Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling fashionista! Today, we're going back to the fabulous 60s - the decade of miniskirts, mod fashions, and of course, some absolutely show-stopping ballet costumes.
It’s #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, and we're waltzing through time to the 21st of November, 1967. My travel satchel is packed, and I've popped on my favourite pink tutu (with just a touch of shimmer, darling!). I’m all set to go for a spontaneous dance through this magnificent period in fashion and ballet history!
For those of you just joining us, welcome! This is post #7091 of my weekly Ballet Tutu History journey, taking you all on a magical trip through time with me! Let's dive into the glamour, the fashion, and of course, those iconic tutu styles.
Oh, the excitement of the 1960s! This decade brought so much to ballet - it was a whirlwind of change, innovation, and groundbreaking choreography. From the London Coliseum and Royal Opera House in the UK to New York’s Metropolitan Opera House and beyond, audiences were enthralled by revolutionary styles that still inspire us today.
A World of Tutu Wonders
Now, where do we begin? Let’s hop on a train, darling! The journey is just as much fun as the destination. Imagine the swish of my pink tutu as I head off to a London theatre performance – it’s quite the sight, don’t you think? The streets would be buzzing with style, a fabulous mix of peacoats, mod dresses, and colourful, oversized knitwear – so many amazing pieces, perfect for the theatre and ready to inspire the dancers of the day!
The theatre was alive with colour and the most magnificent fabrics! This period is synonymous with incredible theatrical costume designs. And in ballet, the designs were even more out there, reflecting the boldness of the era. Think flamboyant silhouettes, stunning fabrics, and those captivating, feather-light, yet wonderfully voluminous tutus!
Oh, the tutus! Now let's chat about the star of the show - those beautiful, voluminous, romantic, and whimsical tutus! Some may think ballet and its costumes are static, but trust me darling, that is anything but the truth. Ballet costume design is a continually evolving world of fashion - from classical forms to completely contemporary shapes – we're talking a fabulous and eclectic mix!
Back to 1967: A Tantalizing Glimpse into History
Back on 21st November 1967, it was a beautiful Thursday in London! I can just imagine being there, dancing with joy, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere. I'd be wearing my very own pink tutu with pride and possibly a bit of sparkly flair for a good measure – because who doesn't love some sparkle!
As we explore this specific date, I would love to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what could have been happening in the world of ballet! For a touch of magic, I'm envisioning a world of dance with ballerinas gracefully pirouette on the Royal Opera House stage. Perhaps we might even find ourselves witnessing a premiere of the newly revived “Swan Lake”, a breathtaking story and dance piece which captured the hearts of so many and is a ballet timeless beauty that endures today!
In the year 1967, we were in a state of total dance magic. We were on the verge of new choreographers who were ready to change the world. Just a year before, on November 19, 1966, we witnessed the extraordinary world premiere of a truly revolutionary ballet piece by Twyla Tharp, entitled “Eight Jelly Rolls”! It brought contemporary jazz elements to ballet, offering bold steps, unconventional use of space, and stunning costumes! This performance shocked many! But audiences around the globe loved it, bringing this new artistic language into the fold. A dance lover could only rejoice!
Oh, how lovely the world is – filled with such elegance and beauty!
Looking Ahead with Tutu Dreams
As my trip into the 60s comes to an end, my excitement for the future of ballet continues to grow. The ballet world is an endless well of creativity, full of brilliant, diverse dancers, choreographers, and costumes that continue to captivate audiences and set hearts on fire!
Let me know which year you’d like to time travel to in the comments below. Maybe we’ll go on a tutu adventure together soon.
In the meantime, stay tuned, because every Tuesday, my lovely tutus and I will take you to a magical ballet world! Until next week darlings, dance your worries away.
Remember to wear pink and enjoy your day. It's Tutu-tastic! 🩰💖
Emma x
