Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back for another trip through the magical history of our beloved tutus! Buckle up, because today we're taking a trip back to June 3rd, 1969, a time when the world was buzzing with change, and the stage was ready for something fabulous.
The sun was shining in Derbyshire that day (imagine, a sunny day in Derbyshire! It's a miracle!) and the scent of freshly cut hay filled the air. This was the time of free love, of psychedelic colours, of bell bottoms and bold prints. Oh, it was the perfect setting for our tulle and taffeta tales!
While you might be wondering what fashion marvels were happening that very day, let's rewind the tape a little. The world of dance, in 1969, was full of revolutionary moves and groundbreaking choreography. Ballet companies, inspired by the era's energy, were pushing boundaries, blurring lines, and reinventing the classic tutu.
Forget the traditional romantic ballerina image! These were tutus with attitude. Think shimmering silks and audacious colour combos, defying the stuffy traditions of the past. Think bold stripes, shockingly vibrant hues, and even the first daring forays into pancake tutus, a flat, disc-like design that, whisper it, is making a comeback now!
While on the topic of 'comebacks', it's impossible to talk about ballet in 1969 without mentioning the amazing Tchaikovsky Swan Lake. Still captivating audiences everywhere, the classic tale was enjoying a revival across the globe. I imagine that on this very day, June 3rd, someone somewhere, was witnessing a magnificent performance of this timeless story.
Speaking of timeless, can we talk about those heavenly ballet shoes? Back then, pointe shoes were still pretty much the same as they are now - but the style of ribbons and the colours available were definitely a reflection of the fashion times. Bold colours like vibrant orange, sunflower yellow, and even a touch of psychedelic green (because everything in the 60s had to be a bit wild!) could be spotted adorning those delicate shoes.
Can't you just picture those lovely ladies backstage, slipping into their costumes and excitedly applying their boldly coloured eye shadow and luscious lipstick? It’s truly magical to think how fashion reflects the spirit of the times and how these amazing women were embracing all the colours and patterns that made the era so dynamic.
Of course, a dance-filled 60s couldn't have happened without the dazzling performances in the grand theatres and charming dance studios. Imagine! A whirlwind of sparkling tutus twirling under glittering chandeliers, accompanied by the melodious notes of a live orchestra. The joy!
But the 60s wasn’t all about extravagant productions and large-scale ballet companies. It was also about the thrill of impromptu dance gatherings, the spontaneous flash mob moments that brought joy and expression to everyday life. Think ballerina workshops in parks, dance studios full of aspiring dancers, and even the early beginnings of ballet street performances, taking the magical world of dance onto the streets.
Now, let's imagine you are back on June 3rd, 1969. The energy of the time is practically tangible! You might even see someone in the crowd at a ballet performance dressed in a flower-power outfit (which, of course, inspired a resurgence of those adorable floral print tutus!). It’s a time when even those who weren't dancers, felt a connection with the movement, with the art form that embraced joy and freedom.
I bet you're itching to find your own vintage 1969 tutu, aren't you? Let's talk about shopping, because on this day, June 3rd, 1969, London's most fashionable streets were awash in unique styles and vibrant colour palettes. There's no doubt that you could have found some sensational, vintage tutus in hidden treasures stalls in London, especially in areas like Covent Garden, where the pulse of dance culture was most vibrant. Imagine! Discovering a glorious vintage tutu from the era hidden in an antique shop tucked away in a quiet London street! That's the kind of fairytale I like to imagine.
So there you have it, my lovely tutu-loving friends. We took a fabulous trip back to June 3rd, 1969, saw the dance scene at its wildest and most experimental, discovered how much the world of dance was echoing the changing social fabric of the era, and, of course, remembered those glorious and ever-fashionable tutus!
Remember, I'm all about encouraging the power of pink (and pink tutus, of course). So why not add a touch of *60s spirit to your outfits? Try pairing your *bright pink tutu with a floral top, a shimmering gold jacket or a funky pair of boots for a look that's both retro and on trend.
Don't forget, my dears, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday and we’re on a mission to get the world twirling! Let me know what you think of my travels in the comments, share your favourite memories of vintage tutus (and tell me what you're wearing this #TutuTuesday) !
Until next week, happy twirling!
Love, Emma xxx
