Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to a fabulous era of dance and fashion.
This week, I've set my time machine to November 2nd, 1971, a date brimming with exciting developments in the world of dance! I can already feel the glitter and twirling in the air! 😉 We're taking a trip back to the magical land of New York City, the heart of ballet in America, where a true dance icon, Rudolf Nureyev is giving a special performance. Talk about a true fashion moment, ladies! He's as much known for his exquisite technique as his sartorial flair. Imagine a tutu-clad dancer, all silk and shimmering light, gliding across the stage in the very heart of the city that never sleeps! I am just so excited!
But before we step into the theatre, let's chat about fashion! What were the ballet tutus looking like back in '71? I must tell you, my dears, they're quite a contrast to the bold styles we see today. It's a delightful journey into history! This is the period when Romantic ballet was really taking off, and its grace and elegance is reflected in the designs. Think soft, flowing fabrics with a romantic air of airy lightness, reminiscent of an angel in flight! These ballerinas were, in a word, divine!
But tutus weren't confined to the stage, no my darlings! These graceful garments had already begun to step off the theatre floor and onto the streets. Remember, this was the era of the free spirit! And even though our styles have changed a bit since, that passion for expressing ourselves through fashion has stayed. I love how we can mix things up, take inspiration from the stage, and turn it into something completely our own! A tutu with your favourite top, a flowing skirt paired with a sparkly jacket… it’s a look I am definitely recreating today. It's all about being yourself, being daring, being fabulous!
Oh! Speaking of fashion and fabulous looks, what’s on this day, you ask? This particular November 2nd is the day the glamorous and very talented Margot Fonteyn is giving a performance at the Royal Opera House! It’s just a hop skip and a jump across the pond to get there. If only I had my time machine, I'd be there right now!
It’s the same year that the stunning dancer Gelsey Kirkland, who made a real splash with her graceful performances and controversial stories of life as a dancer in the late sixties, starts teaching a ballet workshop, which just goes to show how influential these legendary women have been on the evolution of dance and the ever-changing dancewear styles we see today!
Of course, as you all know, a fashion journey is always best with a touch of historical insight, so allow me to paint a little picture for you. Think swirling hairstyles, intricate and beautifully embellished clothes. Imagine ballet shoes meticulously crafted from the finest leather, carefully crafted to help ballerinas dance with elegance and lightness! These shoes would have taken days to perfect!
Back to 1971 and the glorious performance of Rudolf Nureyev, what an incredible day to experience! The thrill of the ballet, the excitement of the crowd, the exquisite skill of the dancers, and the wonder of watching their costumes twirl with them. Now THAT’s what I call a good time! It's an incredible era of fashion, passion, and incredible dancing talent, so why not delve into the stories, watch some iconic videos, and recreate your favourite ballet styles at home? I know I will!
Don't forget to keep an eye on the blog for more #TutuTuesday journeys through ballet history! There's always a new fashion story, a dance secret to discover!
Till next Tuesday, my loves! Keep on twirling! 💖
Emma x
