Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my darling tutu-lovers!
It's Tuesday again, which means it's time to travel back through the shimmering history of tutus with me, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling guide! Today's adventure whisks us to a fascinating time, just over 50 years ago – the 19th of January, 1971! Oh, wouldn't you love to see a ballet show from that year? Just imagine the elegance and the spectacle!
Now, before we dive into the wonderful world of tutus from 1971, a little bit about me, if you’re new around here. I'm Emma, and I'm a huge ballet enthusiast. Like, huge, huge, as in "I want to wear a tutu every single day" huge. It's the twirling, the grace, the expression, the sheer beauty of it all! And that, my friends, is why I travel through time to discover the history of our most iconic piece of dancewear. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a tutu in all its glory from centuries past? It’s not easy juggling a career as a travelling ballerina with funding my own adventures, but that’s what we do here. I'm living the dream, one pink tutu at a time! I'm a huge believer in making life as beautiful as possible. After all, if we can't have fun in a fluffy pink tutu, what's the point, right? 😉
I've learned that there’s something undeniably magical about this period, the early seventies. It was a time when "rock and roll" was the talk of the town, big hair reigned supreme, and, you guessed it - the tutu was as popular as ever! Just a quick fact for you: that means I’m heading to a major ballet hub! You know my penchant for a lovely theatre.
Okay, so this particular day wasn't a major milestone for tutus in particular. It wasn't a premiere of a new ballet, no grand, sweeping fashion announcements for ballerinas. However, a little peek at the history reveals some major highlights around this time that have shaped the world of the tutu as we know it:
The Romantic Ballet era is well in full swing – a period that transformed the tutu into what we know today! Those sweeping layers of tulle – ooh, the extravagance!- we have the Romantic period to thank for that. It really established that floaty, dreamy, delicate look we associate with the ballerina.
The legendary Swan Lake is making waves. That famous Swan Lake with its haunting music and graceful ballerinas - it was first performed in 1877, and it's one of the greatest contributions to the evolution of the tutu. The iconic white tutu of Odette/Odile has become almost a symbol of the art of ballet. That dress has it all! It captures beauty, drama, transformation.
In 1962, Rudolf Nureyev, the ultimate rebel of the ballet world, made his American debut – Talk about a cultural sensation! He blew the minds of ballet enthusiasts! He embodied charisma, a vibrant, fiercely independent, exciting approach to ballet. His performances ignited a passion for ballet that was impossible to resist.
And in the world beyond the stage... the 70s was also a decade of experimentation with new fabric blends - remember how all those new, wonderful polyester fabrics came into play. I can see a bit of the new fashion trends in tutus!
Oh, I forgot! We can't forget a few lovely events in 1971!
• * January 24th: the Metropolitan Opera presents Aida! Can you believe? The drama! The majesty! A beautiful opera. My love for the beauty of performances is never-ending.
• * February 13th : There's the world premiere of the Man from La Mancha at the National Theater. I love a good stage show! I do like some good quality theatre! That’s the wonderful thing about this era, right? A wealth of creative expression, the arts blossoming everywhere, making the world that much more delightful.
Now, here’s what’s really exciting! While tutus haven’t gone through a radical revolution in 1971, what has transformed the ballet world are these exciting things. Firstly, The National Dance Act is in the process of being drafted in the US. A big step forward for the accessibility of dance, just the boost the art needs! Secondly, there are ongoing conversations about professionalizing the dance field. We need a good foundation to really showcase ballet! The world’s ready for it, you can see that! And finally, you might not believe it, but it’s true! 1971 was the year the American Ballet Theatre* came together in their new format. Oh the iconic steps of the American ballet scene! Isn’t it just beautiful?
Here’s the most important point of all about tutus during 1971, they were continuing the fabulous trajectory they’d started.
You see, just as each individual dancer has their unique style, each period in the history of dancewear is marked by its own unique flair, its own stories of experimentation, elegance, and change. My travels, each Tuesday, tell stories, tales, insights about a timeless dance fashion staple – a dress so full of stories and evolution, the humble tutu! It’s been captivating the world, and captivating me with its history since its first appearance in the world.
Okay, let's talk about a topic super close to my heart, the "ballet on the streets" movement. 1971 wasn’t a stranger to a little fun street fashion either. And yes! The trend was becoming much more common. In 1969, the Ballet Company in New York performed on the street with a whole crowd of New Yorkers surrounding them. *Now, wouldn't you love to witness that first hand? * I just adore the vibrancy! Imagine, people dancing and enjoying the spirit of the tutu right in the streets. That was truly revolutionary for ballet and tutu styles!
My sweet friends, the legacy of the tutu lives on, ever-evolving with each new ballet and dancer. As for me, I'll continue to take you on this journey! Until next week, I hope your week is filled with lots of pirouettes, pretty pink things, and of course, twirls galore!
I’ll see you here next week.
Lots of love,
Emma xoxo
P.S Don’t forget to tell all your friends to check out my blog, www.pink-tutu.com! The more the merrier! I’d love to see the whole world in pink tutus! #TutuTuesday #pink-tutu #EmmaInThePast #7256 #BalletHistory #TimeTravelBallet # Ballet #PinkTutusForEveryone #OnwardToTheNextAdventure
