Hello dearies! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! 💖 This week, we're waltzing back to the 5th of May, 1970, and oh boy, is there some seriously fabulous fashion history to explore! ✨
Now, I know what you're thinking: "1970? That's practically a lifetime ago, Emma!" But believe me, darling, tutus were still strutting their stuff in a big way! 💃 While we might think of the iconic, fluffy tutus we adore today as a classic, they were actually still a relatively new concept in the '70s. You see, those traditional pancake-like tutus with their layered tulle and all the frills – they were a bit more revolutionary back in the day!
Just imagine: a world where ballerinas weren't flitting around in those gorgeous, voluminous tutus! 🤯 That was pretty much the reality for much of ballet's history, actually.
And I’ve gotta tell you, this week’s #TutuTuesday has made me realize just how far we’ve come in our love affair with tutus. 💖 I found myself completely enraptured by the vibrant fashion choices in 1970 - all the bold colours and fun textures! It made me wonder…what was it about this particular year that ignited a new wave of tutus and made them a real phenomenon?
Well, darlings, as much as I love a good mystery, we all know a lot of history is written in the pages of fabulous fashion. 😉 So, I decided to head to London (don't worry, my travel funds are still flowing in, thanks to a smashing performance by the Royal Ballet - they were doing an incredible rendition of "Giselle" - totally worth the journey to see!), and hit the shops and archives for some vintage style research! 🛍️
Now, picture this: The streets of London were a whirlwind of bright colours - vivid greens, burnt oranges, and a sprinkle of daring yellow. 🍋 It was a time of vibrant creativity, pushing the boundaries of fashion. But amidst all that stylish chaos, one thing was clear - tutus were on the rise! 🎉
You see, ballet was really catching on in the '70s. Not just the traditional classical ballet we know and love, but contemporary ballet as well. Dancers like Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Margot Fonteyn were becoming household names, sparking a newfound fascination with dance in everyday people. 💫
But even beyond the theatre, there was a certain je ne sais quoi about tutus that had the fashion world hooked. Their elegance, their fluidity, their undeniable femininity... tutus became an irresistible symbol of the free spirit that was emerging during the era. 🌸 Think of a glamorous yet understated Audrey Hepburn in "Charade" or the vivacious style of Twiggy – the world was ready for something a little bit special, a touch of the fairytale, and tutus delivered that perfectly!
Speaking of fashion, let's dive into the 5th of May, 1970, itself! Imagine stepping out of the Tube station, and the crisp morning air, infused with the smell of spring. Everywhere, you’d find women donning bold, playful pieces: geometric patterns, A-line dresses, bell bottoms, even the beginnings of the platform shoes that would dominate the 70s fashion scene! And what would complete a fabulous, eye-catching look for a night on the town? A tutu, of course! 💅
The "London Look" of the early '70s really embraced the "less is more" approach, and that meant a minimalist silhouette with a playful splash of colour and movement – a tutu fit right in! It added a layer of fantasy and graceful extravagance to every outfit, and there was simply no stopping this tutu takeover! 🤩
Think about it: tutus became an instant upgrade. They could be styled for anything! Over bell bottoms for a party, over a simple tunic dress for a casual daytime look. The beauty of a tutu was its adaptability - you could make it your own! And darling, with fashion as varied and dynamic as in the 1970s, a tutu was always a welcome addition to your wardrobe. 💕
For our #TutuTuesday throwback this week, I’m totally tempted to ditch the classic, puffy tutu in favour of a lighter, more fluid, style. 🤸♀️ Perhaps a little ruffled, vintage piece, reminiscent of the carefree spirit of the '70s, or even a stunning pair of flowing, tiered chiffon skirts! Now, where can I find some delightful vintage pieces...? 😏
In conclusion, the '70s truly was a golden era for tutus. The world was captivated by ballet, and this glamorous piece of fashion became a symbol of free-spirited style. And don’t think for a second that tutus haven’t gone on to even bigger and better things since! They've become a ubiquitous fashion staple, adored by fashion designers, loved by dancers, and celebrated on catwalks around the world! 🎉
So next time you spot a tutu on the streets, on stage, or even in your wardrobe, give it a moment’s thought, darling. That little puff of tulle may have its roots in a simpler, elegant past - but its appeal is definitely still timeless! ✨
Oh, and don’t forget to keep the conversation going! What do YOU think of the '70s style? Have you ever worn a tutu for an outfit? Tell me your tutu tales, darlings, and remember…every day can be a #TutuTuesday, no matter what the calendar says! 😉
See you next week! Love, Emma 💖
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Post Number: 7219
