#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1971-11-23

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina, and it's time for another #TutuTuesday journey! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the 23rd of November 1971 - a time when fashion was bold and colourful and tutus were, well, just as much a statement as they are today. 😉

Now, picture this: the crisp autumn air of Paris, the streets alive with the rhythmic clatter of cobblestones beneath chic Parisian feet. We’re nestled in a little cafe by the Seine, sipping our coffee, watching the world go by, and waiting for our exciting adventure. What’s today's ballet date? Let me tell you! It’s the opening night of "Giselle", at the legendary Paris Opera Ballet, a production so beautiful, it would send even the most experienced ballerina’s heart aflutter.

Can you imagine the anticipation? It’s what I call “tutu fever,” and believe me, this place has it bad! The air is buzzing with excitement for this night; the Paris Opera Ballet was, and still is, an absolute legend in the ballet world.

For those who haven't had the pleasure, "Giselle" is a real showstopper. It's full of dramatic dances, beautiful costumes (including those fabulous, twirly, classic tutus), and heart-wrenching emotion. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the tragic story of Giselle, a beautiful, heartbroken peasant girl who falls in love with a disguised noble.

Oh, how I just adore that dramatic finale!

Back in the 1970s, the ballerina’s costumes were something special – elegant and graceful, a truly romantic spectacle for all who attended. Those pastel colours and beautifully tailored tutus still send shivers down my spine today! They were crafted from silks, velvets, and satins. And they absolutely shimmered under the stage lights, drawing every eye towards those glorious leaps and graceful extensions.

Speaking of twirls! Can you believe there’s been a change to tutus even from then to now? This is the start of the shorter, less structured tutus you might have seen in ballet companies nowadays! So when I travel forward, you might just see the difference for yourselves! They weren’t just for ballerinas either! If you were a fancy-dress loving little lady, you simply had to get your own. Pink was the best colour then too, and there was a shop on every street corner selling adorable mini ballerina costumes - a total dream!

What makes today truly special, though, is the Ballet Russe. You may have heard of this famous dance company? A powerhouse of ballet, led by the talented Sergei Diaghilev! He really transformed the art of dance with his stunning shows! It was through these incredible shows, their costumes, the amazing dancers – the real starlets, darlings, *we're talking prima ballerinas! - that tutus were lifted to an all new level.

From then to now, the magic continues. Every time I hop on my magical ballet slippers and pop through a portal to a new time, I'm simply amazed by how the artistry and excitement of ballet stays alive, a time-honoured tradition for dancers and fans.

Don’t forget darlings! To keep our collective tutu fever going, keep following my ballet history blog every week. We've got a whole world of twirling to uncover and explore, right back to the birth of the tutu!

Until next Tuesday, let your love of ballet and the iconic pink tutu live on! Keep those dancing shoes polished, and I’ll catch you soon!

Love, Emma

P.S: For the real tutu fanatics, you have to see the Paris Opera Ballet. It’s a magical experience just as stunning as I describe here!

And now, for our fashion segment!

As much as I love ballet, my inner fashionista knows that our wardrobe is never complete without the perfect ensemble. And this week’s must-have item is a bold printed scarf!

Oh, the magic of these silky wonders! You can add them to every outfit from your everyday skirt to your go-to cardigan, giving a stylish and instant je ne sais quoi to any look! Think bold florals, geometrics or striking animal prints. A chic scarf is a statement accessory that lets your inner fashionista shine.

Let's find your perfect match! Now, imagine a vintage, Parisian café and that chic Parisian feel, don’t we love that vintage vibe.

Time to go shopping, ladies!