Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back again for another Tutu Tuesday adventure! 🩰✨ This week we're heading back in time, leaving our pink tutu clad feet firmly planted on the hallowed floors of the Royal Opera House in London, and boarding the Orient Express to the chic Paris of 1965! Imagine, no emails, no TikTok, no Insta… but oh, the style! Let's hop aboard and take a trip down memory lane…
Now, you might think "Tutus in 1965? Emma, what's that all about?" Well, darlings, tutus have a history older than our favourite vintage records, dating back to the Romantic Era (think lush costumes, romantic stories, and oh so much tulle!) and they weren't about to disappear from the dance scene anytime soon! In fact, 1965 was a really exciting year for ballet - a year that saw new dance works that revolutionized the way people thought about tutus!
The highlight of this particular trip back in time? The Premiere of "La Sylphide" on 2nd November 1965! Can you imagine, the Paris Opéra Ballet bringing the magic of a legendary ballet to the stage, with tutus, naturally! It's considered the first romantic ballet ever created, full of flitting ballerinas, magical spirits and oh so much elegant dance. It was like seeing the moon and stars coming down to earth for a waltz, all set to gorgeous music! Now, imagine that happening while wearing a delightful, swirling, cloud-like tutu… it must have been heavenly! ✨
Now, this is where our little time machine adventure gets truly fun! In 1965, fashion was starting to experiment with exciting new styles. This meant a whole new array of fabrics and colors that designers could use to create spectacular tutus! Can you imagine, darlings, wearing a stunning shade of sapphire blue, with swirling gold trims or a bright and joyous mustard yellow tutu that danced with every twirl? Absolutely fabulous!
Tutus in the sixties weren't just about being pretty either! Ballet companies were really experimenting with the ways they were used. This meant shorter skirts for exciting, more modern dances, and experimenting with textures and styles that were unique and playful! And, imagine the headbands... floral and simple, delicate with ribbons and lace. So chic!
And speaking of fashion, imagine the boutiques and shops bustling with fabulous fabrics and materials perfect for creating one-of-a-kind, personalized tutus! Just imagine the wonderful things that could be created! My shopping bag is bursting with ideas for the latest, trendiest pink tutu design that’s totally going to revolutionize the world of tutus. 😉
But it wasn't just about ballet and the catwalk. Life in 1965, though exciting, was full of change. People were grappling with political events like the Vietnam war, and social issues like equality, which would shape the years to come.
While travelling back in time, one thing I have realized, the more we learn about our history, the more we understand where we come from and how it shapes who we are today!
Here’s how my time travel tutu experience helped me learn:
- Tutus have a long, rich history: They're not just for the ballerinas! There are endless variations and stories attached to each and every tulle delight. I can’t wait to learn more and share it all with you lovely people!
- Fashion evolves constantly: It’s important to appreciate all of those changes! Just like those fab ladies in 1965, we are always on the lookout for new, inspiring trends. Who knows what amazing, wonderful designs await us on our journey forward?!
- It's okay to embrace change: Even while cherishing traditions, we must adapt and create something new! This is why I adore experimenting with different tutu styles and pushing the boundaries! I encourage you all to be courageous and make your mark on the world with your personal expression and, of course, a pink tutu. 😉
Okay, back to the present! I’m off to try a new dance step from the "La Sylphide" premiere I saw. 💃🏻
What a trip that was! Don’t forget to join me next week, where I’ll be exploring a new time, a new style, and new pink tutus to make our lives that bit brighter!
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Keep swirling, Emma xx
