Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from a bustling London ballet scene! Itās Tuesday, which means itās #TutuTuesday, the day we delve into the enchanting history of this fabulous garment. And let me tell you, this weekās journey back to 1967 is going to be a real whirlwind!
Now, if youāve been following my blog, you know that the 1960s were a fabulous decade for tutus. They were lighter, they were brighter, and they were everywhere! From the cobblestone streets of Londonās ballet studios to the glittering stage of the Royal Opera House, the tutu was having a moment!
The 1960s - A Tutu Wonderland
Think of 1960s London and you think of swinging skirts, bold colours, and of course, the exciting ballet scene! We were experiencing a truly glorious revival, inspired by ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Svetlana Beriosova. You couldnāt escape the tutus! They were all over magazines, even on the fashion-forward London ladies in their street wear. Remember the Mary Quant minis? Imagine a tutu as the skirt - oh my, wouldnāt that have been chic?
Speaking of chic, it was 1967, the year of the āSummer of Loveā! I don't think there was anything more colourful, more energetic, than a ballerina dancing in a shimmering, bright pink tutu against the backdrop of London's legendary nightlife!
Tutu History On The Tracks: The Power of the Train
The train, my darlings, it's our faithful companion on our time-travel adventures. Iāve always loved train travel, and nothing could be more fabulous than whizzing past fields of green, watching London flash by, or even better, arriving at Covent Garden, ready to be swept up in the excitement of the next ballet show! And speaking of excitement, on October 17th, 1967, just a little over fifty years ago, there was a particularly fantastic performance that made a permanent mark on my mind!
It was the Royal Ballet's performance of āGiselleā - oh my, it was utterly magical! With Margot Fonteyn leading the show, it was a spectacle of elegance, strength and of course, the perfect pink tutu! Now, you know me, darling, I'm not just here for the history; I'm also here to experience all the things that made tutus fabulous. And seeing āGiselleā at Covent Garden on this particular October night was just that.
Remembering The Details
I remember the gasps in the audience, the hushed reverence of the crowd before the music began, the way Fonteyn's feet moved so effortlessly, it was like she was a spirit dancing across the stage! Then, as I stood by the train platform to return to Derbyshire, I was already imagining what the future held for the tutu.
Fast forward to 2023: Tutus in the Modern World
Now, of course, as you all know, the tutu has travelled far since its time on the Covent Garden stage! Today, tutus are worn not only for classical ballet, but for contemporary dance, theatre, fashion and everyday life! Thatās right! Fashion shows have tutus in every color imaginable, even everyday shoppers can find tutus perfect for a picnic, a family photoshoot or even a birthday celebration!
So, if you find yourself dreaming of 1967's glamorous London scene, grab a sparkly tutu, put on some bright lipstick and let the joy of the tutu bring the 60s magic to your life! I just know this Tuesday has been an enchanting reminder that tutus really are forever! Until next week's #TutuTuesday, let your inner ballerina twirl and shine!
P.S. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com and donāt forget to check out my amazing Tutu Shopping Guide. You wonāt regret it! And please, darlings, do tell me what your favorite memories of 1967 and the tutus are in the comments below!
