Hello my dearest Tutu Tribe! 🎀 It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another installment of our #TutuTuesday journey through Ballet Tutu history!
Today, we're time-hopping all the way back to 16th January 1968! This was a year bursting with energy and change, both in the world at large and in the beautiful world of ballet. I just know you're going to love this one, because there was SO MUCH happening…and I’ve just got to share it with you all!
As I whizzed back through time in my trusty time-travel train, I was positively giddy to land right in the heart of New York City. Ah, the Big Apple - the land of Broadway glamour, electrifying dance shows, and the most fabulous fashion! 🤩 And naturally, no trip to New York in 1968 would be complete without seeing a ballet!
A Tale of Two Tutus
I was fortunate to catch two truly incredible performances - each with their own unique take on the classic tutu! The first, "The Firebird", saw a fiery red tutu. Oh my goodness, the choreography was utterly captivating, with this vibrant, almost hypnotic, colour really bringing the fiery spirit of the Bird to life. Such a wonderful explosion of emotion!
And then, the second show - a stunning revival of Swan Lake. I was enchanted by the breathtaking contrast between the pristine white tutu representing the White Swan's purity, and the deep black tutu for the dark, seductive Black Swan. What an evocative representation of good versus evil! You know, even though it's a classical ballet, it feels so modern, right? And I can totally see myself rocking a black swan-inspired tutu this week! 😉
The Era of Innovation
This was truly a turning point for the ballet world - and it all started with a single, revolutionary concept! A company named "Ballet for All" made a bold statement, shattering all expectations. Imagine – they brought professional ballet to public parks for FREE! This was about making ballet accessible to EVERYONE, from the young to the old, the seasoned connoisseur to the absolute beginner. What a powerful concept - and just look at the legacy they created! 💖
And as for the tutus? They weren't just shimmering on stage - they were making their way off the boards and onto the streets! Designers like Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne were incorporating tutu-inspired shapes and silhouettes into their haute couture, giving everyday fashion that signature ballet touch. We’re talking flowing skirts, layered fabrics and delicate detailing that spoke of movement and grace.
And who better to demonstrate this revolutionary style than Brigitte Bardot? The epitome of French chic! Can you even imagine? She was a true trendsetter - just like you all are with your pink tutus! You can see her sporting the most fashionable ballet-inspired looks, making those long skirts and those chic ballerina flats a major fashion statement! 💃
Fashion, Friendship and a Little Touch of Pink
Let's not forget the shopping! 🛍️ It’s been such a fun adventure scouring vintage stores in the city, discovering incredible treasures, like beautiful vintage ballet posters and delicate vintage ballet shoes. It was absolutely wonderful finding that little pink satin ribbon for my tutu - just perfect for a touch of glamour. 😊
My favourite thing about traveling through time with my beloved tutu, however, is meeting kindred spirits - women who share my passion for dance, fashion and this beautiful pink world. Today, I was lucky enough to meet a talented young ballet dancer named Clara. Her dedication to the art form is truly inspiring. We talked for hours about everything - ballet technique, favourite tutu designs and our hopes and dreams for the future of ballet. This is the kind of joy and connection that truly enriches the #TutuTuesday journey, wouldn’t you say? 🥰
I’m heading back to Derbyshire in the morning, brimming with inspiration! And now that I’ve gotten a little dose of 1968 fashion, I’m positively itching to try out some new outfits. Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday where we'll be talking about… drumroll… ballet costume design! And who knows, you might even find some vintage inspiration there…
Until next time, keep twirling those tutus and dancing your hearts out! ✨
Much love,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
