Hiya darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind of history for your #TutuTuesday! This week, we're whisking you away to July 14th, 1970, a time when tutus were taking centre stage – literally!
Now, I must confess, 1970 wasn't exactly the peak of the pink tutu's popularity. It was all about bold colours and daring silhouettes then. But, believe me, the pink tutu was still a beacon of elegance, a whisper of fairy-tale magic, just waiting for its big moment. And it would arrive, don't you worry!
But, first, let's travel back in time! I'm picturing myself stepping out of a shimmering, lavender-coloured steam train in a bustling London, heading straight to Covent Garden for a grand evening at the Royal Opera House. I can practically hear the tutus swishing on stage! (And hear my credit card screaming – ticket prices were sky-high back then!).
A Glimpse into 1970:
On this very day, July 14th, 1970, the world was holding its breath for the upcoming Apollo 13 mission. Space travel was still so exciting and new! But, here in my beloved England, our eyes were on the stage, captivated by the grace of ballet.
1970 saw a flurry of amazing productions – "Giselle" and "The Sleeping Beauty" graced the stage, and who can forget Rudolf Nureyev? He was the absolute epitome of balletic brilliance! Now, imagine those graceful leaps, the fluid movements, and the beautiful music – all within the frame of the magnificent Royal Opera House. Shiver! Just thinking about it makes me want to practice my pirouettes.
Tutus, Tutues Everywhere:
Now, about those tutus! 1970 was a period of transition for ballet fashion. Think of it like an exciting mix of classic and contemporary. Traditional tutus, crafted in the quintessential ballet colours of white and black, still reigned supreme. Imagine a beautiful princess, a delicate tulle skirt billowing around her – pure enchantment!
But, you know me, I always seek out the extraordinary! For the true taste of vintage style, think about the romantic tutus. Imagine soft layers of shimmering fabrics, all pastel hues, perfectly embodying the graceful elegance of the ballerina. Oh, those tutus! They are simply divine.
Fashion, My Love:
Even then, a good ballet performance wouldn't be complete without a dazzling dose of fashion. Think of the flamboyant hats, shimmering jewels, and, of course, a stunning selection of ball gowns. Every elegant gown was a work of art, and a glimpse into the extravagance of the era!
This fascination with beautiful fashion even influenced the design of tutus themselves. A sense of art deco became apparent in some tutus, adding geometric shapes and even beads, creating something truly spectacular! Who needs a spaceship when you have this?
Tutu, Tutu Everywhere:
To find a truly stylish tutu back then, you needed to know where to look! Some London shops offered a magnificent selection – a dancer's haven of luxurious silks, ribbons, and fabrics that would make any ballerina swoon. You know I just had to take a peek (and probably purchased a new tutu or two...it's always for the blog, I promise!)
You can still find vintage ballet tutus tucked away in vintage stores and markets. But remember, treat those pieces like precious jewels, handle them with care.
Ballet is for Everyone!
Just like today, ballet back then was for everyone! Whether you were a dancer, a fan, or just a casual enthusiast, the beauty of the art form resonated with people from all walks of life. It didn't matter if you wore a tutu or a pair of jeans – everyone shared in the magic of ballet.
Speaking of sharing, I'm going to encourage everyone, everyone to give the ballet a go! Find a local ballet class, put on a tutu (or just your best outfit!), and let your inner ballerina shine! And if you're not sure where to start, well, why not try on a pink one?! It's time to unleash your inner sparkle, and remember: You're beautiful!
Until next week, keep your chin up, keep dancing, and keep it pink, darlings!
With twirling love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
