Ahoy there, my darling dears!
It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina, Emma, back with another slice of tutu history! This week, we're hopping on a vintage train, heading to Paris, the heart of the fashion world (and of course, the home of ballerinas!). We're rewinding the clock to October 1st, 1968.
Now, 1968 was a year of change - think flower power, groovy music, and a whole lot of upheaval. But you know me, I'm more interested in what was happening in the world of ballet tutus!
A Revolution on Pointe:
You see, back then, ballerinas weren't the free spirits we are today! Tutues were more traditional - think classic tulle, layers and layers of it, a full skirt, all perfectly proper. It was a grand, beautiful look, but it wasn't exactly practical for a dancer to jump and pirouette in!
Imagine wearing a big, bulky dress like that! Imagine how much hotter you'd be - just try spinning with a multi-layered skirt, it’s an ordeal, let me tell you!
But even then, change was brewing. On this very date, in 1968, the iconic ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn had her birthday!
The Queen of Tutu:
Oh my darling readers, if anyone had the power to move a tutu, it was Margot! A true ballerina icon, Fonteyn ruled the stage for years. With her effortless grace, perfect line, and undeniable artistry, she gave a new face to what a ballerina could be.
Although Margot stuck to traditional tutues most of the time, she knew how to command the stage. I imagine a whisper from Margot could shift the whole landscape of tutus! She would have been aware of the revolution happening right in front of her.
A revolution in how the tutu was being seen and worn...
Because by now, fashion designers had begun experimenting with tutus outside of the theatre, giving them a place in everyday life. Coco Chanel, the famous designer, had started incorporating the ballerina style into fashion designs as far back as 1920s, but 1968 was a turning point - it was becoming the trend for modern girls.
Ballet, but Make it Fashion
Tutues were becoming chic! The silhouette was evolving, moving away from the long, full, fussy tutues towards something more modern, minimalist. They started appearing on fashion magazine covers, in department stores, and, dare I say, even on the street! Just imagine a little tutu for everyday! A splash of pink in a world full of grey - just lovely.
Now, on this date in 1968, what were the movers and shakers doing in fashion? Well, we have Yves Saint Laurent, known for his revolutionary clothing designs. It was a time when fashion embraced anything bold and exciting! He pushed the boundaries, inspired by the energy of the world around him. This would have meant experimenting with different fabrics, lengths and textures and tutus, my dears, fit right into the zeitgeist.
Can you just imagine Saint Laurent's designs combined with the beauty and fluidity of the tutu? That is the type of innovation I live for!
You could see it in the fashion world – tutues were popping up everywhere! From a little ballerina dress, to the flowing skirt of an elegant evening gown - tutus were having their moment!
Time to Put Your Best Foot Forward
I'm heading to the station right now! Off to see a beautiful performance tonight - a classic story full of tutus, graceful ballerinas, and captivating music. This journey of time travel takes a lot of funding! It seems that audiences love to see a ballet show with a Pink Tutu Girl, like me, on the stage. A win-win, you could say!
And remember, darling dears, tutus aren't just for ballerinas! You can rock a tutu anytime, anywhere. A twirl at the park, a spin around the kitchen, just wear your tutu proudly! The more we spread the love for tutus, the better our world becomes.
Until next Tuesday, my sweet readers, stay bubbly!
Always in Pink, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
