Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-traveling guide to the glorious world of ballet! As usual, I'm hopping aboard my trusty time-traveling train for another #TutuTuesday adventure, this time taking us back to a dazzling date – 23rd June 1970.
Oh, how the time flies! Today, I’m bringing you a trip down memory lane, straight into the heart of the era that defined what we know and love about ballet today. As usual, let’s start with a little dose of ballet history before we get on to our delightful 1970s adventure!
Did you know that the origins of the ballet tutu lie back in the romantic era, and can even be traced all the way back to the 18th century? That's right! They began as these wonderfully airy, tulle skirts – quite a lot shorter and wider than today’s tutus, as dancers back then often needed to be able to float around and execute grand leaps without tripping. Think romantic waltzing rather than the dynamic jumps and athleticism of modern ballet.
I love that little historical anecdote, because it shows how fashion and the artistic expression of ballet really go hand in hand. Our ballet outfits are more than just costumes, you see, they're pieces of theatre! Each twirl and each graceful move is elevated through a fabulous costume – it really adds a sense of magic, don't you think?
Now, imagine my delight when, in 1970, I get to witness the absolute pinnacle of a fashion-forward ballerina strutting her stuff! It was during this time that the tutu really started to blossom into the dazzling icon it is today! Remember how I mentioned the shorter, wider tutus? Well, this is when it began to get longer, creating those elegant, flared lines and that gorgeous sense of fluid motion. I swear, I almost let out a shriek in delight at seeing those amazing formations during the final grand pas de deux! It was practically a twirling dream come true!
Speaking of dreams, you must remember how ballet was just blooming in a huge way throughout the late 1960s. This year is a truly exciting one, and ballet stars like Rudolf Nureyev are taking the stage and captivating the world! Ballet really came into its own around this time. In fact, we have much to thank Nureyev for.
You see, Rudolf was one of the most influential figures of his time, he redefined male dancers' presence, changing it from something stiff and rigid into an art form of expression and raw emotion. I've had the pleasure of seeing a performance of his, and the emotions were practically tangible, they leapt off the stage! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime performance, the kind that leaves you in awe, filled with pure joy and emotion for the pure brilliance and grace of the performance.
But 1970 is more than just ballets and stunning dancers. I’ve even ventured to catch some contemporary dance this week, and, oh, it’s exhilarating! We have all this amazing, dynamic movements and, let's face it, a whole new type of wardrobe for the dancers to sport!
There's just something so exciting about these experimental and contemporary dancers as they perform right before your eyes! They're challenging boundaries and reinventing the art form, but don’t worry, they’re doing it all in the most captivating and beautiful way. I can't wait to see how they continue to push the boundaries of the art form in the future!
I am, of course, a firm believer that the joy of dance can truly be felt at any performance! But of course, as an ardent fashion lover, I have to give the ballet dancers credit for making every dance truly spectacular with their beautiful, expressive costumes. The way they move, how the fabric moves with them... It's pure magic, folks. Just as beautiful and magical as any princess's fairytale dress, don't you agree?
So, if you haven't done the most important thing in your life already, what are you waiting for? Join the pink tutu revolution, grab a twirl and step into the dazzling world of ballet. You never know, you might discover the passion, magic and passion of ballet in yourself! Until next time, remember to be bold, be yourself and be ready to twirl!
P.S. Speaking of pink tutus and bold choices... If you're in the London area, there's an amazing dance and musical performance this week. This truly magical piece is featuring a truly breath-taking and colourful wardrobe, a whole spectrum of beautiful and innovative costume designs – all created in some truly magical colour palettes. I highly recommend catching it!
Until next time, darling. Keep twirling!
Emma
