#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1971-08-03

Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller and chronicler of all things tutu! 🩰💖 It’s #TutuTuesday, so grab a cuppa (with a dash of pink sugar, of course), settle into your favourite chaise longue, and get ready for a fabulous trip down ballet history lane.

Today, we're stepping back in time to 3rd August, 1971! It's the first Tuesday of August and summer's in full swing. 🌞 The world is full of vibrant life and energy, just like my favourite shade of pink!

1971 was a momentous year for fashion. We were starting to see the influence of the counterculture, with vibrant prints and flowing silhouettes making a statement. And wouldn't you know it, those funky 70s styles played wonderfully into the world of ballet, giving tutus a whole new, exciting edge!

But let’s back up for a second and get our history right, darlings. After all, nothing's more embarrassing than mis-stating facts at a balletic soiree!

To truly understand the tutu of 1971, we need to trace its journey through time. It's all a bit like those glorious classical ballet ballets where one step leads into another, right?

1. The "Crinoline" Era

We start our journey with the origins of the tutu - imagine a large, billowing hoop skirt! This era started way back in the mid 19th century, giving us those grand, majestic costumes you see in depictions of ballerinas from the Romantic era. Picture swan-lake swans looking like fluffy, feathery, clouds of tulle, all thanks to those magnificent crinoline layers! 🦢

2. The "Romantic" Era

The 1880s brought us a new twist - tutus got more slender, with fewer layers, highlighting the ballerina’s shape. They began to embrace the beauty of form, emphasizing lightness and airiness, reflecting the rise of Romantic ballet and those ethereal fairy tales in movement.

3. The “Classical” Era

This era - starting in the early 20th century - solidified the tutu as we know it. Shorter skirts, lots of layers of tulle, a distinct shape, and a glorious sense of elegance! Picture a delicate snowflake settling down, but with graceful, powerful movement, a masterpiece of form! This was the era of those incredible dancers like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky! You know the kind who would mesmerize us in "Giselle" and “Swan Lake”, with their mesmerizing performances and intricate footwork.

4. The Modern & 20th Century Era

Now we get to 1971. We were definitely in the midst of change. This era saw the introduction of the “tutu” (or, shall I say, its re-introduction!) as more than just a ballet garment. The tutu moved beyond the dance studio! It popped up on fashion runways, street-style magazines, and even in the vibrant disco balls of the 1970s, embraced by a generation who embraced its whimsy and playful energy. The modern ballet world continued to embrace a range of styles - the neoclassical elegance of Balanchine, the daring, dynamic, experimental work of Pina Bausch - it was truly an exciting time.

Think about the iconic performance of “Le Sacre du Printemps” (The Rite of Spring). You can imagine those dancers in those layered, almost tribal-like tutus, making it a stunning visual masterpiece that made waves even with the most daring fashion icons.

So, the tutu of 1971 is a testament to its remarkable evolution, from the classic romantic tutu with its many layers of airy tulle to the contemporary, often bare, designs of modern choreographers.

Today, I’m taking a quick hop across the pond to the heart of it all - the Paris Opera House!

Paris, in 1971! It's buzzing with all sorts of incredible things. Just think of the beautiful boutiques lining the streets of Rue de la Paix, with exquisite fashion creations displayed in their windows. Every corner feels alive with a creative energy and a sophisticated chic that’s utterly contagious. Imagine swirling Parisian waltzes amidst grand staircases and romantic gardens! It’s a vision in pastel hues, with delicate details on the gorgeous fashion garments and breathtaking tutus.

We'll head straight to the Palais Garnier, the spectacular home of the Paris Opera Ballet. The whole theatre is like stepping into a glamorous dream with elaborate chandeliers dripping crystals and gold-leafed balconies looking down onto the stage. This magnificent palace of a theatre, designed by Charles Garnier, is steeped in history - the legendary Diaghilev Ballets Russes once took to this stage, making it a true centre for dance innovation and fashion trends.

And, of course, on this special Tuesday evening, it’s ballet night! They're presenting "Giselle," one of the grand ballets that perfectly showcases the classic tutus in action. I can already hear those strings of the orchestral strings creating such magic and romanticism, bringing the whole audience to a standing ovation as Giselle and her fellow ballerinas spin across the stage in their ethereal costumes, swirling around in a dazzling cloud of tulle and light!

I can’t wait!

Remember, tutus are like magic for our fashion senses! Let your inner ballerina guide you with these little tips.

1. Find a Tutu: Let’s find you that perfect pink tutu! Search through antique shops and costume boutiques. You might stumble across an antique beauty perfect for your vintage wardrobe. But remember, modern designs are also lovely. If you’re more into a contemporary, flowing, and flexible piece of attire, you can pick up some great styles online! There’s a tutu out there for every style, every body type, and every era, so don't give up!

2. Add a Splash of Pink: Whether it’s lipstick, nail polish, or your handbag, add a touch of pink to everything! You'll radiate elegance and sophistication with the most beautiful of colours. And, always remember, pink makes the world a prettier place! 💖

3. Live Like A Ballerina: Take a dance class, embrace a graceful walk, enjoy some ballet performances. Life’s too short for mundane routines when you can feel so graceful. It’s all about embracing those finer moments, dancing through your days, and adding a bit of elegant glamour to everything! And let me tell you, there is nothing quite as amazing as witnessing the grace, beauty and artistic excellence of a balletic performance - those amazing plies, pirouettes, and jumps, it’s all about achieving effortless beauty.

That’s it from me this Tuesday, my dears. I'll see you next week for another adventure through time with our trusty tutu as our guide! Remember, there's a ballerina inside each and every one of us waiting to break free! 💃💖