Hey lovelies! Emma here, back again from another time-bending adventure for your weekly dose of tutu history! This week, I'm twirling my way back to January 2nd, 1968. Ooh la la, what a time to be alive!
Now, before I spill the beans on this era's sartorial delights, I've got to tell you, dear readers, I travelled by train this time! Honestly, a true vintage experience - imagine plush velvet seats, elegant compartments with steaming cups of tea and the soothing rhythm of the tracks beneath. It felt utterly glamorous, wouldn't you say? And, of course, my pink tutu fit right in - think '60s fashion, baby!
But, let's dive into the history we've all been waiting for...
The Ballerina's Ballet Tutu Boom!
1968, my dears, was an absolutely explosive year for ballet tutus. Imagine, tutus weren't just for the stage! They were everywhere - at parties, tea dances, and even everyday fashion. Can you imagine? Tutu dresses and skirts were the go-to outfit for a night out. They were a symbol of fun, freedom, and pure joy - exactly what we strive for with our pink tutu vision!
The big change came in the early '60s with the emergence of 'street ballet', where ballet techniques became integrated into contemporary dance, performance art and pop culture! This was a game-changer!
This period saw ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Natalia Makarova completely reinventing the way the tutu was seen and worn. Fonteyn's fluid movements in "Giselle" changed how people viewed the tutu as a piece of attire.
It wasn't just the graceful ballerinas; the fashion houses caught onto the tutu trend too! Imagine a world where Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent showcased tutu-inspired pieces on their catwalks. They made tutus accessible and fashion-forward. Talk about making history!
London: A City That Embraces the Tutu!
As a Derbyshire girl, I always knew London would be my fashion mecca, and let me tell you, it was a real ballet spectacle back then! From Covent Garden Opera House's ballet performances, which were absolutely enchanting, to the trendy boutiques, the city was a kaleidoscope of tutus! The London of 1968 was a perfect marriage of fashion and artistic flair - something we always try to emulate here on Pink-Tutu.com!
Imagine this: strolling along Carnaby Street, seeing all those gorgeous boutiques full of tutu skirts and dresses in colours so bright and exciting they almost made the cobblestones shimmer. It felt like every single woman on the street wanted to be a ballerina, a trend I'm still campaigning for!
But Hold On, A Little Twirl About The History…
This time travel wasn't all rosy twirls, though. For the true ballet enthusiast, 1968 was also a time of transition. The traditional tutu, often made from layers of tulle, was starting to be challenged. New styles like the shorter, more modern 'ballet skirt' were becoming popular. Think of the revolutionary dance movements and expression of artists like Twyla Tharp, who challenged conventions!
So, 1968 - a true blend of traditional grace and modern vibrancy - definitely one for the history books. I just adore how this period was so open to trying new things, embracing innovation, and challenging expectations, which is, dare I say, a great life lesson in itself.
What was happening on January 2nd, 1968?
That's the date of a super-famous event - "The Taming of the Shrew" opened at the Old Vic theatre in London! It was a smash hit - people just loved the Shakespeare! It reminds me that this year marks a really important moment in theatre history! This reminds me - we must also acknowledge that alongside all the tutus, theatre itself, and ballet in particular, was really starting to be viewed more and more as part of modern society. So cool!
Looking Backwards & Twirling Forwards
My dear readers, remember - there's always so much to learn from the past, especially from the fashion that took us from then to now.
Now, before I disappear off to the next time-travel adventure (the location's a secret!), let me leave you with a little reminder: embrace those tutus, explore new things, and always, always wear a touch of pink. It's a promise!
Lots of love,
Emma ✨💕💖
