Hello darling dears, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another magical fashion journey. This month, I’ve zipped through the shimmering portal of time to a very special date: September 9th, 1960. Oh, the leotard excitement!
I touched down in New York City, feeling a tingle of anticipation in my pink-sequined toes. It was the eve of a truly fabulous event, one that had me fluttering with excitement even before I stepped off the shimmering time-travelling leotard!
My arrival coincided with the opening of "West Side Story", a musical masterpiece that brought a powerful and modern twist to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet". It was a true phenomenon, electrifying the nation with its stunning choreography and raw emotion.
As I made my way to the stage door of the Winter Garden Theatre, I was transported back in time by the hustle and bustle of New York in 1960. It was a world of sleek car designs, elegant hats, and skirts swinging above chic pumps. My pink tutu twirled with joy!
The moment I stepped through the theatre doors, I was embraced by a wave of anticipation. The energy was palpable! The auditorium thrummed with chatter, whispers of excitement bubbling around me. A chorus of voices hushed as the lights dimmed and the iconic overture began to fill the theatre.
West Side Story was more than just a show, it was a revolution in dance. The choreography by Jerome Robbins, with its blend of ballet, jazz, and street dance, truly felt alive. It pulsed with energy, with every move carrying an emotional depth. It’s no wonder it continues to inspire dancers around the world!
As the curtains closed on the final scene, I felt a surge of creative energy, inspired by the beauty, power, and raw passion of the performance.
It was a performance that showcased a unique blend of dance styles, and it made me think about how fashion reflects our ever-evolving dance forms. As I twirled through the streets of 1960s New York, I felt a rush of joy, surrounded by an aura of change and exciting possibilities.
Fashion Finds from the '60sWhile West Side Story showcased the dynamic styles of modern dance, let's take a closer look at the fashion trends that were capturing the world in 1960. This was the decade of the “New Look”, ushered in by the legendary Christian Dior.
The year was one of streamlined elegance and a timeless feminine silhouette, with structured waists, flared skirts, and sleek A-line shapes. Capes, berets, and oversized collars were must-have accessories for women seeking a chic and stylish look.
This period saw a surge in bright and bold colours, embracing all things pastel pink. Floral prints and polka dots added a touch of whimsy and playfulness to garments, reflecting a carefree and joyous attitude towards fashion.
Nylon stockings were a wardrobe staple, with pumps and heeled slingbacks proving to be the shoe of choice for ladies who wanted to add a touch of sophistication to their ensembles.
Speaking of ensembles, the humble leotard was having a moment! While ballet classes embraced the sleek lines and comfortable stretch of this dance essential, it was also becoming increasingly popular in casual wear, especially for leisure activities and sports.
And for all you leotard enthusiasts out there, I have a little nugget of exciting fashion history to share: September 9th, 1960 marked the launch of the revolutionary Spanx brand, though not quite yet in its infamous shapewear form. At this time, the brand started as Malls Inc, focusing on a single innovative product - pantyhose with built-in "control tops". While their iconic shapewear was a couple of decades away, this innovation made history as it revolutionised undergarments and the way women perceived body shaping. It's no surprise that Spanx remains a major fashion force, and one of my own favourite brands.
Pink Tutu ThoughtsStepping back into my pink shimmering leotard, I find myself reflecting on the power of dance, the creativity of fashion, and the unwavering belief that everyone can be a ballerina, regardless of where they are on their dance journey! This year marks the 60th anniversary of West Side Story, a musical legacy that still inspires audiences today.
The trends of the 1960s embraced the feminine silhouette with elegance, embraced bold colours with optimism, and allowed the leotard to move from dancewear to a casual style favourite. There are so many fashion treasures to be found when you travel through the history of the leotard.
So what’s the verdict? Well, it’s no surprise that September 9th, 1960 was a date packed with exciting and glamorous fashion!
Don’t forget, darlings, you can catch my next Pink Tutu Travels post on www.pink-tutu.com! Until next time, keep those tutus twirling, your spirits soaring, and embrace the joyful energy of the world around you.
Yours truly, * *Emma
