Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller Emma, here with another installment of my weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. We're heading back in time today, to a very special date – 30th August 1966.
Today is a momentous day for all us ballet enthusiasts because it’s the day Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn gave their very last performance together in Giselle at the Royal Opera House in London! This is so exciting! My dear Nana was actually there to see it - isn’t that amazing! It truly was an iconic performance! This pairing is considered one of the most spectacular in ballet history. So glamorous! Can you imagine witnessing such artistry firsthand? It truly must have been a special occasion, filled with drama and passion. It’s even more remarkable when you think of Rudolf's personal struggles and his controversial move from the Soviet Union to the West. Such daring and exciting stuff.
*Speaking of Rudolf and Giselle, it’s truly remarkable how tutus have evolved through the decades. In the world of Giselle, those flowing Romantic tutus were truly the height of fashion! It is the story of a village girl in love, her heartbreak, and tragic destiny – oh, the drama! Just looking at the way those Romantic tutus swirl around their legs, it almost transports you into that world of fairytale, sadness and tragedy. It’s no wonder the romantic tutu took over the world! *
Oh, my dear! But before I lose myself in all that tulle, let’s chat about what was trending in ballet tutus in 1966!
Remember, our favourite Romantic tutu from Giselle, Coppélia or Swan Lake – all with their dreamy romantic flowing lines, and those sweet pretty tutu styles made their grand appearance around 1841 – almost 125 years ago! By 1966 they'd undergone quite a transformation! This was the era of ballet brilliance – when incredible new stories and choreographies were happening - and tutus started to get bolder. We're not talking about long swirling Romantic tutus anymore. This was the era of 'Classical' tutus which still embraced the iconic romantic tutu shape but gave them more definition and shape – think about how a dress would fit more closely around the hips to accentuate your body, right? But this new trend was less frilly and fluffier – oh how exciting! Just think, those 'Classical' tutus have been with us now for almost 60 years and I still think they are the height of perfection! It’s time for some colour coordination too – I love this, the new emphasis on colour - tutus were not all the traditional white – there were exciting colours popping up!
We are starting to see different colours and lengths – those dreamy colours are the best thing ever.
Of course, the tutu is still the centrepiece of every ballet performance. No ballet would be complete without it! *And the most important element? That delightful cloud of *tulle which is so special, it’s the quintessential symbol of everything beautiful about ballet. **
Speaking of tulle, this has always been the magical material of ballet - it’s not just for ballet though, no no no - you’re gonna love this! In 1966, tulle started to make an impact in mainstream fashion.
Remember that 1966, the world went wild for mod-style clothes! This era, we are in a flurry of A-line dresses and those fantastic geometric prints! The new mini skirts were everywhere, and even the famous* 'mod dress', a sleeveless mini-dress!* Think bright, bold and graphic. Everything geometric and vibrant! *It's a wild era for fashion, so exciting! *The amazing mod styles in 1966 even gave rise to ‘ballet-inspired fashion’. Think dresses that were super-flowy, almost like a tutu. In 1966, everything is about fluidity, comfort and chic which are perfect characteristics for our tutu styles!
I love this, as all this style inspired designers to create those playful "ballet dresses”, those soft and whimsical looks, and everyone started wanting a little bit of the grace and joy that the tutu brings! It’s fantastic!
But fashion wasn't the only thing going on in the world in 1966 - it was a very busy time.
In August 1966, the UK was buzzing – everyone’s talking about that fantastic Pop song by the Beatles! And just a couple of days ago, the Queen actually made a *surprising announcement, announcing her **fourth child - Prince Edward! How sweet! Can you imagine?!
1966, what a year for us - music, new fashions and more! Oh my, this era has just got me completely obsessed! It truly is an iconic era, both for fashion and ballet, a whirlwind of creativity and inspiration, where elegance and youth reigned supreme!
So much fun to remember this day - I simply must go on a ballet-shopping spree - maybe even grab a pink one! And perhaps I’ll get out my pink tutu for my trip back in time today, you never know what I’m going to run into, especially on such a grand occasion for the world of ballet! It's amazing to see how far we've come, and what a joy to witness those magnificent tutus - and, how the beautiful tulle has made it’s mark in fashion too!
And let's face it, wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone wore a pink tutu? Just imagine the possibilities, my dears!
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday for another post. Love, Emma 💖
PS. Keep those eyes open and don't forget to tag me on your amazing tutus using #TutuTuesday on your favourite socials!
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