Hello darlings! Emma here, your tutu-loving time traveller, bringing you another fab #TutuTuesday blast from the past!
Oh, how I love a bit of nostalgia! I am absolutely thrilled to have landed back in good old 1968, this time just in time to catch the New Year's Eve celebrations, all wrapped up in my favourite shade of pink. Let's do a little time-travel trip together back to the swinging sixties.
1968, the year of the moon landing, of student protests and, dare I say it, of a style revolution that's still influencing us today. But enough with the history lessons, let's get down to tutus! This year in the ballet world, we had some truly spectacular things going on.
Oh My, What a Ballet Year!
Now, who wouldn't have been thrilled to have seen a new production of 'Swan Lake' in London with the gorgeous Rudolf Nureyev? He truly brought the Prince's passion to life with every step, and his talent in that stunning final duet, with the sublime Margot Fonteyn, is still something people talk about today. If you get the chance to catch them on video, dear reader, I'd recommend doing so.
Also, we saw some dazzling debuts in 1968. That iconic, bold choreographer Martha Graham launched a new piece with a phenomenal young dancer named Mikhail Baryshnikov, in what was then the U.S.S.R. What a year to have launched your career. They made such a wonderful partnership and the whole dance world is still talking about that production.
What Did the Dance World Look Like?
Of course, let's talk tutus! Back then, everything was still firmly entrenched in that romantic ballet look. We saw those elegant tutus, crafted from the finest tulle and adorned with lace, swirling around in classical ballet performances, giving all of us that dream-like, magical feel. The grand jete still took centre stage, just as it should!
There was also a movement to challenge the old guard and push the boundaries. It was exciting to see all sorts of exciting new approaches to choreography emerging, although tutus were rarely a feature of their new productions.
On Stage, The Dance Continues!
1968, although seemingly long gone, really laid the foundations for the ballet world we see today. Those graceful moves we enjoy at every performance, that incredible discipline - it all came from those pioneers, who were, frankly, pushing the envelope, much like I am, with my little time-travel forays.
Time for Tea!
Just popping out to grab some tea, then we can discuss a little bit more about the fascinating history of ballet.
See you in a jiffy, darlings.
Later...
Back to the topic of this iconic 1968 and a very special new year’s eve, where did I get to go, I hear you asking, right?
Well, let's talk London! I journeyed back to Covent Garden to take in a show at the Royal Opera House, then hopped off the train in a beautiful little Parisian dress I picked up for a pittance at a London vintage boutique, headed straight for one of the classiest London cafes for a celebratory treat, where I devoured some delectable profiteroles! I had a wonderful time! I’m thinking this little trip was really worth it! After the performance I joined a dance at a ball, I got a little peckish, so popped into an old-fashioned bakery for a chocolate éclairs. Then I joined a fun gathering, all swirling to the strains of a 1960s classic on a jukebox - we danced till well after midnight! That’s when the true magic of 1968, truly did shine through!
1968 – A True Classic
It's easy to be swayed by all the current fashions. What a time to be in London, and it’s truly fascinating to think that I travelled to 1968 in this gorgeous pink tutu I'm wearing now. Think about how timeless it feels!
Well darlings, it’s time for me to zip back home.
Have a grand week and don’t forget – we need more tutus in the world! We’re here to help you embrace that magical feeling. Let’s dance!
Emma
Don't forget to check back every Tuesday for a new edition of #TutuTuesday! And share your love of tutus on social media, use #PinkTutu!
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