Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another thrilling journey through ballet history! Today, we’re skipping back to June 8th, 1971, a day bursting with ballerinas, beautiful music, and a splash of pink!
I must confess, 1971 wasn't the most exciting year for tutus. It was still very much a classic silhouette – think graceful lines, modest lengths, and an abundance of tulle. But, don't worry! I’m not going to let that stop me from finding some sartorial treasures for us to gush over!
My trip back to 1971 brought me straight to London, where the Royal Ballet was in full swing. This meant one thing: a chance to see a legendary performance of "Giselle"! Now, imagine this – a beautiful stage bathed in moonlight, a flurry of graceful movements, and the iconic romantic tutu! (I still haven't figured out how they get that iconic, swirling shape, but let's not dwell on technicalities! 😉). This tutu, a vision in white, featured an elaborate bodice and several layers of shimmering tulle.
But back to our time travel, darling! I made sure I wore my most exquisite pink tutu, naturally! The shops on Oxford Street were filled with the most charming frocks. A splash of floral patterns here, a touch of polka dots there. It truly felt like a time when people were falling in love with colourful styles – I must admit, I snatched up a couple of pretty patterns for myself! And guess what? They were still doing those wonderful "Mod" fashions that were so popular in the late sixties. Can you imagine! Mini-skirts, knee-high boots, bold geometric prints… my wardrobe has never been so excited!
What was going on with actual fashion? On this very day, June 8th, 1971, the British fashion magazine "Vogue" released an issue highlighting the work of designers like Mary Quant (a huge name back then!), Yves Saint Laurent, and of course, the very glamorous Ossie Clark. Oh, to have a peek into a time capsule filled with all the latest looks of the day!
Of course, no trip to 1971 would be complete without a spot of afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. We talked about ballet, the latest trends, and dreamt about the future of fashion! Even then, there were those who yearned for bold experimentation and innovative silhouettes. They were right to feel this way, darling! You see, this era was already setting the stage for the incredible diversity of tutu styles that would soon come into being.
For me, darling, this trip was all about the magical spirit of ballet. A reminder that true beauty doesn't fade with time, it simply changes and evolves. It's an art form filled with joy and wonder!
So, until next time, don’t forget to embrace your inner ballerina. It doesn’t matter if you're twirling in a full-length classic, a playful modern tutu, or a cheeky mini version, the most important thing is that you're embracing the tutu spirit of fun and whimsy!
Love,
Emma xox
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu adventures! And if you fancy some #TutuTuesday inspiration, hop onto social media and share your own twirling adventures. You know what they say… "A little pink never hurt anyone." (Except maybe for my bank account after I go shopping…) 😉
