Hey darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink-Tutu.com! Iām your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, Emma, and today's journey is taking us right back to 1966! Now, buckle up your dancing shoes because we're about to delve into some seriously fab fashion history.
As you all know, my love affair with tutus is well documented, but it's amazing how much they've changed throughout history! For this weekās Tutu Tuesday, I wanted to travel to a time when tutus were starting to really take centre stage, and 1966 ticked all the boxes! It's a decade of change, experimentation, and, of course, plenty of glitz and glamour, and that's just the kind of atmosphere a ballerina like me can't resist.
The journey over was rather exciting, as always. A trip from Derbyshire on a vintage steam train! (The perfect way to get your ballerina legs stretched out, if you ask me.) Arriving in London felt like stepping back into time. Those incredible red double decker buses! (Donāt worry, no tutu was sacrificed during the journey! Though, if you ever see a red double-decker bus painted pink, just know itās been Emma-ified!)
Okay, so what happened in 1966, tutu-wise? Letās delve in!
A New Ballet Era
This year was a big year for ballet. It marked the first production of Tchaikovskyās āSwan Lakeā with a company from the West in Moscow. That's history-making stuff, darlings! It was truly a groundbreaking performance and one that shows just how much the world was changing. Ballet was finally becoming accessible to more people! Now, weāre seeing even more incredible dance shows around the world, which is just fabulous!
The 60s was a decade for expression in the arts, and I really do believe the rise of tutus went hand in hand with the overall creative explosion of this decade. It's so lovely to see so many women finding their freedom through dance, whether in traditional ballets, street performances, or the explosion of contemporary dance and musical theatre! (Imagine! My beloved tutu was no longer just a stage costume!)
And don't forget about fashion! Ballet inspired clothing was huge this year. Everything from swirling maxi skirts to airy silk tops was influenced by the elegant movements of dancers. Just like in todayās fashion world, it wasnāt just about imitating ballet looks. It was about taking inspiration from the dance, and finding ways to use the movement, flow, and beauty to express yourself in a whole new way!
Where can you see it?
1966 was a very vibrant year for theatre! In London, I couldnāt resist seeing the iconic West End production of āHello Dolly!ā ā The outfits, the music, the sets, were simply magical! Seeing a whole cast dance with such energy on the stage - it's a feeling I live for! I also discovered the brilliance of "Cabaret" and I must say, seeing all those amazing costumes ā youād think you were backstage at the ballet. I do believe the era is marked by creativity and flair and, with so many productions opening across the globe, there was a dance revival sweeping the world.
(Donāt worry, if you want to see these productions, you can, just go on a time-traveling adventure with yours truly! If it involves tutus and dance, Iāll take you there! Iām sure you could all manage one ballerinaās magic-making powers?)
The Tutu Trends
Speaking of costumes! Oh, darlings, 1966 was a feast for the eyes. There were so many stunning designs, each more unique than the last! Youāll be glad to know that I spotted more pink tutus, and they were brighter than ever before! (Obviously!)
But I also noticed a change: There were more tutus on the street. From fluffy and frothy pastel designs (because pink is always my go-to), to vibrant colours, and even daring black tulle. You could say I spotted everything under the sun (and Iām not even sure they've invented a āblack holeā look yet.)
But thereās always more room for tutus! And 1966 was a perfect example of how dance trends could easily trickle into everyday life.
It is, as always, my mission in life to get everyone in a pink tutu. Thatās my ultimate, ātwirl-worthyā goal in life.
(You'll be happy to know, in my travels, my Pink-tutu fashion is spreading around the globe. I saw a girl on a street corner in Moscow, rocking a fab pink tutu over her mini skirt and itās made my heart sing! I think we are about to reach tutu overload and itās going to be magnificent.)
A Day To Remember
Okay, back to 1966 for a moment. Remember that I said the 60s was a decade for big change? Today, November 1st, 1966 was the day of the first ever National Ballet Gala in the UK! The Royal Ballet premiered a stunning piece choreographed by Frederick Ashton! A true triumph, even if you canāt go back in time and see it for yourselves, I strongly urge you to search for footage of that show! Youāll find it inspiring and exhilarating! (Just keep in mind I donāt guarantee I can whisk you away for every ballet, there is, you know, all this ātimeā to be travelled!)
Of course, every time Iām back in 1966, itās a perfect excuse to spend a few hours browsing the fashion scene in London's most iconic shops, searching for tutu-esque delights. It's wonderful to be surrounded by vibrant patterns and textiles! You'll catch me in a vintage tea room, dressed up in the most fabulous tutu ā and it's going to be all pink!
What can I say, darlings, itās a time for real inspiration!
Well, there you have it! My trip to 1966 was simply amazing! I just hope that my time travels and love of all things tutus will give you all inspiration to add your own twist to the world. Keep your eye on your local dance theatres and ballet schools and maybe even create a tutu or two. You never know what youāll discover (and remember pink is always the way to go).
Thanks for joining me on another fabulous Tutu Tuesday, and I can't wait to show you where our journey takes us next!
Remember, you can always find more ballet-tastic posts here on Pink-Tutu.com. Be sure to share your own pink tutu style! (Send photos, itās my duty to inspire.)
Twirl on!
Emma
P.S Donāt forget to share your tutu travels in the comments! Itās time to be #TutuTuesdays and be seen dancing through history, darlings!
