Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina. It's Tutu Tuesday and time to embark on another whimsical journey through the history of our beloved dancewear! Buckle up, darlings, because today we're heading to a groovy decade of fashion, flair, and fabulous dance: the swinging '60s!
This week, my time-traveling adventures have taken me to a delightfully bright and bold day, April 4th, 1967. Picture this, dears: London is abuzz with excitement as a fresh, youthful spirit swirls through the air. Fashion is wild, colours are bright, and music fills the streets. This is the era of miniskirts, psychedelic patterns, and the dawn of the "mod" style. Oh, to have been there with a sparkling pink tutu, dancing to the tunes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones!
Now, you might be thinking, how did tutus fare in this revolutionary era? Well, let me tell you, tutus were experiencing their own evolution!
The traditional tutu, with its multiple layers of stiff tulle, was still a mainstay of classical ballet, seen in grand ballets like "Swan Lake" and "Giselle". However, this decade saw the emergence of more modern, innovative styles. Tutus took on softer, less rigid shapes, sometimes incorporating looser fabrics for a more ethereal look, perfectly capturing the sense of free expression of the era.
This is where we start to see the incredible diversity of tutus, dears! Imagine tutus that flowed gracefully with the dancers, shimmering with iridescent colours, almost like a liquid silk dream. Imagine tutus that whispered of modern movement, reflecting the evolving trends of dance in exciting ways. The tutu wasn't just a garment, it was a symbol of the times, just as daring and dynamic as the world around it!
But enough about fashion, darling. What else happened on this wonderful Tuesday, April 4th, 1967?
Let me transport you to a thrilling evening at Covent Garden, the heart of London's ballet scene. Tonight, the Royal Ballet presents "La Bayadère", a classic tale of love and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of dazzling, exotic India.
Picture the scene: delicate silks, glittering jewels, and, of course, the magnificent, swirling tutus, in vibrant colours that reflect the spirit of the Orient! The grand, traditional tutus would have been worn in this grand performance. It was a true feast for the eyes, filled with captivating movements and mesmerising music. A truly iconic performance, and a testament to the enduring magic of ballet and tutus.
I must confess, dears, I have an overwhelming urge to put on my own pink tutu and twirl around Covent Garden tonight, don’t you? Wouldn’t it be fantastic? We could pretend to be part of the production, imagining ourselves dancing with the most iconic dancers of the era. It would be a delightful night of dancing under the stars!
And, darling, there's no better way to end our Tutu Tuesday journey than to channel a little of that 60s energy! Imagine a fun party with our fabulous pink tutus, swirling to the tunes of the era, dancing under the disco ball and just having a glorious time, oh, it's simply delightful!
Remember, dears, don't just admire the past. Make it your own! Grab your tutu, twirl with joy, and remember the beautiful legacy of this graceful garment and its history. Happy Tutu Tuesday!
P.S. Do make sure to visit my favourite London store, Liberty London, a beautiful oasis of vibrant patterns and fabrics! I’m absolutely convinced you can find the perfect pink tutu there, darlings! Just a tip for your next fashion spree!
Love always, Emma
