Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the wonderful world of ballet fashion in another #TutuTuesday post! Today, we're going all the way back to 1969-07-08! Can you believe it? Just a few short months after that big moon landing (which, as you know, I find totally fascinating - did they wear tutus?!). This week's blog is number 7176 - keeping track is hard when you're travelling through time, but I wouldn't miss my Tutu Tuesday for the world!
Now, the question is: What could possibly have been going on in the world of ballet on 8th July, 1969? Well, you'll have to stick around and find out, because I'm off to my usual vintage shop, trawling for another fabulous find for my collection. Speaking of finds, I got a darling new pair of ballerina flats at Harrods yesterday! Imagine a light blush pink, with delicate little pearls sewn onto the toe. Divine, wouldn't you agree?
But back to our history. 1969 was an interesting time, even in the realm of ballet. It was the era of the revolutionary ballerinas - those daredevils who took the stage with all-new forms of movement and style. Ballet was becoming even more thrilling than ever. In London, we saw some amazing new companies rise to prominence, such as the London Festival Ballet and the English National Ballet, which is always a joy to watch. And with new companies came, naturally, new tutus! Oh, the wonderful world of tutus!
Of course, even then the grand jetƩ wasn't the only form of dance going on. In the world of ballet theatre, they were starting to go mad for things like musical theatre, which always makes for such a wonderfully dramatic and entertaining stage experience!
But my time is limited, darling! Let's return to our journey to 1969-07-08, shall we?
It was a Tuesday. The skies were bright and clear, and as always, a gorgeous summer morning for ballet, donāt you think? The perfect time to go to the park, maybe practice a few piquĆ© turns on the grass, or take a class at the local ballet studio. The scent of freshly cut grass in the air was so lovely... the kind of feeling that you'd associate with a truly perfect summer day.
What could be happening in the world of dance on this particular day, in that gorgeous little slice of history? Well, just like a little whisper of the wind, this is what I found out - on the 8th July, 1969:
Royal Ballet season: The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden were nearing the end of their summer season, the culmination of a long and amazing stretch of ballet excellence! That year, the season was just bursting with colour and energy - all thanks to works like "La Bayadere" and the timeless āGiselleā. What a perfect way to enjoy a lovely summer's day in London!
A London Classic: A new play was starting its run, and guess who is the leading lady? It's my absolute favourite: Vivien Leigh! In āThe Prime of Miss Jean Brodieā, Leigh captivated audiences with a complex, witty performance ā a stark contrast to the light-hearted elegance of "Giselle", a reminder of the versatility of dancers, donāt you think? If anyone has a love for the history of dance, then they must add "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodieā to their watch list, if they haven't seen it already!
A Touch of Parisian Flair: While London was dazzling, across the channel in Paris, the ballet world was already prepping for the following year. On the 8th of July, the Paris Opera Ballet announced a schedule of programmes including a new ballet! "L'Apres-Midi d'un Faune", based on a famous musical composition, was going to be a big one! Can't wait to see this one! I hope I can go and visit soon! The fashion there always amazes me - especially in that chic Parisian style.
Now I know what youāre all thinking. Where on earth can a girl find a lovely tutu, ready for a delightful evening of dance? It can't possibly be easy to find an amazing vintage one like this one. Well, luckily, my friends, there are shops all over the UK where you can find amazing ballet items to recreate that 1969-70s fashion - or at least an incredible new outfit that matches the style. Maybe you want to find something more suited for modern performance. I'm going to be on the look out, though. Itās important to support smaller, independent businesses! And I hope you are too, darling!
If youāre inspired to learn some amazing dance moves for yourself or want to take ballet classes ā have a chat with your family! Dance classes are a perfect place for young and old, beginner or experienced dancers. It's the best place to build those beautiful dance muscles and a love of art and expression. Just try to find some lovely ballet music or find a class that is near you and try something new. It's really wonderful! And the best part is, they don't have to wear tutus for classes (although Iām sure theyād all look fantastic!)
Finally, dear friends, before I set off for another journey through time, let's go ahead and make today #TutuTuesday!! Pull on your cutest little pink tutus, grab some champagne (you deserve it after that trip through time!), and let's all celebrate the glorious world of ballet. Oh, and do send me your own lovely #TutuTuesday pics on social media!
Until next week, darling! Remember, you don't need a time machine to bring back a bit of that fabulous ballet magic - all you need is your passion! Keep dancing!
