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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1970-03-24

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 24th March 1970! 🩰

Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my lovely dancers! It's me, Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you off on another trip through ballet history! This week we're taking a delightful hop back to 24th March 1970, a date that’s ripe for a fabulously pink exploration.

As you know, I love tutus – every kind, from the poofy romantic ones to the sleek modern ones! But to really appreciate these marvels of fashion and function, we need to journey through time to understand how they evolved. This week’s post is number 7213 in my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History series - how exciting! I hope you’re enjoying them all!

Today, I've hopped on the train from my beloved Derbyshire – so many delightful station shops and tea rooms to find inspiration – and I've arrived in London, the epicentre of ballet in the UK! And oh my, isn't it thrilling?!

1970 is such a special year for the tutu. We're witnessing some major developments in the dance world. Think revolutionary choreography, expressive storytelling through movement, and tutus, oh, glorious tutus, re-imagining themselves with breathtaking fluidity and style! I just love watching the way fashion evolves alongside the art of ballet.

Now, did you know that the "tutu" as we know it, the super-short, super-layered beauty, really started gaining popularity in the mid-19th century? A perfect example of this is the ballet "Giselle," premiered in 1841. The delicate tulle skirts danced so effortlessly and expressively, a true vision of romance and passion. Imagine! I’d be absolutely delighted to pirouette in a tulle-layered "Giselle" tutu any day!

And, guess what? The trend took off in 1970. This period marked a period of radical innovation within the ballet world. Imagine, ballet was finding itself outside the confines of the classic, almost redefining its image! And the tutu was embracing it wholeheartedly. The short, airy style was becoming more prominent and even inspiring new choreographic approaches. Just fabulous!

But, the real thrill for me? I'm here in London because of the Royal Opera House! I just had to witness the excitement first hand! It's packed with extraordinary dance performances that showcase this beautiful era in ballet history. Today, it’s presenting a show of “Don Quixote”, by Marius Petipa! How amazing is that?!

My excitement about this incredible ballet performance? It's so easy to explain! Don Quixote is a joyous, energetic production with a touch of drama! The Spanish folklore setting adds a fabulous splash of vibrancy, perfect for inspiring those stunning swirling skirts we all adore.

Did I mention it’s on stage right now?! Well, it’s about to end. What a lovely afternoon!

I simply can't resist! I must have a look!

A Quick Look at the Fashion of 1970s Ballet

Back to the tutus. They weren't just following classical lines in 1970! Some ballerinas are sporting tutus with layers upon layers of tulle, creating dramatic, romantic visuals as they dance! Other dancers embraced a sleek, almost futuristic style! Just incredible!

There was this wonderful fashion magazine I picked up. You'd never believe what they were wearing at the same time! These designs influenced the shape and the style of the tutus and, boy, did they create a look all their own!

It seems everyone's gone a little bit crazy for bold patterns! Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and bright colors – all just stunningly beautiful! You wouldn’t find a tutu like that on the dance stage! It seems they are making a bolder statement off stage.

Imagine, a black and white tutu for a black and white modern ballet! Could we dream up a more dramatic piece of theatre! What a show stopper that would be! It just screams 1970s with all that edgy bold flair.

It's an amazing era for fashion and dance. Everyone is trying to find new and bold expressions! But nothing says a classic “Don Quixote” quite like a soft, romantic, tulle tutu with beautiful embellishments in shades of pastel.

My "Don Quixote" Inspired Pink Tutu

So, my fellow tutu lovers, if you want a fabulously retro look to match the grand "Don Quixote" stage show, I recommend:

  • A vibrant pale pink tutu, a shade to match a blushing sunrise or a petal so delicate and tender it’s ready to break. Think something with three or four layers, flowing with graceful femininity as you pirouette, like the wind caught in its folds.
  • A lovely, shimmering blush pink top or camisole, a luxurious statement that shines against that dreamy tutu.
  • If you are really wanting a 1970s flair pair it with a headband of sparkling pink or white flowers, or perhaps, if you dare, a dash of feather boa for an extra burst of whimsical energy! Just keep the colors pastel and light, for that air of romance, or black for dramatic contrast.

But it’s not all about those lovely pink and white color schemes! Bold, even shocking, shades of pinks and corals with contrasting bright colours, in fabrics with strong lines, make a huge fashion statement. If I had it my way I would wear them every single day of the week! I just love them!

Just imagine the beautiful movement these vibrant colors would give when combined with graceful pirouettes and delicate leaps, especially against a dramatic, classic, theatrical set like that of "Don Quixote!"

Where to See More "Don Quixote" and Ballet History!

The Royal Opera House is definitely the place to see ballet in 1970. I can see how important it was to bring classical dance to new audiences and break through traditional boundaries of classical performance.
How I fund my travels?

But my time travel, you say, that needs funding, doesn't it? Why, of course, you know, like I've said many times in my blog! I earn every penny with my dancing. I perform ballet, classical and street style, in all sorts of places - anywhere that has an audience! Theatres, open air concerts and festivals, wherever there's an eager crowd! Oh! And the odd time travel party – that's always a fun experience and a wonderful way to share my passion for tutus and ballet!

Well, I must be off! I've a show to prepare for tonight - what better way to learn about 1970s ballet than to get my dance on? And if you want to learn about history with me? Follow my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog at www.pink-tutu.com. There’s always more to discover, more beautiful stories about the dance that shaped history, and of course, plenty of tutus. And remember, it's never too late to put on a pink tutu and take a leap into the world of ballet. It's magical, empowering, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate all things beautiful, just like those beautiful pink tutus we adore. Until next time, darling!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1970-03-24