#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1967-08-15

Hey Tutu Tribe! It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger Emma, back with another delightful dive into the fabulous history of the tutu!

Today we’re hopping aboard the Time Travelling Express (choo choo!) and heading back to August 15th, 1967. Now, imagine this: the Beatles are on the radio, miniskirts are the fashion must-have, and… a truly iconic moment in ballet history is about to unfold!

I'm already feeling the twirls and the sparkles! 💖

Oh la la, this Tuesday takes us straight to the heart of Parisian ballet! Paris, the city of love, light and (of course!) tutus, is where we're landing today. Now, I may be a little biased towards my own homeland of Derbyshire, England, but there's no denying Paris is the ballet capital of the world!

Picture a grand theatre with shimmering chandeliers and plush red velvet seats – that’s the backdrop for tonight’s event, folks! And I just know the excitement in the air is buzzing. We’re about to see one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time grace the stage, a dancer who's known for pushing the boundaries of what a tutu can do!

Can you guess who it is? I’m so excited I could pirouette!

Yes! You got it right, tutu-lovers! We’re seeing none other than the legendary Margot Fonteyn, dancing in the iconic ballet “Giselle” at the Palais Garnier, one of Paris’ most famous theatres. I imagine a wave of applause sweeping over the crowd as the lights dim and the music swells. Now, this isn’t just any Giselle performance; we're witnessing Fonteyn alongside a certain Mr. Rudolf Nureyev, the heartthrob of ballet himself! Now that’s what I call a star-studded night!

But what’s truly fascinating about Fonteyn’s performance is the tutu she’s wearing! This isn’t your traditional romantic ballet tutu, with all the frills and flounces we know and love. This one’s a bit different, folks. This tutu’s short and it’s... well... unbelievable. It’s a revolution, an explosion of colour, and absolutely breathtaking!

You see, around 1967, the ballet world started to break free from traditional designs. Think more is more! New and daring tutus were entering the stage – short, voluminous and absolutely thrilling to watch!

This particular tutu is all about movement. It’s all about showing off the incredible technique of the dancer. With its tight fit, short length and dramatic volume, it’s truly captivating! I just imagine the sound of the tutu swirling and twirling as Fonteyn moves with effortless grace! It must be a sight to behold!

But wait! There's more! You won't believe this... this innovative tutu design wasn't just confined to the stage! This fashion craze caught on so quickly it started appearing everywhere from the catwalk to high society events! Oh my! What a glamorous time it was!

This kind of boldness, this celebration of movement and femininity – that’s the spirit of a true Tutu Tuesday!

It’s fascinating how the evolution of the tutu mirrors the world’s own evolving sense of fashion and artistry. Just like the trends of 1967 were about challenging conventions and celebrating individual expression, so is the modern day tutu. We’ve come so far!

Here are a few things I've been inspired to add to my list of “things to do” during my 1967 visit:

• Attend a live performance of “Giselle”: Seeing the original work on stage in all its glory - yes, please!
• Find the perfect vintage tutu: I need a new addition to my collection! It’s not just about history, it’s about that special feeling when a tutu perfectly encapsulates a historical moment.
• Learn the “Giselle” choreography: Okay, this one might require more than one day in Paris, but I just have to try this! Who knows? Maybe my next post will be about me learning the choreography!

So, there you have it, Tutu Tribe! Our little journey through 1967 shows us the exciting impact tutus can have. And remember, my dear tutu lovers: it's not just about ballet!

Wear a tutu with pride, rock it at a party, wear it with confidence!

Every day can be a Tutu Tuesday, with the right mindset! Don't be shy! 😉

Until next time!

Yours in Tutu Love,

Emma 💖

P.S. Don't forget to share your favourite TutuTuesday moments on social media using #TutuTuesday! We love seeing your pink-tastic adventures!

(Also, don't miss my blog next Tuesday! I'm sharing a tutu-tastic roundup of all things “Giselle”. Get ready for gorgeous photos, insights into the history of the ballet and of course lots of tutu inspiration!)