Bonjour, mes amies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving ballerina from the glorious Derbyshire countryside, and I'm thrilled to whisk you back in time for another delightful #TutuTuesday journey!
Today, we're pirouetting back to 9th November 1965, a time when the world was buzzing with exciting new music, fashion, and of course, ballet! Oh, my darlings, the 1960s was truly a tour de force for our beloved tutu, with styles evolving and dazzling audiences across the globe!
Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of London, Paris, or New York. The air is electric, filled with the sounds of the Beatles and the scent of flower power. A young Audrey Hepburn strides past, her iconic elegance and chic sense of style setting the pace for a whole generation, and even she knows, the perfect finishing touch to any look is... you guessed it, a tutu!
Now, hold onto your bonnets, because this week's #TutuTuesday journey takes us right to the heart of this dynamic decade!
The 1960s Tutu: A Modern Movement
By 1965, the world of dance had begun embracing the spirit of modernity. The rigid structures of classical ballet, though still loved and respected, were evolving to embrace new ideas, new movement, and... yes, you guessed it, new tutus!
Classical tutus were still very much the norm for grand performances of Swan Lake or The Nutcracker. The famous tutus we associate with the ballerina's white tutus, and with the beautiful pink tutu's of The Sugar Plum Fairy, continued to grace stages across the globe. But, what made the 1960s truly special was the emergence of a whole new breed of tutus!
Breaking the Mould: The Rise of the 'Contemporary' Tutu
As ballet choreographers explored new concepts, new forms of expression, so too did their designs. Ballet became bolder, braver, more free flowing and expressive, and the tutu transformed, moving away from the classical pointe shoe structures, becoming more ethereal.
Imagine... delicate layers of tulle in vibrant, shimmering colours - think ruby reds, sapphire blues, or the always stylish, chicest shade of pink (a favourite of mine, you know!) these innovative new tutus took inspiration from modern fashion, capturing the carefree spirit of the age! They would flutter and sway with each graceful step, like a butterfly dancing in a summer meadow.
The 'contemporary tutu', was born, a glorious revolution in dancewear! I can already imagine the collective gasp of admiration in the audience at a Paris Opera Ballet premiere when a stunning, ruby-red contemporary tutu makes its debut. It is truly an extraordinary period, and if I could give advice to any young budding ballerina or any little girl thinking of dance, is embrace new things. Try new dance forms, try new styles of tutu, and embrace the spirit of adventure, because a new age of exciting dance is just about to begin.
Oh! And, speaking of tutus! Don't you simply adore those breathtaking tutus with all the shimmering jewels, they make your eyes sparkle and the whole room feel like a glamorous party. They can bring such magic to the stage. But you know what, I think they also look absolutely fantastic in everyday life! * Just a little fashion tip from your beloved Pink Tutu blogger! 😉*
Let's Catch Up With 9th November 1965: A Glimpse Into History
It’s now time to move back in time, to 9th November, 1965 and catch a glimpse into this era of fantastic change! * Imagine...* the music of The Beatles ‘Help’ album is currently in the UK charts, while 'The Sound of Music’ is captivating the world. In America, the TV series ‘Get Smart’ debuts its second season. It's all go in the world of pop culture!
Oh, but back to our ballet world. On 9th November, 1965, ballet audiences are enjoying stunning performances. The New York City Ballet, the company famous for introducing the Balanchine era, has their weekly performance – what a thrilling night that would be. And, in Paris, the legendary Roland Petit is staging a spectacular performance of his new piece “The Garden of Earthly Delights,”. Imagine being at a dress rehearsal and witnessing this iconic choreographer's vision come alive!
A Fashionable Interlude: Style Trends in the 1960s!
My darlings, the 1960s was truly an unforgettable decade for fashion. We saw everything from geometric shapes, bold colours, and the ever-fashionable maxi skirt! Now, *who here is a maxi skirt fan? I simply adore their flattering lengths, the flow of the fabrics. And don't get me started on their potential! Just imagine a pink maxi skirt, it would look spectacular under your favourite pink tutu, the perfect party look! *
But the fashion must have, of course, is a fabulous new jacket to top it all off! The 1960s saw a love affair with daring silhouettes and unique tailoring, and with every bold cut and colour, there is a little pink tutu hiding underneath! *What more could you possibly need, for your pink tutu, a good dress, a maxi skirt, a stunning new jacket! And if you are going out, grab yourself a little clutch bag - they really tie together any evening outfit! *
I have a treat in store for you, dear reader! On 9th November, I happened to hop onto the Orient Express and I made a little stop in the fashion heart of Paris. There, I saw the most amazing window display, and in it, I spied a gorgeous shade of pink silk - you could use this fabulous fabric for anything. Oh my goodness, just think how glamorous a pink tutu made from this beautiful material would be, it would be the ultimate statement piece! It was truly, a pink tutu-loving dream!
A Time for Inspiration and Discovery: The Power of the Tutu
Every time I hop in my time-travelling tutu and explore a different era, I come away filled with inspiration. From the elegance of the 1950s, to the boldness of the 1960s, every decade has its unique expression of the tutu.
And, my darlings, it is time for you to go out and embrace the power of the tutu too! Whether you choose to rock it on the stage, in the street or on your next train trip, the tutu has an inner magic that makes us feel empowered, free, and ready for anything! It truly does say, “I’m ready to twirl, to twirl my way through life!
I hope you have enjoyed this pink-tutu-filled, 1960s escapade with me! Be sure to join me next week as we journey through even more dazzling decades of the tutu!
* Until then, stay chic, stay sparkly and twirl with joy! *
Your beloved Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
