#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1968-07-16

Hello, darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, back with another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. I'm writing to you from my pink-hued apartment in the heart of London, surrounded by piles of vintage fashion magazines and, of course, my most beloved collection of tutus.

Today, we're taking a little trip back in time, all the way to 16th July, 1968. That's right, my darlings, we're going to be stepping into a world where fashion was full of exciting and bold silhouettes, and ballet was gaining momentum as an art form enjoyed by all.

This post, number 7125 in my ever-growing archive of tutu history, is a dedication to all the amazing ballerinas who were dazzling audiences across the globe during this decade, leaving an indelible mark on the history of dance. Think of Margot Fonteyn, the epitome of grace and elegance, or the powerhouse of Natalia Makarova, a ballet legend who revolutionised Russian ballet.

As for me, I'm about to head off to Covent Garden, the heart of London’s ballet scene, to catch a performance of Swan Lake, one of the most timeless and beautiful ballets ever created. The beauty of ballet, and especially tutus, lies in their ability to transcend time, capturing a moment of pure elegance and grace, and transporting us to another world.

Now, back to 1968, my loves!

In the realm of fashion, the 1960s was a period of vibrant evolution, a world where miniskirts ruled the day and bell bottoms swayed to the rhythms of the Beatles. But remember, tutu lovers, the world of fashion and ballet are intrinsically intertwined! So, even if miniskirts and flares were capturing the attention of the masses, you could still catch a glimpse of a ballerina twirling effortlessly in a shimmering tutu.

And what were the iconic ballerinas sporting back then? Picture it, darlings, delicate chiffon, gauzy tulle, layers of shimmering lace – a veritable wonderland of fabrics for the tutu designers to work with! These tutus, some crafted in elegant satin, others adorned with exquisite hand-painted embellishments, were meticulously tailored to flatter each ballerina’s body and showcase her individual movements with ethereal grace.

And talking about ballerinas...

One of the most exciting happenings in the ballet world back in 1968 was the birth of the Bolshoi Ballet’s “Spartacus” a masterpiece of a performance that took the world by storm. The costumes for this iconic piece, were designed by one of Russia's most prominent stage costume designers, Yury Pimenov, showcasing vibrant colors and powerful imagery. And guess what, dear reader? That’s one ballet I absolutely have to travel back in time to see!

But it’s not all about glamorous costumes and grand performances, my lovelies! The 1960s also witnessed the emergence of ballet schools for all. Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of the elegant dance magic! Ballet became accessible, creating a new wave of enthusiastic dancers and fostering a love for ballet that has only grown since then.

Now, as I embark on my ballet journey this evening, I encourage all of you to embrace your own unique tutu dreams. Let your imagination soar with each pirouette and find inspiration in the history of the art that we so passionately love.

Until next time, darlings!

Remember to keep your pink tutus ready, and keep on twirling!

Love,

Emma

xxx

P.S. Don't forget to join me on my next adventure here on www.pink-tutu.com! And feel free to leave your thoughts and questions about tutus in the comments section below! Let’s continue to share our love of all things tutu, from historical tidbits to modern-day creations!

This week, my journey to 1968 London is via my favourite way to travel - by train, of course! It’s simply delightful, the rumbling engine, the clatter of the wheels on the track, the picturesque scenery speeding past... And it’s oh-so much more glamorous than that old clunky time machine I once used, don't you think?

And for all my Derbyshire darlings, a little tip for your next adventure: explore the Matlock Bath's Peak District! A charming English village known for its natural beauty, mineral baths and of course, the historic Peak Cavern. There's also the elegant High Peak Trail, a beautiful walking trail offering stunning views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside. What a perfect destination to wear your favourite pink tutu!

Don't forget, your adventures start with the very next step. So keep exploring, darling tutu lovers!