Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-obsessed ballerina, Emma, here, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through the fascinating history of the tutu.
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us all the way back to 25th January 1972, a date forever etched in my time-travelling memory for the sheer magnificence of the ballet world. This week's post is number 7309 on www.pink-tutu.com - that's right, I've been blogging about tutus for ages! (Don't worry, my time machine keeps my wrinkles at bay. 🤫)
My journey began, as always, with a jaunty hop onto the train, my fluffy pink tutu swirling around me like a sugary cloud. It was a rather chilly day in London - you know, the kind that makes your cheeks rosy like the lining of a tutu. The cobblestones were slick, but the promise of a ballet performance always brightens even the dullest of weather.
Upon arriving, the vibrant hum of theatre buzzed around me like a symphony. I just love the electric anticipation in the air when everyone is eagerly waiting for the curtain to rise!
Now, onto the main event, the star of this time travel tale! 1972 saw the ballet world experiencing a bit of a revolution, if you will. While the traditional romantic tutus - the kind that flutters and froths like meringue - were still going strong, we were witnessing a new breed of tutus emerge.
I must say, even I, a devout lover of the traditional pink pouffy style, found myself completely smitten. These modern tutus, often called 'contemporary' or 'deconstructed', broke free from the rigid, flowing silhouettes. Think of a ballerina wearing an ensemble with layers of different textures and materials, like flowing silk, draped fabric, and even...gasp...leather! It was daring, edgy, and very exciting.
One particular performance I saw featured a ballet called "The Rite of Spring." Imagine - a ballet set to music that sounds like a stampede of elephants in a disco! The costumes? Breathtaking! They moved and flowed with the dancers, highlighting the choreography's sharp, bold movements. The fabric looked almost alive, and the entire performance felt raw and passionate - truly revolutionary for the time!
Even though the traditional, long-line tutu held a special place in my heart, these daring new styles were like a fresh gust of wind sweeping through the world of ballet. They were a celebration of modern design and showcased the beauty of the dancers' bodies in a new and exciting way.
It wasn't all about edgy, contemporary designs, though. The year 1972 also saw some spectacular performances by ballet legends like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, all in the traditional glorious style we know and love. Just think, those graceful twirls in fluffy white tulle, the exquisite pointed toes... truly magical!
And of course, as a pink enthusiast, I had to indulge in a spot of shopping in the city! A trip to Harrods, my beloved haven of luxurious ballet wear, was a must. Imagine, darling - tiers upon tiers of gorgeous tutus, each one more magnificent than the last!
And there it was, nestled amongst the traditional pink tulle beauties, a delightful little collection of these modern, revolutionary tutus. I tried on a few, and my heart danced with joy. The fabric felt like silk on my skin, and the bold shapes made me feel confident, powerful, and oh-so-stylish. I snagged a stunning black number with hints of vibrant violet, and I cannot wait to wear it on my next time travel adventure!
But let's get back to the 25th January 1972 - that wonderful, exciting date. What else was going on in the world, you ask?
Well, Richard Nixon was the President of the US. Can you imagine?! I still have to pinch myself to believe that one.
Elvis Presley, the King, had just started his final comeback tour - what a year for iconic music and style!
And speaking of iconic music, David Bowie had his first top ten hit in the UK. Bowie was such a trailblazer - daring and exciting! His influence on fashion and dance is just undeniable.
This journey into the past once again confirmed something I hold dear - that the world of dance and fashion is eternally intertwined. Whether it's the elegant swirls of a classic white tutu or the bold lines of a contemporary deconstructed style, they both have the power to enchant, inspire, and make us believe in the beauty of our world.
Now, I must rush off! My time machine awaits, and I have a whole galaxy of tutus to explore! Don't forget, my dears, to follow your passion and to always embrace the beauty of a good pink tutu!
Until next Tuesday, keep twirling! 💖
Your pink-tutu-wearing time traveller,
Emma
