Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things pink, frilly, and fabulously dance-tastic!
Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 15th September, 1970, a time when bell bottoms were all the rage, platform shoes ruled the streets, and tutus were twirling their way into the hearts of dance lovers worldwide.
This week, I decided to pay a little visit to the world of ballet and, oh my goodness, what a treat it was!
Landing right in the middle of a dazzling London premiere, I was absolutely mesmerised! The Royal Ballet was presenting a new production of "Giselle," a masterpiece of tragic romance that never fails to tug at the heartstrings. Imagine the scene: a beautiful theatre filled with anticipation, the soft thrumming of the orchestra, and the exquisite grace of dancers leaping across the stage. Each pirouette was a dream, every arabesque a whispered sigh. And, of course, the tutus - oh, the tutus! They were the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern fluidity, with layers of tulle that danced with the wind.
And speaking of tutus, 1970 saw the rise of a new generation of designers who truly understood the power of the tutu. Think Rudolf Nureyev, a renowned dancer and choreographer who, in a bold move, pushed the boundaries of traditional ballet costuming. Imagine tutus made of silk chiffon, flowing and ethereal, shimmering with silver sequins under the stage lights, the epitome of dance-worthy opulence. And let's not forget Margot Fonteyn, the iconic ballerina known for her effortless grace and expressive performance. Her stage presence was captivating, her tutus the perfect embodiment of her artistry.
After witnessing the magic on stage, it was time to delve into the bustling streets of London, and oh my, what a colourful whirlwind! I must admit, I couldn't resist treating myself to a couple of new tutus. One was a bright fuchsia number with playful layers and a dramatic bustle. The other, a simple but classic pale pink tulle creation that perfectly embodied the classic elegance of the time. The boutiques on Bond Street were bursting with beautiful fabrics, the air buzzing with the excitement of new fashion trends. It felt as though everyone was celebrating the freedom of expression, embracing bold colours, and twirling their way towards a brighter future!
I even hopped on a train and took a quick trip down to Derbyshire to visit my dear Nana. She was, naturally, quite envious of my adventures in London. Nana was a seasoned ballet dancer herself, back in the day. Her tales of life in the dance studios were quite captivating. She even pulled out some of her old dance costumes from a dusty box in the attic. They were quite fascinating to behold – the intricate embellishments, the delicate layers, and, of course, the iconic tutus, slightly yellowed by time, yet still elegant and full of charm.
Now, I know you're all wondering – how did I get to London in 1970? It’s a secret, darling! Let’s just say my performances have a knack for attracting a peculiar, yet undeniably generous, audience.
Remember, darlings, the history of the tutu is full of wonder and glamour. It's a story that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the joy of movement. So, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and keep that pink tutu spirit alive!
And remember, join me next week for another journey through time, another #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time,
Your time-traveling, tutu-loving friend,
Emma xo
