Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to all things Christmas ballet history, and guess what? This week we're heading back to 1968. It's the year that everything was happening - from the moon landing to the "Summer of Love". Oh, and a certain Christmas ballet you might have heard of took centre stage, too!
Now, you might think that the swinging sixties meant big hair, mini skirts, and a whole lot of glitter, and you'd be right! This was also the decade of fashion-forward ballet, with innovative designs and breathtaking costumes. I just can't help but think, had they known I would be time travelling to review these ballets, those incredible costume designers would have worked even harder! Just think: me, decked out in a dazzling pink tutu, surrounded by all this artistic brilliance! Sigh.
Speaking of pink tutus, Iām actually working on my street tutu ensemble. Think think-pink chic for the Derbyshire winter! Iām hoping to get some extra festive sequins and maybe a pair of oversized snowflakes to sew onto it. I am hoping for a lot of snowflakes. Think sparkly. Imagine a snow queen meeting a 1960s disco party in a pink tutu. Well, you're all welcome for the mental image! Anyway, back to the fascinating 1968, I must share some insights!
Christmas Ballet of 1968: A Classic Begins Its Legacy
1968 marks the year that a true classic, "The Nutcracker",, danced its way into the hearts of families everywhere! It was in that year that the New York City Ballet, with choreographic genius George Balanchine at the helm, revived Tchaikovsky's magical masterpiece and brought it back into the public eye, sparking the international "Nutcracker" frenzy we see today. It's unimaginable to think that we wouldn't be twirling our toes in the Winter Wonderland of The Nutcracker now, thanks to Balanchine and those who brought this beautiful story to life that year. Iām just a little itching to step onto the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy, but until that magical moment arrives, Iāll be watching, mesmerised!
On Stage: From Royal Opera to Avant-Garde Experimentation
While the world celebrated the rebirth of "The Nutcracker", there were some pretty daring developments in the ballet scene. Take the Royal Opera House, for example. Imagine! It saw the British premiere of "The Rite of Spring", which was already considered shocking in 1913! That year, the Royal Ballet even debuted a completely new work called "The Firebird", designed and choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton, celebrating his talent. And just in case you were thinking 1968 was all about traditional ballet, hold onto your tiaras! The Royal Ballet also took to the stage in āThe Invitationā, a new work by Kenneth MacMillan, exploring themes of loneliness and desire through powerful dance and super avant-garde costumes. Itās hard to imagine anything thatās truly "shocking" today in the world of ballet, especially after that era. We can't let it become too conventional, darling, so let's appreciate these pioneers!
Ballet Fashion of 1968: A Fashion Feast
This is so exciting, 1968 was such a fantastic time to be watching fashion in ballet. Letās start with the New York City Ballet, and oh, how glam it was. Think sleek silhouettes with a whole lot of geometric designs, paired with a stunning splash of bright colors. And you simply canāt talk about fashion without Maria Tallchief, the original Sugar Plum Fairy. Remember her dazzling pink tulle tutu and sparkling crown in "The Nutcracker" performance! The dress? A true fashion moment. This look set the stage for ballet's iconic costumes that remain today, and of course, still inspires my pink tutu collection. You just canāt out-fashion the original Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Royal Ballet, well, they certainly made an entrance with āThe Invitationā costume design. Imagine a ballerina gracefully taking center stage with long, flowing chiffon (oh, darling, imagine the twirling!) and a bold use of color, almost psychedelic, creating a look both dramatic and symbolic, reflecting the powerful themes of the piece.
1968: A year of incredible change, a time when a new generation danced their way into the heart of history. And a year that ignited a lasting passion for ballet, not just in the world, but in me too! This post is really about a celebration of ballet as an art form that inspires, shocks, challenges, and most importantly, excites our senses.
Donāt forget to pop on your most flamboyant pink tutu, put on some glitter and tell me your favourite fashion moment from the history of ballet in the comments section. And don't forget, you can always join me for one of my ballet street performances! Thereās something magical about a flash mob of pink tutus, donāt you think? Until next time, lovelies!
Stay pink and twirling, Emma.
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