Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling fashionista, and welcome back to another week of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History. Grab a cuppa and a biscuit, settle in, and let's step back to August 19, 1969, a time when the world was filled with colour, a time when big hair and bright eyes were all the rage, and a time when ballet, oh ballet, was simply taking our breath away!
This week we're whisking ourselves to New York, where I'm actually writing this from – a fabulous penthouse apartment with the most spectacular view of Central Park. I do love me a bit of luxury and a fab location for #TutuTuesday.
We're a tad late this week, I admit. I got caught up in the hustle and bustle of a vintage couture fashion show yesterday. Such fabulous, frothy, voluminous creations, it was a dream come true! A little splurge on my credit card never hurt anyone though, right?
Anyway, back to our trip to 1969! The excitement in New York is truly electric, the streets buzz with energy, and, as usual, there's a flurry of exciting performances and events.
Firstly, this particular 19th of August is the very day that the New York City Ballet has announced a brand new season – just a smidgen of anticipation building here, you think? I’m certain there’ll be a fantastic array of new choreography, maybe even a chance to witness some of the grand dames of ballet themselves – Suzanne Farrell, Patricia McBride, and Kay Mazzo – what absolute beauties.
Speaking of new choreography, 1969 also marked the premiere of George Balanchine’s "Stravinsky Violin Concerto." What a powerhouse! His work, always so fluid, captivating and visually stunning. This one was described as “both classic and groundbreaking" – can't wait to see it! Balanchine’s work in 1969 cemented his position as a pioneer and continues to be an inspirational figure for dancers all over the world.
Did you know that at the Metropolitan Opera, "Madama Butterfly" is making a splash? Such a heart-wrenching piece, it never fails to tug at the strings of my emotions. Imagine a delicate, delicate butterfly… then imagine it being crushed. 💔 I love it!
It wasn't all about dance, you know! There’s an art exhibit of the American painter and sculptor John Marin happening, a showcase of abstract watercolour paintings – a bit modern for me, not my usual style but it certainly adds some intrigue to the week.
Of course, let's not forget that on the world stage, 1969 saw Neil Armstrong make that epic moon walk – it was huge, the most spectacular feat, and the fashion? oh, it was spectacular! A bit of retro-futurism here, you see?
But back to what really matters, dear readers – the tutus, of course! And oh darling, I've discovered a true gem on this trip!
Back in the swinging sixties, a young ballet designer named Karinska took the ballet world by storm with her incredibly innovative designs. Now, there’s something special about a tutu that can turn heads, make you gasp, and be absolutely awe-inspiring in its sheer elegance, right?
Karinska's work was something special – intricate details, luxurious fabrics, and bold colour. It was quite revolutionary at the time. Imagine, tutues were no longer confined to those restrictive, tight-fitting forms; she revolutionised the tutu, bringing movement and flow. I saw her take inspiration from the shapes of nature and transformed these forms into captivating designs. A testament to true creativity, don’t you think?
It was this fearless, expressive, almost whimsical quality, that transformed ballets around the world. You’d see Karinska's tutus at performances, on stage in London, Paris, and, of course, the New York City Ballet, with all their dazzling, and bold costumes.
Think of it, my lovelies, tutus with such magnificent volume that it made the ballerinas seem almost like fairies on stage, taking flight and twirling. The sheer artistry of her work truly is beyond compare! Just what I aim for – it’s the very essence of elegance, fluidity, and pure artistic flair!
Now, if I may, my dears – remember this little tidbit about tutus, that when I go on about their exquisite lightness, it's more than just a playful expression, they were also a practical choice – to highlight the dancers' elegance and grace, especially when you're watching them pirouette and jump on stage. I'm a ballerina through and through, and even if it's a big, fancy tutu, the most simple and understated, I appreciate their purpose, their very essence.
Now, I do hope I've not tired you all out, but I’m not done quite yet, my dear lovelies! Because there's one more thing – it is a necessity that I share with all you sweet, lovely followers! There’s something special brewing that I must share with you, it's about the ballet itself! We are on the cusp of change! Something so exciting it's just begging for attention! What, pray tell? Well, that’s all coming up in next week’s post, I'll let you stew on that for the next seven days, my sweet darlings. Until then, be good! Don’t forget, tutus are your friends! And for goodness sakes, try some pink! You won’t regret it. 💖
Love,
Emma.
P.S. I just found the most divine pink satin ballet shoes, I think they’re the perfect shade of pink, oh my god I’m getting myself some! #TutuTime.
