas. You could wear your boldest outfit and there would never be a wrong time to let your unique sense of style shine! The streets are just brimming with fashion, and each person I see seems to have this confident energy about them. And, well, who wouldn't feel confident when a city is as gorgeous and welcoming as London, right?!

So as the curtain falls on my 1965 trip, I'm already itching for the next time travel adventure. And who knows what wonders and tutus are waiting for us in the future! Remember, darlings, the next #TutuTuesday we will delve into a whole new world. Until then, I'll be back to designing my very own London-inspired tulle designs! And don't forget, everyone looks fabulous in a pink tutu.

Stay fabulous, stay positive and most importantly...stay twirling!

Emma xxx