Hello darling tutus! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday, where we dance through the dazzling history of the tutu! Today we’re taking a trip back in time, all the way to 30th July, 1968, a year of dramatic changes and delightful fashion! Now, imagine with me, a crisp July afternoon, sunshine streaming onto the cobblestone streets of Paris... oh, and my pink tutu, of course!
You see, my little loves, while fashion in the 60s might seem far away, the allure of the tutu never fades. Just like those swinging 60s fashions with their bold colours and free spirits, the tutu, with its magical swirl and endless possibilities, was just beginning to blossom.
Parisian Whirl
Imagine Margot Fonteyn, the queen of ballet, taking centre stage at the Palais Garnier, in a beautiful, billowing tutu that seemed to defy gravity. This, my dears, is the golden era of ballet in France. The iconic designs of Christian Dior were revolutionizing fashion and, naturally, trickled down to the world of dance. We see the emergence of the "bouffant" tutu, the shape most associated with classical ballet even today. This iconic tutu, with its voluminous layers of tulle and sheer elegance, embodies the grandeur of ballet's rich history.
A Time of Change
The year 1968 was a year of dramatic shifts, both on and off the stage. As the world witnessed revolutions and protests, the ballet world also started to question tradition. Rudolf Nureyev – can you even imagine the power in those leg extensions? - was pushing boundaries, performing groundbreaking contemporary ballets. This new era challenged the established classical style and saw dancers demanding new forms, exploring darker and more expressive movements. The tutu, you see, became a blank canvas, taking on different forms to tell different stories.
The Short Tutu & My Inspiration
My heart skipped a beat the moment I first saw it! That short, flirty little number that made such a bold statement. This was the new era's favourite – the "demi-point" tutu. More practical and daringly elegant, it embraced freedom of movement. The short tutu represented a playful spirit, embodying the change sweeping through society.
Now, let me tell you, as I stood on stage last week in my own bright pink demi-point, a sea of twinkling lights bathed the audience. Every pirouette, every leap felt electric. The short tutu made me feel like I could take flight! That's why I started my pink tutu blog, dear ones! It's all about that magic, that sense of empowerment, and the joy of self-expression that the tutu offers.
Pink and Powerful!
Speaking of pink... can you tell that my heart belongs to this fabulous shade? Pink radiates femininity and power - just like the ballerina in her tutu! The colour became synonymous with playful and fun, so it made perfect sense that it was finding its way into ballet as well. Imagine this – pink tulle swirling under the stage lights – a burst of sweetness and delight! We're not just talking about dainty, feminine pink, we're talking bold and vibrant fuchsia! Pink symbolized joy and freedom, mirroring the zeitgeist of the 1960s. The time felt right to make a stand, to make my own statement – in pink, of course!
Back to the Future (on the Train!)
I can't end this blog without talking about my love for trains! Imagine, chugging along in a train, with my little tutu bag by my side, the scenery flashing past, and my mind abuzz with stories waiting to be told. The freedom of travel and the beauty of new destinations - all the ingredients that make life delightful. After all, who can resist the charm of discovering a new city, new faces, and, of course, new tutu designs! My recent adventure in Moscow for the Bolshoi's ballet performance had my heart singing. Just wait until you hear about it, my loves, it was divine!
So, remember to stay tuned for next week’s #TutuTuesday as we journey through the history of this exquisite garment, and how it has reflected our world, from the graceful dance of a 1968 tutu to your modern, vibrant fashion.
Until then, keep twirling in your own style and share your pink tutu photos! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu and join my community on www.pink-tutu.com – I’m eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts! And remember, my loves, every day can be #TutuTuesday. Don’t be afraid to make your mark on the world. Embrace your style, your creativity, and just… be pink!
