#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1968-12-03

Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday for your pink-tinted pleasure! Today we're stepping back to the fabulous year of 1968 - think big hair, miniskirts, and a whole lotta love for the groovy new music scene.

I hopped off the train in New York, having just seen a mesmerising performance by the legendary Martha Graham (did you know, darlings, she started the whole modern dance movement back in 1926?) I was so inspired! Martha is an absolute queen of creativity, showing everyone that ballet doesn’t need to be confined to the traditional.

But, as I always say, no matter how modern we get, tutus always have a place in our hearts (and wardrobes). And even in 1968, those poofy, pretty, tulle creations were still very much the star of the show, just with a little twist.

So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of this fabulously colourful, exciting decade - the tutu was having a major moment!

We’re talking knee-length, ruffled, twirl-tastic tutus for our ballerinas - a move away from the super-long, classical, floor-sweeping versions that were the go-to in the 50s and early 60s. Imagine it, a little bit of mischief mixed in with that grace and elegance! It was the era of freedom and change, after all!

In fact, you might even spot some revolutionary "midi tutus," those playful, cheeky creations that ended just above the knee, making their debut! A daring and totally fabulous trend. These were often paired with more relaxed ballet slippers (or, whisper it, even those groovy flat shoes!). The idea? To highlight those stunning leg lines without being too over-the-top dramatic, a fresh new take on ballet elegance!

Of course, our ballet dancers were also exploring colour - lots of colours. We’re talking vibrant hues, think royal blues, emerald greens, even bright sunshine yellow - totally breaking the tradition of just white and pink. Think of all the photos of Rudolf Nureyev in his glorious yellow, blue, or even red tutus (oh, those magnificent leaps, a ballet dancer at the top of his game).

And speaking of colour, there was one colour that was gaining huge popularity – pink! In all its gorgeous glory.

As for my wardrobe, I had just purchased the most gorgeous blush-coloured, tulle creation from Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan, a veritable fashion wonderland - so much to explore in that grand department store! I’ll post a pic later – the perfect blush for my fair skin! You all need a little pink in your lives!

Remember, tutus are not just about a particular length or shade, darlings. It's about freedom of expression, pushing boundaries, and exploring all the creative ways that tulle can be used to create a piece of art!

Just as ballet continues to evolve, so too does the tutu. I wouldn't be surprised to see even more bold interpretations of the tutu popping up in the future - after all, it’s an iconic piece of clothing! You can pair a tutu with all kinds of things, darlings – imagine a tutu with leather boots, it is truly wonderful!

But here’s a little secret I learned today: while we see ballet at the theater, it's happening in studios, schools and even community centres all over the place! And it’s something everyone should experience – to truly understand the energy and joy that comes from putting on a tutu and twirling your heart out!

Remember, dear friends, I'm always on the lookout for fabulous, new trends, styles and ways to wear a tutu. As always, keep those ideas and pictures coming - you never know what will spark my next fashion epiphany. And don't forget to keep those questions flowing! I love hearing about all the things you love, learn and think about in relation to tutus, from history and inspiration to those new trends that really capture your attention!

See you all next #TutuTuesday, and may your week be filled with twirls and sunshine,

XOXO,

Emma

PS – If you’re interested in taking a little trip to 1968 with me, hop on the train! On December 3rd, 1968, the Broadway musical “The Great White Hope” premiered. It's a very interesting time to be experiencing the arts and the civil rights movement in the US. Don't forget, when you're time travelling, it's important to keep your ears open, and your heart filled with a passion for new discoveries and wonderful experiences.

And as always, be sure to share your Tutu adventures and thoughts.