Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things twirly and pink! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us on a whirl back to 1966! It's like a dream - the swingin' 60s, where fashion was bold, music was vibrant, and ballet, oh, ballet was on the cusp of some serious change.
But before I hop in my trusty time machine (you wouldn't believe the wardrobe department - oh, to have a pink tulle steamer trunk!), let me tell you - it was absolutely splendid arriving in this decade. The air hummed with excitement and the music of The Beatles blasted from every cafe and car radio! And as I stepped onto the bustling pavements, my eyes were met with a scene straight out of a Mod fashion magazine!
We're talking bright colours, bold prints, geometric designs, mini skirts, oh my! Everyone was embracing something different, a new sense of individual expression. But for me, you know it, my eyes were instantly drawn to the tutus! And they weren't just confined to the stage! I saw them twirling down the street, tucked into shop windows, and even perched on lampposts! The world seemed to be dancing to a new rhythm and the tutu was its beat!
Now, to bring us back to our ballet story, in 1966 the world of ballet was itself in a bit of a whirlwind. The classic, elegant lines were still there, of course, but something was shifting. New choreographers like Maurice BĂŠjart, Twyla Tharp and Merce Cunningham, were pushing the boundaries of ballet. They were exploring new ways to move, new ways to express themselves and challenging traditional forms with daring choreography.
One of my favourite things to do is pop in and out of different historical ballet performances, it's simply divine! Last week, I managed to slip into a showing of "Giselle" at the Paris Opera House and the beauty of it was utterly captivating! Can you imagine a grand theatre, with chandeliers sparkling, a hushed audience filled with the whispers of anticipation, and the dancers bringing this timeless story to life? Pure magic! But here's the fascinating part, the âGiselleâ I saw wasn't the same as the one that would be performed just a few years later! Ballet is always in flux - evolving, growing, and experimenting - just like fashion!
While we're in the heart of 1966, let's peek at a few fun things happening in the world of dance!
- Rudolf Nureyev was rocking the stage with his powerful, dynamic style and those smoldering looks that set hearts aflame. He was, and still is, a true icon! I couldn't resist twirling in front of the mirror, copying one of his signature moves, of course, while I hummed to "Something" by the Beatles. The 60s really had it all!
- In London, Margot Fonteyn was enchanting audiences with her timeless grace.
- The Royal Ballet and the New York City Ballet were both showcasing incredible talent, captivating audiences with both classic and modern pieces.
The tutu was evolving alongside everything else. While traditional ballet still embraced the billowing tutus of white and pastel hues, we were seeing bolder interpretations emerge on stage.
Speaking of tutus! Did you know, in 1966 Mary Quant, the Queen of the Mini-Skirt actually designed a ballet tutu for a stage performance?! It wasnât your traditional billowing ballerina dream, but it showcased those bold lines and a new sense of modernity! She even had Twiggy, the it-girl of the era, sport a little black tutu for a shoot! This was where fashion and ballet intersected, the line blurring between the everyday and the spectacular!
Oh, how I adore seeing the influence of fashion on ballet! And vice-versa. It's like a grand dance party where creativity and elegance collide. There's an amazing sense of movement, of freedom, of expression. And honestly, doesn't that just sound wonderful? It's truly an era that celebrates life's vibrant rhythms!
You know, this makes me think. This isnât the first time fashion and ballet have found a shared passion for expressing the beauty and dynamism of movement. Remember the 1950s, where Christian Diorâs New Look captivated the world? The flared skirts, full dresses they had such an undeniable ballet-esque feel. And Christian Lacroixâs creations from the 1980s! A total homage to ballet with layers of tulle, big bold colours, it was utterly glorious!
But back to our time machine journey! You know I couldn't resist hopping over to Paris! Now Paris in 1966 is truly a spectacle! Think of chic boutiques filled with trendy fashion, bustling cafes where artists gather, and cafes overflowing with conversations and dreams! As I toured Place VendĂ´me, a symphony of fashion, I took a pause in my travels to observe Balmain â a favourite amongst the fashion set, for the striking elegance and those cinched waists!
Remember my love for vintage fashion? And the thrill of finding the perfect pink tutu? (Of course! Donât tell me youâve forgotten!) It's in these time-travel trips where I get the most inspiration. So if you are ready to turn your world a shade pinker, I recommend venturing into vintage boutiques and thrifted treasures - you might just find yourself a piece of magic!
I wouldn't be true to Pink-Tutu.com if I didnât share a little sartorial advice. So if you're looking for the perfect tutu this #TutuTuesday, just remember - go bold! Don't be afraid to try something different! Whether you love classical ballet or modern contemporary dance, the tutu always provides a fantastically whimsical way to embrace the joy of expression! So what are you waiting for, dear reader? Pick a colour, any colour, grab your Tutu, and Twirl on into your next adventure!
And just like that, Iâll be off again on another exciting #TutuTuesday adventure, diving back into time, perhaps in a sparkling, iridescent tulle top that wouldn't look out of place in 1966's London! Stay tuned, dear reader, for more pink tulle dreams! See you next week for more adventures in tutu history!
XOXO
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com
#TutuTuesday
