Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday journey through the captivating history of ballet and, of course, the ultimate symbol of dance: the tutu! 💖
This week, I'm whisking us back to June 29th, 1971 - a fabulous time to be alive, filled with so much colour, music and exciting fashion trends. For my time travel adventures, I’m fortunate enough to rely on the magic of my dance performances. It's truly amazing to swap my modern tutus for period-style costumes, channeling the grace and beauty of those who came before me. 🩰
1971: A year of style, colour and movement
So let’s dive in! What’s so special about 1971 you ask? Well, it was the year of … a bit of everything, darling! Fashion was wild and wonderful - think bold patterns, bright colours, flares, jumpsuits, and platforms! Think of Diana Ross, ABBA, the Rolling Stones, and you'll be in the right spirit. 💖
But for us tutu lovers, it’s even more thrilling, as the tutu had undergone quite a transformation! The ultra-strict, rigid tutu styles that were prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were evolving towards softer, more fluid, and expressive designs.
Gone were the days of those hard, stiff, romantic tutus - now we saw delicate fabrics, flowing lines and romantic swirls! Just think of a perfect butterfly in flight! 🦋 And with the changing dance styles – think Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev at their peak – a new sense of expression emerged, and the tutu gracefully moved along with it.
Where did our time travel adventure take us?
This time, I found myself in a Parisian theatre. I absolutely adored the city – the chic shops and boulangeries…the art and the vibrant life – oh la la! 🤩 I managed to squeeze in a bit of ballet shopping, discovering the most wonderful vintage pieces and silk materials. It's important to note that the tutus of this period had to be incredibly lightweight as these iconic ballet designs involved some serious air-bound spins and leaps. So imagine all that dancing with silk, tulle and a healthy helping of sequins! 🌟
June 29th: Ballet Stars Under the Parisian Lights
Now, 1971 might have been a pivotal year for the tutu, but it’s also brimming with ballet memories! In that Parisian theatre, we had the absolute joy of watching the prima ballerina assoluta, the magnificent Margot Fonteyn, gracefully take the stage alongside her formidable dance partner, Rudolf Nureyev.
This was the kind of ballet experience you dream of! Imagine a hall brimming with excited whispers, anticipating the first note, and then… an electric hush as the curtain rose! 🤩
For a short but spectacular glimpse, imagine the famous “Black Swan” from Swan Lake. In 1971, ballet fans flocked to see this phenomenal pairing. To picture this historical event, envision those beautiful layered black tulle tutus floating in the air as Margot effortlessly executed those complex spins and pirouettes.
It’s one of my all-time favourite eras! It's about more than just dancing - it's about storytelling! It's a testament to the skill, passion, and grace of dancers who took their art to new heights. 💖
A little Parisian shopping spree!
The real joy of 1971, however, lay not just in the shows but in the bustling energy of the city. So I spent a glorious afternoon in the most wonderful fabric shop. Imagine shelves bursting with delicate tulle, silk ribbons in vibrant hues and all those glorious sparkly beads… just waiting to become magical tutus. 💖
Can you picture the most incredible tutu you’ve ever seen? It would be shimmering and soft, yet have an elegance and strength that could truly carry a story. The way those delicate tulle layers floated… pure magic! ✨
The perfect touch of French inspiration to give my very own tutu the ultimate makeover. The shopkeeper, a lady called Simone, told me the secret to creating these elegant tutus – the artistry involved! I imagine tutus were not only considered an instrument for dance but also for fashion! It was more than a costume - it was a wearable masterpiece!
Sharing the magic with the world…
As you all know, my dream is to see the whole world dressed in pink tutus – because they truly can lift anyone’s spirits! I believe the tutu is more than just a costume; it's a symbol of beauty, freedom, and joy. It reminds us to twirl through life with a smile, to be bold and express ourselves freely. 💕
Now, back to my modern world… and to all my tutu-loving friends, keep your eyes open for the latest trends!
We've come a long way from the 1970s, yet the magic of the tutu endures. So don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve, and twirl with passion!
Until next week, keep your pink tutus ready, and don’t forget to spread the love of dance with the world! 💕
*P.S. My latest tutus arrived from Simone, and I have the most exciting project lined up: an *en pointe fashion shoot with Parisian-inspired style! Stay tuned for some beautiful imagery and more history. ** 🩰
Emma x
