Hey gorgeous gals,
Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to travel through time, delve into the dreamy world of ballet, and of course, celebrate the wonder of the tutu! Today, we’re stepping back to the 20th of September, 1969, a day brimming with excitement, just like my fabulous pink tutu. ✨
I hopped off the train, arriving at the buzzing heart of New York City, straight into the groovy vibe of the late sixties. This year, my adventures led me to the New York City Ballet’s stunning production of "Agon," which premiered back in 1957 and was back by popular demand. Oh, and how wonderful the costumes were! Imagine, graceful ballerinas, gliding across the stage in shimmering gowns, and of course, those fabulously sculpted, modern tutu designs - truly groundbreaking for their time.
"Agon" is the sort of ballet that leaves you buzzing long after the final bow. A masterclass in movement, the piece had this wonderful energy - playful, witty, and truly captivating. Even now, the music by Igor Stravinsky dances through my head, and I find myself humming the catchy tunes whenever I get back in my apartment. But the most memorable moment, by far, was witnessing a performance of "Symphony in C," a work bursting with joie de vivre. It's pure joy, every pirouette, every leap, every pas de deux. This was ballet at its most exhilarating!
This decade was the dawn of a new era, a time of rebellion and creativity in dance as well as fashion. Imagine swirling mini-skirts, bold floral prints, and bell bottoms - fashion became an expression of personal style. It was no different in the world of ballet - tutus started to transform from those long, traditional designs, with ballerinas embracing shorter lengths, tighter lines and experimental materials. It felt so exciting to see this change unfold. It was a complete fashion explosion.
That evening, I slipped into a fabulous little diner for a burger and fries. There I caught glimpses of the iconic "Hair" - a rock musical on Broadway that was already capturing imaginations - and let me tell you, it really did set the scene for this era. Imagine, freedom of expression, bright colours, long hair - It felt as though a burst of creativity and excitement was everywhere, making my own style choices seem positively tame in comparison! But, that's what makes time travel so much fun, isn't it? It’s about taking in new ideas and inspiration from every era.
Talking of inspiration, after my American adventures, I made my way back to dear old Derbyshire, England, just in time to catch a showing of “The Turning Point”, the ultimate film that perfectly captures the energy of the late 60s ballet world. You know what I mean, darling?
I found it hilarious to hear about how everyone’s wearing bell bottoms. They’ve clearly caught on to that fashion revolution. In fact, my friend Polly just ordered herself a pair! Honestly, if I wasn’t worried about messing with the space-time continuum, I’d consider rocking some flared trousers myself. But, one thing's for sure: a fabulous, pink tutu is still my go-to look! And honestly, I think it would still work perfectly well in the 60s, with all those exciting, fashion-forward ideas going around!
Speaking of tutus, I recently visited the Royal Opera House Archives - you just HAVE to check out their fascinating archive! A peek behind the scenes gave me a truly brilliant view into the evolution of tutu designs through history. Imagine, all those glorious layers of tulle! There were ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and the divine Rudolf Nureyev. Just seeing the sketches for their costumes and performances got me positively giddy with excitement!
You know what, my darling readers? If you’re thinking about venturing into ballet yourself, you’re in for a treat! And while ballet schools might not be exactly as they were back in the 60s, I promise you, they’re just as glamorous, creative and thrilling. I still remember my first time at a ballet class back when I was a young girl - all those colourful leotards, bouncy ribbons, and of course, the graceful tutus. It was simply magic! ✨
Let's have a chat! Do you love tutus as much as I do? Are you inspired by fashion from the sixties?
Let me know in the comments below! And until next time, remember to spread the love for tutus, be fabulous, and don’t forget to embrace your inner ballerina! 💖
Until next Tuesday, Emma
Post ScriptumPsst... Did you know there's a delightful event this September that celebrates all things fashion, art, and creativity in our fair city? "London Fashion Week" it's called! Don't worry darling, I've booked my tickets, and I'll be bringing back some exquisite stories about the hottest trends from the world of fashion! Stay tuned.
