#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1969-07-01

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, back with another fab #TutuTuesday adventure! This week, I've taken a time-travelling trip to the swinging sixties! Imagine – it's 1st July 1969 and, as you can imagine, the mood is electric, and not just because of the gorgeous floral patterns and groovy fashion on everyone's backs!

This is the decade of liberation and experimentation, and you can definitely see this in the evolution of the tutu, darling. Gone are the days of the ultra-strict, almost military-like, stiff tutus. The sixties have ushered in a wave of lightness and femininity. Think swirling, romantic tutus with softer, lighter layers, and a whole lot of playful colours, perfect for twirling through the flower power movement. I bet you wouldn't even catch the most hardcore hippie refusing to dance in a floaty, bohemian tutu, would you?

Let's take a look at some key moments in this fascinating fashion timeline:

Firstly, a big hurrah to the advent of the 'Romantic Tutu'! This glorious creation was designed to allow dancers more movement and freedom, thanks to its layered fabric and flowing form. Think a light-as-air chiffon or tulle – perfect for all those dreamy ballets like Giselle and La Sylphide that became incredibly popular during this period.

The Romantic tutu represented a departure from the stiff, structured designs of earlier eras and a return to the ethereal and beautiful. Think of it as a blossoming flower! It symbolised an entire shift in attitude, with dancers embracing the beautiful fluidity of the new style and using their whole body to create the magic of storytelling through dance.

As I strutted through the streets of the 60s, I realised that everyone was talking about something big. Oh yes! Apollo 11, the moon landing – it was all anyone could talk about! I was absolutely entranced by the imagery and the wonder of human achievement! It gave me a thrilling glimpse of what we could do, how we could continue to push boundaries and reach for the stars! Just like a tutu, we are capable of lifting ourselves into the air, with grace and elegance, reaching for the heavens above.

In this incredible era of change, the tutu went through a similar evolution. I saw everything from a little, flirtatious peek-a-boo style (I'm thinking "Hello Dolly!" and "Funny Girl" – just divine!) to a more avant-garde approach, featuring a lot more experimentation and use of exciting new materials and fabrics.

It's fair to say that even tutus became a bit of a revolutionary! Imagine if tutus were banned - heaven forbid! What would a ballerina be without a tutu? Just think, what a wonderful example this gave women at the time of fighting for their right to express themselves, even in their choice of clothing! And guess what, they did, through the evolution of tutus, through the dancing!

You can't discuss the sixties and tutus without talking about "The Nutcracker"! This was truly a magical experience! As the world's attention was fixated on space, this timeless story reminded us that beauty could be found on earth as well, with its beautiful music and storytelling. It also showcased a fabulous assortment of costumes and stunning tutus. From the sheer elegance of the Snow Queen's to the adorable sweetness of the Sugarplum Fairy’s, each tutu spoke volumes!

Imagine a tutu for each constellation! How lovely is that! A bit outlandish? You bet! Just the way we love it here at Pink Tutu!

Just remember that at the end of the day, a tutu is what you make it! In the spirit of the sixities, I say, be brave, be daring, and explore all that this magical garment has to offer! If a few sparkly, glittery sequins can make me feel so beautiful and free, imagine what it can do for you! It's more than just an item of clothing. It's a way to celebrate you and all the fantastic things that you are!

So go ahead, darling! Whether it's the Romantic Tutu with a little hippie twist, or a bright and bold colour palette that says you’re not afraid to shine, let the world see the glorious vision of YOU that lies beneath your perfect tutu.

As always, dear readers, please feel free to share your own Tutu Tales with us. I'm always on the hunt for inspiration. Don't forget to tag your photos #TutuTuesday and follow @pink_tutu.com to join our lovely community of fellow tutu-lovers. And remember:

It's never too late to embrace your inner ballerina and put on a fabulous tutu. Life's a ballet, my darlings, so go ahead, twirl on!

Stay beautiful, stay bubbly and keep those tutus twirling!

Love, Emma

P.S. Don't forget to follow my time-travelling adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. Every week, we take a peek into a new decade and explore the magic of the tutu! You never know where we might land next.

And because you love fashion and shopping as much as I do, darling, I've linked up a few fantastic shops with the latest designs to make your heart beat faster and your wardrobe even more exciting! Remember, it's all about celebrating the wonderful world of fashion! And the tutu is just a tutu-ly magical way to start!

(Here you'd include a selection of affiliate links to various shops selling tutus and ballet clothing, tailored to different aesthetics. You might add something light-hearted about how time travelling tutus can get you the perfect tutu for your adventures. Maybe something like "Time Travel Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for sudden bursts of confidence or for any overwhelming urge to spin! ;)").

I hope you've enjoyed this whirlwind of a #TutuTuesday. See you next week, darlings!