Hello my darling Tutu Tribe! Welcome back to another instalment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm Emma, your ever-so-pink-tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, bringing you a whirlwind tour through the wonderful world of ballet fashion. This week, we're taking a trip back in time to 12th December 1966! Grab your tea, put on your best pink tulle, and settle in for a truly fabulous journey. This is post number 7042!
My journey to the past, as always, was courtesy of the railway. I simply hopped on a train in London and let the tracks lead me to my destination: New York City, 1966! Now, let's talk about New York. Think dazzling lights, roaring Broadway, and a buzz that makes you want to twirl just a little faster. The year is 1966, the fashion scene is on fire, and - dare I say - everyone's a little bit obsessed with ballet.
As I strolled through the bustling city, I noticed something very particular about the fashions of the day. This era, it seems, is all about minimalism. Think A-line dresses, knee-length skirts, and the most darling little knee-high boots you ever did see! Oh, and did I mention geometric shapes and patterns? They are everywhere, from the fabric designs on dresses to the shapes of hats!
Now, on the ballet stage, the '60s brought about a fresh wave of exciting changes - and not just in the fashion sense! We saw new ballets exploring modern themes, new choreography that was truly innovative and expressive, and a more relaxed approach to dance technique. Think of it as a rejection of the old, rigid traditions of ballet, embracing new and exciting ways to tell stories through dance.
Speaking of the ballet, it’s Wednesday 14th December in New York, and it is a truly exciting day for ballet lovers. There is a brand new production of “The Sleeping Beauty" opening at the New York City Ballet, showcasing a newly redesigned and more colourful set! Oh, how I would love to be sitting in the audience with my pink tulle twirling around my legs - and yes, my dear, you can totally imagine that my tutu is a stunning shade of pink, perfect for this ballet’s magical fairytale vibes.
One of my favourite things about time-travelling through history is discovering how ballet has evolved over the years. And wouldn't you know it? There’s been an absolute fashion revolution! Back in the early days, tutus were so restrictive, often with multiple layers and yards of fabric that made even the simplest pirouette feel like a struggle. Today, however, we’re embracing lighter fabrics and flowing silhouettes which let dancers move freely.
Don't worry, though, my loves! Even though tutus are more streamlined now, we still love those grand, dramatic silhouettes that make us all gasp with awe. But here’s a fun fact - even back in 1966, the classic tutu was already starting to be reimagined by ballet companies worldwide! It’s not all about the full-bodied tutus anymore! Think playful designs, new fabrics, and - dare I say - colour! Yes, my dear Tutu Tribe, we're seeing a touch of colour in our tutus! From soft pinks to vibrant blues and even sparkling metallics - a tutu revolution was coming, even in 1966! Isn’t that delightful?!
I may be a bit partial to the glorious pink, but I absolutely adore how fashion is influencing ballet and how ballet is inspiring fashion! I cannot help but think that it will continue to be this way for centuries to come! The interplay between stage and street, and how this fuels each other’s inspiration is quite beautiful. The dance and fashion communities seem to understand that beauty and grace don’t happen in a vacuum!
I love sharing these moments of history with you all. As always, I’m eager to hear your thoughts, dear Tutu Tribe. Do you know any stories of your favourite ballets from this time? Or maybe you’ve got an amazing pink tutu you just have to share! Tell me all about it in the comments!
Don’t forget to pop over to the www.pink-tutu.com website and subscribe to my blog! I post a brand-new blog every Tuesday with a brand new story from the history of ballet tutus. Until next week, darlings! Keep twirling and remember to live your best life in pink!
XOXO Emma
