#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1969-03-18

Hello darlings, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and this week, we're whisking ourselves back to 18th March, 1969 - a year of fabulous fashion, breathtaking ballet, and even a dash of political excitement!

Now, as you know, I simply adore a good train journey, and this week's escapade involved a first-class carriage, a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, and the satisfying rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks. I found myself in Paris, the City of Lights, with its chic boutiques, beautiful avenues, and, of course, some of the finest ballet in the world.

You simply had to be in Paris in 1969! The city was buzzing with energy, fuelled by a creative spirit that was transforming the arts, fashion, and even politics. Everywhere you looked, there were groundbreaking new ideas taking shape, and I couldn't wait to see how ballet was responding.

Now, I've got to tell you about the fashions in Paris at that time. Oh, it was so much fun! The sixties had really thrown open the doors to style experimentation, with a glorious mix of bold prints, geometric shapes, and a touch of rebellious flair. You couldn't escape the miniskirt, the epitome of youthful rebellion, but if you wanted a little more elegance, a well-cut shift dress in a striking shade of turquoise or lime was the perfect choice.

But the most thrilling fashion development of all was the arrival of pantaloons! These fitted trousers with wide legs, often paired with a fitted blouse, were everywhere - from the streets to the stage! You wouldn't believe the liberating feeling of skipping around in a pair of brightly-coloured pants, a real departure from the longer skirts and gowns of the past.

Of course, I couldn't let a trip to Paris go by without some serious shopping! I stumbled upon a delightful vintage shop crammed with shimmering satin, billowing tulle, and an absolute riot of sequins. I even picked up a stunning emerald green shawl with delicate fringes – it will go perfectly with my new fuchsia tutu! (I simply can't resist a bit of colour coordination!)

On to the ballet! Now, as any self-respecting ballet fanatic knows, you just have to visit the Paris Opera Ballet, a truly magical place with a rich history and a constant thirst for innovation. My evening started with the intoxicating beauty of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, which is a ballet that never fails to enchant me. The ballerina portraying Odette's swan form was an absolute dream, her every movement a breathtaking embodiment of grace and tenderness. The set design was also absolutely spectacular - such vibrant colours and lush scenery, it was truly immersive.

But the evening's real treat was seeing a groundbreaking new piece by Maurice Béjart, called "Symphonie pour un homme seul". This wasn't your traditional ballet, no, no. Béjart’s bold, avant-garde approach used movement as a language in itself, a unique way to express human emotions and experiences. The dancer was the very picture of vulnerability and strength at the same time, capturing the rawness of life and the yearning for meaning in the chaos of modern times. It was simply extraordinary!

You know, after witnessing a ballet as innovative and thought-provoking as Béjart's, it felt like I was looking into the future of dance. This new wave of choreography wasn't afraid to break with tradition, to explore new ideas and push boundaries. The energy in the air was electric - this wasn't just ballet, it was a revolution in how we move and how we perceive the world.

1969 was also a time of major social change - it was a year marked by both exhilarating progress and deep challenges. As I strolled along the Champs-Élysées, I couldn't help but feel the spirit of protest that was sweeping the world. From Vietnam to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, there was a shared desire for social justice and change, a collective yearning for a better future.

On that 18th March, however, things in Paris were decidedly quieter. It was a day of sunshine and laughter, and Parisians were embracing the city's chic and carefree vibe. I spent my day wandering through the charming streets, enjoying the local markets brimming with fresh produce, and sketching the intricate designs on the windows of the vintage shops.

Well, my darlings, that's my trip down memory lane for this #TutuTuesday. We’ve seen a touch of Paris in the 60s, we've seen stunning ballet, we've seen amazing fashions, and we've glimpsed a time of immense social change.

Now, I don't know about you, but seeing that stylish mix of colourful prints, bold colours, and youthful spirit reminds me of the beauty of fashion's constant evolution - a reflection of how the world moves and how our own styles change too. And even if you’re not a time-travelling ballerina like me, I think we can all take inspiration from that spirit of progress and embrace change in our own lives.

So, my dears, how do you like to express your personal style? Do you love experimenting with bold prints and vibrant colours, or are you a fan of a more timeless classic look? Tell me in the comments below!

Don't forget to pop by next week for another #TutuTuesday blog post – I'm planning to delve into the exciting world of ballet photography, and perhaps even share some tips on how to capture the beauty and artistry of dance with your camera! Until then, be sure to get twirling and keep spreading the pink tutu love!

Love,

Emma

*P.S. Have you seen my amazing collection of tutus on www.pink-tutu.com? From vintage to modern designs, there's something for everyone! So, grab your dancing shoes, grab your bestie, and join me in spreading a little joy and pink tutu love throughout the world! *

*#TutuTuesday #ballet #paris #vintage #timetravel #fashion #dance #pinktutu #pink #pinktutu.com *