Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another instalment of my weekly Ballet Tutu History! I'm Emma, your very own tutu-wearing time traveller, straight from the Derbyshire Dales and ready to take you on a whirl through history, one twirling tutued step at a time! This week, we're pirouetteing back to January 21st, 1969. Buckle up your pointe shoes, grab your favourite pink sparkly accessory, and let's get twirling!
As I popped out of the time-travelling portal (thank goodness for those fancy, pink velvet curtains!), the first thing that hit me was the unmistakable sound of a roaring crowd. This was London, 1969! You know, the home of ballet legends like Margot Fonteyn and the Royal Ballet? I just had to soak in the atmosphere. It was all a bit exciting.
Now, I was in London, but what was happening in the wider ballet world this particular day? Well, imagine this, darling: we are still dancing on the stage but now it is more experimental!
Oh, before we get to the ballet scene, did I mention the glorious boutique I found? So much pink tulle! Imagine a tutu with sequins that reflect in the light as you move. I might have bought myself a few metres, and the saleswoman's eyes widened like she'd seen a fairy flitting into her shop! Just the sight of my pink tutu set the whole store alight. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
But I digress, my darlings! Back to January 21st, 1969, and the world of dance. Let’s dive into what made the stage so alive back then.
Modernity Moves in with Ballet
Ballet in 1969 was starting to really get daring. This wasn’t your typical swan lake. Ballet companies were becoming more experimental. We started seeing daring moves. Think more athleticism, with leaps and bounds taking center stage.
They called it modern dance. Think angular movements, bolder interpretations, and a bit of rebellious spirit! Imagine if you could dance stories instead of just being characters – now that's exciting, right?
Some of the most groundbreaking modern dance pieces were happening on stages around the world this week! Oh, I wished I’d been in Paris, watching a legendary piece called Le Sacre du Printemps. You know, the one that sparked chaos in 1913! I'm just waiting for a chance to see that, maybe even learn the moves for one of my Tutu Tuesday sessions. Can you imagine, learning the moves of the greatest choreographers right here with me?
It wasn’t just the dancing that was changing.
From Tights to Leggings
Tutus, oh, how I adore tutus! They are so expressive and pretty! But there was a little rebellion against tradition taking hold on stage. It wasn't all just powder pink tulle, darling.
Some dancers were opting for leggings under their skirts. Leggings were the new "thing" back then and some of them looked amazing with tutus! It was such a bold move that even the judges of the Paris Ballet competitions raised their eyebrows. I must say, they really complimented the shape of the legs – maybe it's time I give it a go!
Now, I've got to talk about fashion! London was at the peak of its "Swinging Sixties" scene, and the look was fabulous. Imagine sleek mini skirts, geometric prints, bold colours, and, yes, darling, headbands with an oversized bow for the finishing touch.
It's fascinating how fashion and ballet often reflect each other, isn't it? Maybe that's why tutus are so popular; they’re a piece of history that keeps getting a modern makeover. I just think everything looks good in pink.
Tutu-ally Fantastic
Before I jump back to my own time (gotta love those time portals, right?), I'd love to hear about your Tutu Tuesdays. Do share your favorite moments of ballet history, and tell me, would you rather have a pink tutu or a sleek, modern one? I think I just want both! And don't forget to tell me about your own Tutu Tuesday celebrations. You know I love hearing all your fabulous stories.
I'll see you next Tuesday, darling! Keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and remember, if you can imagine it, you can wear it.
Until then, stay fabulous,
Emma
P.S: Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. We're always up for a dance, darling.
