Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina Emma here, back with another blast from the past!
This week, we're swirling back to the glorious year 1965. Oh, my dears! This era was a whirl of change in the world of ballet - and fashion, naturally. I’m feeling particularly excited about this post because, guess what? Today, September 14th, 1965, was the birthday of one of the most iconic and beloved dancers of our time - the radiant Gelsey Kirkland!
This absolute star graced us with her exquisite talent for over a decade. Her performances were like dreams coming to life - light, graceful, and full of vibrant emotion. To see Kirkland on stage was a truly magical experience.
Now, let's talk tutus!
1965 saw a continued movement towards streamlining the classic tutus we know and adore. The Romantic tutus, with their airy layers and floaty tulle, were still favoured, but the emphasis was on clean lines and an effortless flow.
The big ballerinas of the day, like the breathtakingly beautiful Margot Fonteyn, were all about precision and elegance, and their tutus reflected this. Think of exquisite tulle carefully constructed to create a silhouette that seemed to be defying gravity. Oh, the beauty of it all!
It’s also important to note the role of fashion in influencing the tutu of the time. The iconic 1960s silhouette was a breath of fresh air with its youthful exuberance and a sense of freedom. Think about the impact of the mini-skirt, the mod look with geometric prints and bold colours, and the growing influence of youth culture with the rise of the Beatles and all things rock and roll! This influence was reflected in the more youthful and experimental use of colour and fabrics in ballet costume design. There was also a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation, which reflected the wider societal shifts of the period.
And don't think for a minute that our favourite ballerina style stayed stuck in the past! The iconic "ballerina bun" - a classic choice in ballet – was already finding its way onto catwalks and becoming a major trend. It was seen on everyone from the super stylish Audrey Hepburn to the bold and adventurous Twiggy. What a stylish era!
The rise of "Ballet Street", with ballet’s beautiful grace seeping into streetwear and fashion, was starting to become a trend, but only just. Can you imagine how thrilled I was to see this happen! A bit of ballerina magic in everyone's wardrobe! Imagine, wearing a little black dress with the perfect pair of ballet pumps… oh, it was utterly delightful!
You see, darling, there was something incredibly charming about how the world of fashion was beginning to adopt the elegance of the dance world. Ballet, it seems, was on the cusp of becoming even more culturally relevant, and this time-travelling tutu-lover was thrilled about it!
Now, for this week's Tutu Time Machine Adventure, I took the train, of course! It's all about chic travel - who could resist a journey across time and space, sitting comfortably in a beautifully restored carriage? (Just picture the gorgeous window views - so glamorous!)
For today’s adventure, I decided to step back in time and experience the grand opening of a new ballet studio in New York. This gorgeous building had stunningly high ceilings (just imagine the beautiful reflections from those wonderful tutus!), a luxurious lounge where elegant ladies could indulge in afternoon tea, and a fantastic stage. What a glorious experience for the local ballet enthusiasts!
Of course, it was impossible for a time-travelling tutu enthusiast to simply observe – I had to dance! So, I gracefully took the stage, spinning and twirling my pink tutu with delight. It was a bit of a surprise to everyone in the audience, but they seemed to enjoy it tremendously. The applause and the smiles were the best part, don’t you think?
To finish this week's #TutuTuesday, I want to highlight the vital role that dance plays in keeping tradition alive. I truly believe that every ballerina (and every person who appreciates dance!), can be a cultural ambassador. It is important to understand and celebrate the heritage that makes up our ballet world, even while embracing change and the fascinating modern forms of dance that are evolving right now!
Well, my dear tutu-loving friends, that's all for this week. Remember, you can join me every week for more #TutuTuesday on Pink-Tutu.com and explore our beautiful world of ballet together. Until next time, keep swirling, and stay fashionable!
And remember… every day is a perfect day for wearing a pink tutu!
With much love,
Emma x x x
P.S: My next #TutuTuesday blog post will explore the wonderful world of ballet shoes - you know it's going to be delightful! I’ll be showcasing my favourite vintage pairs - the ultimate vintage treasure - so don't miss out!
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