Hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday. Get your pom-poms ready, because today we’re taking a trip through time to 1968.
Hold on to your tiaras, because we’re about to dive into a decade that was bursting with style and sass, and trust me, those iconic tutu looks didn’t miss a beat! This week’s journey takes us straight to the heart of London, England - a hub for all things stylish. Just imagine a time when women ruled the fashion world with their stunning hats, vibrant coats and chic ensembles… and let’s not forget the legendary mini skirt that had the world in a spin!
I was completely smitten with the styles back then!
A Touch of History for Your Tutu:
Now, we can't talk about ballet in 1968 without mentioning the brilliant Margot Fonteyn. She was, quite simply, a national treasure, gracing the stage of the Royal Opera House and capturing hearts worldwide with her incredible talent. She truly epitomized the grace and elegance that was the essence of ballet in those days. It's her work and the incredible legacy she left behind that truly inspire me to dance!
(A little secret - I saw a wonderful production of "Giselle" with Margot as a child, my Gran brought me! Her ethereal movements on stage are a real inspiration!)
Back in the swing of things in 1968, ballet was not just for stuffy museums or exclusive theatre shows, it was making its way into the streets, my darlings! Remember "Hair," that iconic musical? Well, you wouldn't believe it, but those funky dancers even incorporated ballet-inspired moves into their energetic routines! Ballet was everywhere you looked, even breaking free from traditional stage settings!
And while we're talking about styles, oh my, the tutus were absolutely phenomenal! From classic romantic ballet tutus that swirled and twirled to more modern and innovative designs, these outfits were a celebration of movement and creativity. The 60s truly embraced a whole spectrum of colour and style when it came to these magical garments - and they’re an absolute delight to research.
Today’s tutu-astic journey is a special one!
We are actually taking a trip to The Royal Ballet performance in Covent Garden on July 9th, 1968! How exciting is that! You won't believe what this special evening held, so listen up:
That very night, they were staging "The Sleeping Beauty!" And as luck would have it, it starred the most amazing prima ballerina: Dame Margot Fonteyn, alongside the rising star, Rudolf Nureyev. Just imagine being in the audience to witness such a legendary pair taking centre stage.
Can you even fathom? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, darling! It’s enough to make any tutu-lover swoon!
Getting Dressed Up:
I would completely have been at that performance. Just imagine how magical the Royal Opera House looked that evening! I bet it was positively buzzing with a glamorous crowd, everyone decked out in their finest attire. I bet the ladies were all in those delightful little dresses, cinched at the waist, looking so incredibly stylish, with maybe a hat or two, just for added flair.
As for my look, my dear friends, let me tell you - it would have been a full-blown pink tutu extravaganza! And no, I’m not talking about one of those practical ballerina tutus you see in class, oh no. This would have been a fully fledged statement tutu - all frills, frills and more frills. Perhaps even some added sequins for good measure! And of course, the entire look would be punctuated with the quintessential pink bow – the pièce de résistance. Because as all true ballet lovers know: life's just too short for anything but a pink tutu, don't you agree?
Ballet for everyone?
To end our journey back to 1968, I wanted to share something really special. Ballet isn’t about just dancing at the Royal Ballet in London or watching a grand spectacle. Ballet is meant to be enjoyed by absolutely everyone, darling.
I think that 1968, when everyone was feeling that revolutionary spirit, made this clear! Ballet was for everyone who had an adventurous spirit!
Think about it, who doesn't love a bit of graceful twirling or feeling the music sweep you away?
That’s exactly why I’ve made my little mission to share the love of tutus and bring the joy of ballet into every life. If you want to express yourself with a beautiful ballerina's style, then please join me and let's make a big pink tutu statement together. Who says the streets can't be our dance floor?!
So there you have it, my dear lovelies! I hope you enjoyed our tutu-tastic journey through 1968 and enjoyed a bit of vintage style to inspire you today.
Don't forget, darling, come back next Tuesday for another dose of #TutuTuesday magic and to learn about the amazing tutu styles we can expect to see on this amazing journey through history.
Until then, twirl your way to the weekend!
💖 Emma
P.S. Have a look at my website www.pink-tutu.com, for all the latest on tutus! I post something new every single day. If you want to get your hands on a pink tutu, be sure to browse our fabulous selection!
You can find us on every social media channel as well! Don’t forget to share a photo of yourself in a tutu using #PinkTutu, darling!
