#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1970-11-24

Hello, darling tutus! Emma here, back with another dazzling #TutuTuesday instalment from my magical pink tutu-tastic time-travelling adventures.

This week, I’ve spun my way to November 24th, 1970. Can you believe it, loves? It was a heady time for ballet, and a truly iconic year for tutus! It’s time to don our thinking caps (or perhaps, our favourite headbands!) and explore the sartorial history of this most wonderful garment…

As you know, my dear readers, tutus are practically as old as time. They trace their origins right back to the elaborate, frilly skirts of the Renaissance and Victorian eras. Back then, they were worn by dancers in ballroom performances, a symbol of elegance and grace. Imagine, little fairies flitting across the stage, swathed in silk and feathers, bringing a touch of magic to the dance floor!

Fast forward a few hundred years, and the tutu’s journey continued. It was a Parisian who made history - the renowned dancer, Marie Taglioni, who donned a dramatically shortened, wispy tutu in 1832. This "Romantic" style of tutu (still with us today!) highlighted the dancer's form, allowed for unparalleled movement and became the hallmark of ballet, especially in productions like Giselle. It was a whirlwind of elegance and femininity that revolutionised ballet and gave dancers a brand-new vocabulary of movement.

Now, imagine, darling tutus, having the honour of wearing a dress so light, so graceful, it feels like you could take flight. That’s the magic of the Romantic tutu – a dream of lightness and a masterpiece of elegance.

By the early 20th Century, tutus began to be embraced by leading ballet schools worldwide, as well as major companies like the Royal Ballet and the Bolshoi Theatre. Their popularity simply soared, thanks to their unique ability to capture the artistry and the power of the dance. The tutus we see in these years are nothing short of dazzling, full of drama and artistry, creating striking visual compositions that embody the spirit of classic ballet.

And on that lovely November 24th, 1970, those majestic tutus continued to twirl on stages across the globe, spreading a message of joy, beauty and, dare I say, pinkness!

Imagine yourself, sweet tutus, on that November day in 1970. You’d find yourself mesmerized by legendary dancers showcasing breathtaking choreographies that made the tutu shine in its most iconic form.

Let’s have a little look at some of the key events in ballet history on this specific day in 1970, the year that gave us, among many others, “The Rite of Spring”, and “Don Quixote”, the story of the brave and mischievous hero!

• The Royal Ballet was thrilling audiences at the Royal Opera House in London, performing the elegant “Sleeping Beauty”. This majestic fairytale story, complete with enchanting tutus, captured the imaginations of audiences across the world, showcasing the exquisite grace of this form of dance.
• Meanwhile, at the American Ballet Theatre, they were captivating their own audiences, captivating the heart with the whimsical choreography of the exquisite “Swan Lake”, an enchanting story of betrayal and redemption that showcased the ballerina’s stunning skill in the pas de deux (that’s a two-person dance).
• Further afield, the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow would have been drawing in enthusiastic crowds, delighting them with a captivating ballet performance on that momentous date!

So there you have it, darlings. A trip back in time to 1970! Even though the decades change, the ballet remains a constant in our lives, an escape from the world, a moment to marvel in beauty, grace and beauty.

You can see it so clearly now, my sweet tutus, just how much the tutu has shaped the history of dance, how it’s inspired audiences and sparked a timeless love of this art form. It continues to evolve and reinvent itself, while keeping its essence: a dream of freedom, artistry, and elegance.

It is a powerful reminder, don't you think, to embrace your inner tutu? Every day can be #TutuTuesday – so step into the light, let your spirit soar, and celebrate your love for ballet and your own, unique expression!

And of course, don't forget to follow my adventures! Each week, I'm going to journey through time, delving into another chapter of the captivating history of the ballet tutu. So keep those tutus ready for more!

Until next Tuesday, darling tutus, let's dance!

Warmly,

Emma

P.S: For a taste of my favourite ballet inspirations, check out these magnificent dancers of our times – Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Sylvie Guillem and Margot Fonteyn, all dazzling examples of ballet’s graceful evolution. You’ll be swept away by their timeless artistry, even without a time-traveling tutu of your own! And do let me know if you've discovered any ballet inspiration from your favourite historical eras – we can take a twirl through history together!

And of course, the ballet performances that fund my time travel! Here's a preview of my latest schedule, where I’ll be showcasing my passion for dance to audiences in our own time…

• *22nd November, 2023 – *A delightful performance of “La Sylphide” – don your favourite white tutu for an ethereal night! (London, The Royal Opera House)
• *27th November, 2023 – *A powerful performance of “Swan Lake” – prepare to be entranced by the black swan’s dramatic power (New York, American Ballet Theatre).
• *3rd December, 2023 – *A captivating “Don Quixote” ballet. – Experience the magic of classic ballet and feel that fiery Spanish spirit. (London, The Royal Opera House)
• *6th December, 2023 – *A moving production of “Giselle”. This production takes me to an exquisite realm of magic and mystery, with captivating set design and truly expressive dancers – (Paris, Opera Garnier).
• *12th December, 2023 – * A special gala performance to celebrate my newest travel acquisitions. A dazzling spectacle with some of the finest dancers of the world – all culminating in a dazzling performance of “The Nutcracker.” The classic of Christmas ballet! (New York, Metropolitan Opera House)

See you soon, lovelies. Don’t forget your tutus!