Hello my gorgeous lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another fabulous #TutuTuesday history blog, direct from the enchanting world of 1967.
Now, you all know how much I adore tutus, but this week we’re going to get seriously down with some history. The year is 1967, and you’ve never seen a tutu this wild! Buckle up your dancing shoes, my dears, we’re about to travel through time and discover the most fabulously flamboyant fashion decade ever!
Right now, I'm sitting in a quaint Parisian café, overlooking the charming, bustling street life. This time period was just oozing with cultural revolution and oh-so-stylish creativity! In 1967, everyone was trying something new and a little bit scandalous – it was an exciting time to be a fashionista, or in my case, a tutu enthusiast!
So, back to the tutu... 1967 saw the rise of a whole new kind of tutu - one that dared to break free from the traditional norms and embrace all the glorious freedom of the era. Forget your sweet, fluffy Romantic ballerinas with their tiered, fluffy frills. 1967 saw bold new looks - sharp angles, mini-lengths, and even some daring “almost-bare” styles that sent shockwaves through the ballet world!
Think of a ballerina wearing a tutu that wouldn't be out of place in a disco, adorned with feathers and shimmering sequins, reflecting the light of a stage as brightly as a starry night sky! These dazzling designs, coupled with more minimalist, geometric cuts, gave the tutu a dynamic edge, pushing the boundaries of what this traditional garment was meant to be. It wasn't just a symbol of elegance, it was a statement! A way for dancers to showcase their own personality and spirit through movement.
And if we’re talking about movement, my dears, 1967 was also a massive year for Ballet.
You all know I adore going to the theatre, and my goodness, what shows we saw! From the electrifying "Les Noces" by Igor Stravinsky with its stark, almost futuristic design and the dazzling choreography to George Balanchine's “Jewels”, which absolutely exploded onto the stage with its glittering costumes. It was all about a kaleidoscope of colours, a stunning display of athleticism, and of course, fabulous tutus, in every imaginable shade.
To fund this whirlwind trip, I did my own performance in a quaint little theatre in a suburb of Paris! Of course, it wouldn't be a trip through time without an extra-special tutu. For the show, I donned a classic tutu design – short, flowing layers, made of vibrant crimson and deep purple silk. But with a twist, you see! It was embellished with a cascading, sparkling fringe of turquoise sequins. The audience adored it! And guess what? I even made a small fortune! Which meant enough to go shopping... Oh la la!
Speaking of shopping, I simply cannot leave you without giving you some ideas for your own tutu collection! Remember those gorgeous "mini" skirts that are so popular? That look fabulous in a ballet class, too, my dears. Just pair it with a fluffy, flowing tutu-style top and some dazzling ballet flats, and you're all set for a dance-a-thon! For a little touch of the 60s magic, I say don a bright, bold coloured velvet head scarf, adorned with feathers or flowers.
This week I’ve got an exciting adventure planned, travelling back to my home city of Derby in England, for a fantastic ballet workshop with the famous Royal Ballet! And just you wait for my photos and descriptions for the next Tutu Tuesday post. You'll see what I mean!
Remember, darlings, fashion and ballet are about embracing who you are, expressing your individuality, and never being afraid to dance a little bit different. And it’s always the perfect excuse to wear a beautiful pink tutu!
Until next week, keep your spirits bright, and your tutus twirling. See you on the dance floor!
With love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
