Hello darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday here on Pink Tutu!
As always, weâre waltzing through time, taking a twirl around the fascinating history of ballet tutus! Today, my fellow twirlers, we're skipping back to 1969-12-09, a date that definitely holds a special place in the world of ballet history, and indeed the world at large! It's almost hard to believe that on this day 54 years ago (can you even believe itâs been that long? Time truly does fly when you're surrounded by beautiful ballet and fabulous fashion!), the world held its breath as a moon landing took place.
We here at Pink Tutu, though, are completely obsessed with what was happening on the stage at that very moment, and I'm about to let you in on a little secret...
This week, dear readers, I decided to go a little further afield. Not just on the timeline, but physically too! My latest journey on the Time-Tutu Train, as I like to call it, landed me in⌠drumroll Paris! (Oh, I'm positively giddy just writing that, I love Paris.) You can just imagine the fashion, the theatres, the energy - just exquisite!
A History of the Tutu, Part Seven-Thousand-Nineteen-Eight
Anyway, back to our tutu-filled voyage. This week, our tutu history focuses on the absolutely stunning work of Rudolf Nureyev. This legendary dancer, (oh how I adore his effortless elegance! Remember the âNureyev & Fonteynâ ballet shows from back then?) was absolutely revolutionising ballet in Paris at the time! He was already a big deal at the time, obviously, (it was the '60s! Think colourful tights, long hair, free-love, and Nureyev. All glorious!) but his interpretation of 'Don Quixote' in December 1969 is the focus of todayâs Tutu Tuesday.
He didn't just perform, oh no! This revolutionary performer decided to really go for it. He changed the costume design of the entire production!
He knew that the tutu had to become something completely new, a new way to express itself. This particular Don Quixote performance happened at the Palais Garnier in Paris, a stunning theatre which really knows how to embrace beauty, as Iâm sure you can imagine, but itâs a far cry from Derbyshire, where my time-traveling adventures usually take me!
Oh, the magic! And all this on December 9th! Not just the biggest date in history, but a day that really impacted the way ballet, and fashion itself, was viewed by the whole world!
Imagine this - on a date that people all over the world are watching moon landing footage and trying to grasp this giant leap for mankind, Nureyev is twirling on a Parisian stage in a new tutu, inspiring the next generation of ballerinas with this iconic design! Talk about two iconic images that both signify change.
I donât even need to tell you about the colours! The vibrant, bold colours, and the absolute luxuriousity of these new tutus! Oh, and the lace, I practically melted! That lace⌠and all this in a simple classic tutu shape, and just slightly less traditional material!
Tutu Tuesday Trends - What Should You Be Wearing This December?
This, my dears, was a major game changer, especially here in London, the epicentre of the fashion world! London, as we all know, adores its tutus. This was also a major source of inspiration, which, funnily enough, is probably what brings me here, here, now, to talk to you about this magnificent historical moment.
So, here in modern day London we absolutely are embracing the long skirts of the ballerina! From silk skirts to cotton to the classic tutus themselves (maybe minus the layers and with a little bit less sparkle), I am really seeing this gorgeous ballerina trend take centre stage at all the best shopping spots in London right now, right now. Oh my god! This is where I truly find my element. We all need that extra bit of movement and flow. That magical grace that tutus represent - and frankly, who doesnât need some extra sparkle?!
London fashion, as Iâm sure we all know, is all about making a statement, even if that statement is to say âI donât want to be taken seriously at all!â You will see it here and there - this little touch of the 1969 Parisian âDon Quixoteâ â on the street, in our homes, and at the ballet shows we are all going to! (And if youâre not going to the ballet, please let me know, because I want to join you!)
A Trip to the Theatres!
London in December? We are all definitely going to be embracing those festive vibes! After all, it's the perfect time of year to enjoy the ballet in style.
Letâs talk theatre⌠December at the Royal Opera House? Are you going? What are you seeing? Iâm already picking out my Pink Tutu Ensemble. Oh the excitement! It will be a very busy and beautiful time at Covent Garden and everyone will be dressed to impress. As a special treat to ourselves, we can even try out this new âNureyev inspiredâ look by getting our hands on a stylish modern tutu. Or how about a chic and classy ballerina dress!
Fashion is one thing, and fashion inspiration is another⌠but real life dancing⌠that is what is going to keep me alive, until we meet again next week! Remember: The tutu is only just getting started.
*And if *you are taking this style seriously, tag #TutuTuesday so I can check it out on Instagram. Because darling, everyone, even you, deserves to wear a pink tutu! **
Love,
Emma x
