Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to take you on another whirl through the wondrous history of the ballet tutu!
Today, we’re venturing back to 23rd May 1967. Fancy a spot of vintage ballet history, all served up with a generous sprinkle of pink fairy dust?
Let’s travel back in time, just you and me, on the 12.35 train from Derby to London. Imagine, darling, the bustle of the platform, the aroma of hot cross buns wafting from a nearby bakery (you know I can never resist one of those delicious pastries, can I?) and the cheerful chatter of everyone on their way to the day’s adventures.
We’ve arrived in London, where we’re headed straight to Covent Garden. Tonight, it’s The Royal Ballet we’re going to see! My, how exciting! Let's sneak into the dress rehearsal! (We'll need to be oh-so-quiet, not to upset the dancers and directors.) I imagine we’d find them in the heart of the theatre, surrounded by whispers and the scent of theatrical make-up, preparing for the magic to begin. It's so enchanting, all this excitement in the air. The ballet stage holds so many wonderful memories. The thrill of performing, the quiet calm before the curtain rises, the laughter behind the scenes... and, of course, the magical costumes - including the iconic ballet tutu!
A Time for Revolution!
1967 was an incredibly exciting time for ballet. New choreography was blooming everywhere, and designers were experimenting with a fresh look, particularly the tutus. While traditional tutus still held their charm, daring dancers embraced a different look. There was a growing interest in experimenting with shape, using less restrictive materials, and showcasing modern, bolder silhouettes.
Picture this, darlings: a swirling, diaphanous tutu, with feathery, multi-layered tiers, that cascaded like a beautiful, weightless cloud! This was modern dance in action, with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn leading the way. It's exhilarating to witness such a fascinating artistic shift in the way they brought these revolutionary tutus to life on stage!
Now, you might think, a ballet tutu is a tutu, and there’s no real evolution there, right? Well, darling, you’d be surprised! Over time, tutus have morphed, changing their shapes, colours, and materials. In 1967, we witnessed the tutu become an integral part of conveying a particular story and a feeling, becoming less of just a garment and more of an essential expressive tool.
My Pink Dream
Isn't it magical? Every day we see evolution in dance - from classical to modern. And with this evolution, ballet tutus change too. Imagine a world where every one of us could feel like a ballerina, just for a day. We’d wear our favourite tutus to go for walks, picnics, tea parties - and maybe even while reading our favourite book. Who wouldn’t love to twirl down the street in a pink, ruffled, tutu-licious delight?! It is my dearest dream for everyone to wear a pink tutu and discover the joy and wonder of being a ballerina, at least once in their lives! Imagine a tutu-clad world, filled with smiles and laughter! It would be pure, delightful magic, wouldn’t it, darling?
Let's bring back those romantic times of The Nutcracker, when every young girl dreamt of dancing in a perfectly structured white tutu! But also, embrace the change, darling. We are moving towards a new future for dance! Dare to be different, be bold! Wear your pink tutus proudly!
I am so delighted to be travelling back in time to share this tutu-tastic journey with you. If you’re dreaming of your very own tutu adventure, join me next week! I'll be waiting here, in my pink tutu, ready to explore even more fascinating corners of ballet tutu history!
Keep twirling, darling!
Your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller,
Emma
P.S. Let me know what your favourite tutu moments are - write to me at
