Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls. It’s another glorious Tutu Tuesday, and this week, I’m whisking us back in time to a day that, as you know, is particularly special for any lover of ballet: 11th January, 1966.
Imagine, if you will, the thrill of a Parisian café, the crisp air of a London theatre, the magic of New York City in the midst of its cultural renaissance! It’s a time of change and exciting new ideas, but also a time where the elegance and grace of ballet reigns supreme. And wouldn’t you know it, we're going to take a peek into what makes this particular date so iconic!
Now, I know you all are dying to know what fashion had in store for us on this special day, so let's get straight into the gossip: think A-line skirts, daring colour palettes, and that utterly glamorous Mod aesthetic – just pure magic! In a nutshell, it was the age of the mini skirt, and, as always, ballet found a way to beautifully compliment it. We were lucky enough to have an array of exquisite creations to choose from, whether it was the iconic Audrey Hepburn look, a dash of Parisian chic, or the oh-so-sophisticated New York style. We were definitely spoiled for choice.
Speaking of Audrey Hepburn, who better to channel than the Queen of effortless elegance herself? The classic little black dress was practically a must-have, a blank canvas for accessorising and pairing with the perfect ballerina shoe – a pointed ballet flat would have been all the rage. Throw on some dramatic earrings, a bright clutch, and a dramatic, swept-back hairdo and you were all set for an evening of chic sophistication.
For those who dared to go for bolder fashion choices, think eye-catching pops of colour like sunshine yellow or emerald green! Imagine yourself dancing along in a crisp white blouse, a bold yellow midi skirt and, of course, your favourite pink ballet pumps. That colour combination is pure sunshine in a tutu!
Now, you can’t discuss fashion in the sixties without a word or two about the magnificent hats! The ladies of this time absolutely adored a showstopping headpiece, a touch of playful drama for those perfect evening outings. Whether you preferred a glamorous cloche hat, a charming pillbox or a beautifully whimsical creation, hats were the perfect way to elevate any outfit – and for the evening performances? Nothing says ballet like a feathered headband!
So, what happened on 11th January, 1966 that made this day such a gem for ballet lovers? Well, dear readers, it’s the anniversary of the first performance of the legendary Maurice Béjart ballet “Bolero”, the masterpiece that, for me, captured the essence of this era with its audacious energy and breathtakingly simple choreography. It's hard to believe that the powerful music of Maurice Ravel created such a lasting impact! If you've never experienced “Bolero” live, do add it to your must-see list! I swear, it'll send shivers down your spine.
The 60s weren't just about mini skirts and the boldness of "Bolero" though, the stage was set for ballet's greatest hits. We saw the world-famous Rudolf Nureyev performing for the Royal Ballet, the elegant artistry of Margot Fonteyn taking centre stage, and a surge in avant-garde ballet productions. This period brought a revolutionary spirit to ballet, injecting fresh perspectives and daring movement styles that challenged tradition and captivated audiences everywhere. The 60s was the era where the art of ballet found its modern expression!
I’m going to let you in on a little secret - the fashion of 1966, the music of “Bolero,” the spirit of the sixties… all these have a special place in my heart. It’s truly fascinating to watch how the ballet world continues to evolve with the times.
Just imagine me, stepping into a London Underground train on this day, adorned in a playful pink tutu, my head held high and a wide smile on my face as I catch the eye of a dapper young man in his Mod suit. You know what's best? The 60s weren't just a fantastic time to appreciate fashion, it was a period brimming with inspiration – just waiting to be tapped into!
Before you run off to recreate your own 1966 looks (remember those classic Mary Janes, darlings!), remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com! There, you'll find plenty of pink tutu inspiration, historical snippets and exciting stories about this ever-changing art form that's captured the world's imagination for generations. Oh, and remember, wear your tutu with confidence and style, just like they did in 1966!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma x
