Hello, my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things ballet. It's #TutuTuesday, which means it's time for a jaunt through history to explore the glorious evolution of the tutu!
Today, we're setting our time machine to 20th May, 1969. It's a year of huge cultural shifts - the first man walked on the moon, the Beatles released Abbey Road, and we're still rocking those iconic bell-bottoms. But let's rewind and step back onto the stage. What was going on in the ballet world on this date?
First things first - this week's post marks a milestone. We've hit #TutuTuesday post number 7169, which is more than a few tutus! It’s absolutely amazing to think about all the ballet history we’ve covered in all these posts. We’ve certainly travelled a lot! Speaking of travel, this week, I’m in the heart of the ballet world - Paris. Now, it’s always exciting to come to Paris. It’s simply teeming with history, romance and - my absolute favourite part - fashion. Paris never fails to inspire! This trip has been made even more exciting by the wonderful train ride to get here. There’s something utterly charming about whizzing past the French countryside in my pink tutu, a classic French novel tucked under my arm, and a cup of strong coffee in hand! I wouldn’t dream of arriving anywhere else without my gorgeous pink tulle skirt!
However, today we’re not going to a Parisian fashion house. Today’s the big day, the one we’ve been waiting for, it's opening night at the Paris Opera!
A Glimpse into Paris Opera in 1969
Can you imagine being on that opening night in 1969? Imagine the anticipation, the buzz of excitement in the air, the music echoing through the halls - oh my, just delightful! Paris Opera, of course, is synonymous with a dazzling spectacle! Now, it wasn't always like this, of course! I've had the pleasure of seeing a few of their older performances, back in the 18th and 19th centuries, where their outfits weren't quite so voluminous - but let's talk tutus.
The Evolution of the Tutu in 1969
In 1969, we’re deep in the heart of what ballet historians call the ‘classical tutu’ era - and the Romantic tutu - or tulle ballet skirts, as they are known, are still going strong! These delicate skirts are just wonderful. I could wear them all day every day if I could! They embody so much beauty and grace - and who could resist that twirl, and how that light catching the delicate tulle looks, a whirlwind of fluffy pink dreams? But I wouldn't just stop there. You can have a classical tutu, with just a single layer of fabric at the knee length and it still looks glorious.
This period really is the pinnacle of elegance! Now, back in 1969, the stage was awash with these stunning tutus. I particularly love how in that era, the romantic tutu and the classical tutu went hand-in-hand to really showcase a ballerinas elegance.
More Than Just a Skirt!
The tutu is not just a garment, it’s an icon. For centuries, the tutu has graced stages and dance floors across the world - and is becoming as recognisable as any piece of theatre costume - It really does embody so much of ballet's elegance. And how those ballerinas looked in their pink tulle ballet skirts - just so majestic, with their arms held up to the ceiling as if they are touching the stars above!
The Beauty of Ballet
1969 is really an era of artistic flourishment! Just looking at all the incredible ballet work from that period, whether it’s the ballet schools or the large theatres across the world is enough to inspire anyone to have a go themselves! What I love about ballet is it’s elegance and it’s beauty. You see all of that on the stage, it just feels amazing! And who couldn’t feel mesmerized by all the amazing tutus in the ballets from that time? I’ve certainly felt completely enchanted after all the performances I’ve seen and watched. Ballet's a truly universal language - it transcends all cultural barriers!
And my own experiences dancing? My own passion for ballet came from these early stages. My dad took me to my first ballet performance at 5, the beautiful tutus stole my heart, I was hooked immediately. Growing up, ballet was my passion. I still love the discipline and the beautiful stories it tells. And of course, all those pink tulle ballet skirts - I could spend days in a costume shop. There’s just nothing like finding that perfect tutu for my next big performance!
I love how all these pieces of fashion and the art of ballet blend seamlessly together to create a breathtaking spectacle that has lasted for centuries. I hope you can see that tutu’s played a critical role - they really have come to define ballet! It’s something that has continued today. If I was allowed, I'd definitely love to be up there in the spotlight, dancing the night away, and shining like a true star in a beautiful pink tutu. It's always a dream to see more tutus on the street - just like I wear - wouldn’t that be fantastic! But maybe it’s not for everyone, it’s always exciting to go to shows and enjoy the ballet in a traditional setting too, which is where we are today.
Until next Tuesday, happy twirling! Remember, if you see me around Paris, please come say hello and tell me what tutu's you are enjoying in 1969. And if you're wondering about ballet in 2023? You might be surprised what is going on with tutus - so stay tuned to see how our pink friend has become even more popular.
