Bonjour, my lovely Tutu-licious readers! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog! It's been another whirlwind week of hopping through history, this time landing smack-dab in the glorious year of 1968. I'm currently nestled in a little Parisian cafe, surrounded by the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delightful chatter of fashionable Parisians. Ah, Paris - a haven for all things stylish and fabulous! And of course, what is more stylish than a glorious pink tutu?!
Today we're venturing back to a time of political upheaval, social change, and, importantly for us, some utterly wonderful dance developments! The world was dancing to the beat of its own drum back then, and I, of course, am always eager to take a twirl on the stage of history!
So, without further ado, let's peek behind the curtain and discover what exciting things were happening in the world of ballet on the 21st of May 1968!
A Look Back at the Ballet World
This date marked a time of creative ferment in the ballet world, much like the energy buzzing through Paris at the time. Just a few years earlier, in 1964, the Royal Ballet’s groundbreaking production of "The Sleeping Beauty" opened in London. It was a spectacularly reimagined ballet, a dazzling combination of tradition and fresh vision. The production catapulted Margot Fonteyn to international fame and introduced audiences to the electrifying talents of Rudolf Nureyev, the dashing Russian dancer who had defected to the West. This ballet's success showcased the bold artistic direction the ballet world was taking, with classical tradition merging with daring new ideas.
Around this same time, on the other side of the Atlantic, another revolutionary force was taking shape. Alvin Ailey, an American choreographer, was starting to capture the hearts of audiences with his incredibly expressive and intensely personal style of dance. His company, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is a shining example of the dynamic changes sweeping through American ballet at this time, showcasing diverse stories and bold expression.
So, we see in 1968, a kind of global dance revolution in full swing! This era of experimentation in ballet is reflected even in the tutus! Gone were the stiff, traditional tutus, replaced by more flexible and innovative styles. The designers were playing with fabrics, experimenting with colour, and creating new shapes.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering: What exactly was I wearing on my little historical escapade? Oh, don’t even get me started, darling! My latest tutu creation is simply divine! A light, delicate pink tulle, with a touch of sparkle around the hem - just a hint of glimmer! And my petticoat is the ultimate fluffy meringue cloud, making each pirouette even more fabulous! It's a perfect mix of grace and flair, embodying the adventurous spirit of the era!
Where’s Emma This Time?
Of course, no trip through history is complete without a little bit of indulgence! Today, I'm relishing in the elegant atmosphere of a patisserie in Paris. This city is an absolute dream for any fashion-loving soul, especially for those who cherish the art of the tutu! Imagine, little boutiques nestled amongst historic architecture, bursting with the latest trends, beautiful fabrics, and stunning colours. You could spend days just browsing the window displays - or in my case, maybe years!
But my journey doesn’t end here, darling! I’m making my way to the renowned Opéra Garnier, a majestic theatre known for its magnificent architecture and world-class ballet performances. It’s simply impossible to resist the allure of its grand staircase, its exquisite interiors, and the echoes of countless iconic performances. I’ll be sure to report back next week with all the details of the magnificent production, trust me, it's going to be something special!
Dress the Part
I can't go on this historical adventure without encouraging you to embrace your inner ballerina! Take inspiration from the brave, creative spirits who graced the stage in the year 1968, embrace your own style, and don't be afraid to try something new! Whether it’s a splash of pink in your outfit, a swirl of fabric, or a touch of graceful elegance, make a statement with your own personal flair!
Until next week, keep dancing, keep twirling, and keep sparkling!
Lots of Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest #TutuTuesday posts on my website, www.pink-tutu.com! We'll be delving deeper into the fascinating world of ballet history, so join me as we uncover the stories behind the costumes, the dances, and the legendary ballerinas!
P.P.S. Remember, my darlings, there's a pink tutu out there waiting for you. It’s time to embrace the joy of movement, embrace the magic of colour, and embrace the extraordinary power of the tutu. Let's dance together!
P.P.P.S. Keep an eye out for next week's post where we’ll be taking a deep dive into the history of pointe shoes. What are the origins of this essential piece of a ballerina’s kit? We’ll explore it all, and of course, I’ll be donning my very own sparkly pink pointe shoes for the occasion!
