#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1970-10-20

Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back again for another edition of #TutuTuesday! I’m writing this one from a charming little café in Paris – ooh la la! It's been a while since I popped over to this romantic city, but as always, it doesn't disappoint. The aroma of fresh pastries, the delicate sounds of French spoken around me, the stylish passers-by – pure inspiration for a tutu-clad fashionista like myself!

Today we’re taking a trip back in time, all the way to the 20th of October, 1970. Now, let's get those pink-tinted glasses on and explore the history of the tutu…

This decade was a real hotbed for ballet – think bold innovations, new movements and oh, the costumes! We were moving away from the stiff, traditional, white tutus of yore. Think 'Gone with the Wind', think 'My Fair Lady' – the iconic image of the ballerina with that fluffy white cloud around her, shimmering and elegant.

However, in 1970, ballet was ready for a change. Choreographers and designers were exploring more daring and exciting looks. I'm talking a symphony of colour, a bolder, less restrictive silhouette. And of course, some stunningly elaborate headdresses, because a good hat never goes out of style! This period saw some truly unforgettable moments on stage.

Imagine it! A stage awash in swirling crimson red or luminous emerald green! The dancers gliding in vibrant, abstract designs that mirrored their movements with exciting freedom. This new, fluid approach allowed dancers to express themselves even more on stage – imagine, dancing like nobody's watching! It was all about freedom of movement and an embrace of the vibrant hues of the human form. It's no surprise that tutu designs were adapting to match this change in direction. Think movement and flair in equal measure!

Let’s talk about the actual tutu, my dearest! It was no longer just a simple skirt with layers upon layers of netting. We started seeing all sorts of intriguing forms. Gone were the long, fluffy romantic tutus, like clouds of powder puff and tulle, designed for stillness and floating beauty, to make every twirl feel effortless. 1970 gave us more angular, shorter styles, with bold and artistic cuts that let the dancers showcase their leaps, pirouettes and beautiful athleticism.

And can we talk about the colours, oh, my dear! Gone was the ivory-coloured uniformity. This was a celebration of bright and vibrant colour, an explosion of reds, oranges, pinks (my favourite!), yellows, blues and greens. Designers weren’t afraid to experiment and they took inspiration from every art movement you could imagine - from Art Nouveau to the bolder geometric trends of modern art. I'm picturing tutus in the shape of abstract waves, of dancing lines and geometric patterns that create visual magic!

This day marks a significant moment in the history of dance! The American Ballet Theatre debuted "Giselle" at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, showcasing an updated choreography from the iconic French Romantic ballerina, Carlotta Grisi's original version.

A timeless tale of love, betrayal and tragic loss, it was a big hit! It's amazing to see how ballet continues to reinterpret itself with each new generation! We can't forget the classic tales like "Giselle," and they still enchant us, yet new choreographers continue to create masterpieces that inspire us and offer a fresh perspective! A little dance history moment for you right there!

How about you?

Did you catch "Giselle" this year? It's always an emotional experience! This production has definitely left an impression. Maybe the tutu was not a revolutionary colour explosion but it’s a true testament to timeless dance performances, with the same level of drama and heartbreak that keeps audiences coming back for more!

What were you up to on this day back in 1970? Maybe your grandad was dancing the night away in a nightclub to the sounds of a band like "The Moody Blues" or you were at the cinema enjoying a big screen classic such as “MASH,” “Woodstock” or maybe you were home in front of the telly enjoying a good ol’ British TV programme.

Let's get the discussion going. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

For a fun look, think a beautiful shade of emerald green. Combine this gorgeous colour with some lace for that fairytale feeling! You’ll look beautiful twirling down the street!

Let's chat about trains. Who loves a good train ride as much as I do? I love waking up, gazing at the beautiful rolling countryside and feeling the gentle rhythm of the tracks beneath me. It's such a relaxing and peaceful way to travel. This trip from Derbyshire, across to France by train was fabulous! So stylish, comfy and allows you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and really be in the moment. It gives me a chance to clear my mind, relax, enjoy the views and just…think!

You can trust me - nothing compares to watching the scenery whizz past from a train window as you head to your next adventure. Where’s your favourite place to travel by train? Share it with me! I'm always looking for new adventures!

Oh, how I love a good shopping spree! You know the feeling. Just wander through the streets of a city like Paris with the latest magazines under your arm and that oh-so-sophisticated look. It’s the perfect combination of leisure and a little retail therapy!

After all, tutus are not only for the stage! They're a statement piece that can truly elevate any outfit. Whether you choose a tulle ballerina version or go for something with a bolder style and some shimmer - make sure you incorporate a dash of pink for maximum impact! And, remember, let your imagination run wild when it comes to your tutu!

Until next time, lovelies! Remember, every day can be Tutu Tuesday – just slip into a beautiful tutu and unleash your inner ballerina. You are fabulous!

Yours always,

Emma xx