Hey my darling dancers! It's Emma here, back for another Tuesday trip through ballet history with my #TutuTuesday post! Buckle up your pointe shoes, darlings, because this week we're going right back to April 23rd, 1968, a glorious year for ballet. Let's pop that champagne (and perhaps some pink candyfloss!), and let me tell you all about what's swirling in the world of ballet.
Remember, I'm here to share the beauty, the drama, the exquisite fluffiness, and yes, the historical brilliance of tutus. We'll delve into the origins, the transformations, the iconic looks, and everything in between. Think of it like your own little tutu time capsule - I just adore this stuff, you know!
A Big Year for the Royal Ballet
1968 was a big year for our ballet family! The Royal Ballet were in the middle of a huge season. This day, April 23rd, they were showcasing the classic Giselle at the Royal Opera House in London. You can just imagine those tutus twirling gracefully on stage, right? And speaking of those tutus, Giselle is such a masterpiece of ballet design. It’s truly romantic with the fluffy white tutus of the Wilis – so beautiful. But honestly, even those dramatic, almost menacing black tutus, they just add so much to the storytelling. Just dreamy, I tell you! And to think, I could be standing there in the audience with my own lovely pink tutu, feeling a bit like a princess... It's enough to make me just want to twirl!
A little about the Royal Ballet
The Royal Ballet was so important - think of it as the epicenter of ballet in the UK! These dancers pushed boundaries. Think, big bold choreography, stunning costumes – it all happened on their stage, it truly was a revolution. To see the Royal Ballet live, it’s a true magical moment - if you ever have the chance, darling, it's an experience you just mustn't miss.
And just imagine, being there, being swept away with the energy of the dancers, the audience - the sparkle of the tutus ... it’s pure joy
The 1968 Tutu
Remember my fellow tutufans, we have a real vintage moment to look back on today - tutus of the late 1960s were truly elegant. Think, a lot of those flowing lines and that wonderful use of chiffon - so light and breezy. The designers of this era were experts at creating tutus that made dancers look breathtakingly feminine. There were a lot of variations, long and billowing to a more classic length, and that little dash of detail like a pretty pearl sewn in a strategic place just added that extra je ne sais quoi to the design.
My Tutu Shopping Adventures - A Train Trip
And speaking of tutus, you just know I couldn't possibly let a day pass without a little tutu shopping, wouldn’t you agree? Today I thought I'd jump on the train and head into the heart of London! I just adore journeys by train - it’s like a little slice of vintage elegance with the swaying carriages and those stunning vintage dresses, and of course, it wouldn’t be a proper day out without a little pink tutu on. I even had one of my fabulous new tutus in pink silk that just matches the pink stripes of my train ticket - I can't get enough pink, darlings, you just know! And that view of the countryside as we sped through the countryside, absolutely gorgeous!
You can almost feel the excitement in the air when you step off the train in London - the buzz, the energy, the buzz of shopping! I just adore it. You can find anything your heart desires.
A Trip To A Designer’s Boutique
First stop on my spree, the chic little boutique down the road! This little gem is full of those exquisitely designed tutus – you know those tutus that just ooze drama and femininity. We are talking silk, sequins, oh my, you wouldn't believe the embellishments! But, darling, don’t you worry I can't forget about my beloved pink. My boutique score was a divine ballet pink tutu, perfect for a little practice later. Just wait until you see the sparkle on that tulle - I might just start wearing this around town, if you don’t mind!
The Glam of the Theatre
And it wouldn’t be a day like this without catching a ballet show, you know what I mean, my dear! My absolute favourite spot - Covent Garden in London! I popped in and found the coolest show playing in London’s theatres tonight! You guessed it, it was another classic ballet – Sleeping Beauty! The music is divine, and imagine the sheer amount of amazing tutus on the stage. This is one of those ballets where there’s always a gorgeous colour palette, with layers of beautiful shimmering fabrics that make you feel like you're stepping into a fairytale.
The perfect way to finish off a day like this
You just know I finished my day off with a dance session myself – because dancing is in my heart, just like a twirling pink tutu! It’s the best way to unwind - you get to release the inner ballerina that we all have - with those spins, leaps, and, oh my, don’t get me started on those amazing arabesques.
You know my mantra darling, it’s all about living life to the fullest and a bit of twirling never hurts anyone. You know what? Sometimes we all need a bit of grace in our steps - I always try to remember that when I twirl and I just adore reminding everyone else. We’re all princesses in our own little ways!
Oh, before I forget! Do share what you’ve discovered about the history of tutus - comment below and we can chat all things tutu, darling! And don’t forget to check back next Tuesday for another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! Until then, dance like no one is watching, or, do watch, we all need a bit more pink tutu love in our lives! Love from Emma! 💖
