#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1972-03-28

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday - my weekly deep dive into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu!

I'm your favourite time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, and today we're going all the way back to March 28th, 1972! Can you imagine, my dears? No internet, no iPhones, no TikTok! Instead, there were grand ballrooms, flowing silks, and the most captivating ballet performances you could imagine. Honestly, a part of me wishes I could go back! But for now, I'll have to be content with reliving it through history!

I know, I know, you're wondering what exciting event could have taken place on this momentous day, right? Well, darling, we're taking a little trip to Paris! And when I say trip, I'm talking about a journey on the Orient Express, with champagne, velvet seating and enough time for me to admire the absolutely fabulous selection of Parisian chic in my window seat.

You see, on this day, the Parisian Opera Ballet presented their "Gala de Danse" which celebrated the career of Margot Fonteyn. You may be thinking "Who?" my dears. Well, hold onto your tutus, because this legendary ballerina, is a woman who quite literally changed ballet history!

Known for her graceful movements and exquisite artistry, Fonteyn graced the stage for almost 50 years. In her career, she starred alongside the best ballet dancers of her time, from the iconic Rudolf Nureyev, the dazzling Mikhail Baryshnikov, to the legendary Erik Bruhn!

But, back to our March 28th celebration! The Gala brought together the finest dancers of the day in a breathtaking performance. There were classic ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle, plus new choreography by the legendary Roland Petit! It must have been absolutely breathtaking!

Now, the tutus! Oh my darlings, those must have been divine! 1972, still the golden age of traditional tutu designs, so picture romantic, sweeping tulle tutus and the glorious flowing skirts, in elegant white or maybe a vibrant blush. You just imagine the effect of all that movement and shimmer under the stage lights! Pure magic!

Even though the tutu may have looked traditional, Fonteyn and the others brought an unparalleled passion and technical artistry to their dancing. You could practically hear the hush fall across the audience as she danced. The audience must have felt mesmerized.

So, why is this important for us #TutuLovers?

Firstly, Fonteyn was a legend. You can't talk about ballet history without mentioning her. But second, this was a showcase for the beauty and the power of classical dance, and tutus are central to that performance. They symbolise femininity, grace, and elegance – the very essence of what ballet represents. And let's be honest, even if I hadn't been obsessed with them since I was five, just seeing those tutus, floating across the stage in Paris… how could you not fall in love?

But it's not just about traditional tutu design, dears. It's also about celebrating these phenomenal dancers! These were the trailblazers, pushing the boundaries of what we consider beautiful, elegant, and possible.

Speaking of pushing boundaries, dears! Have you heard of Ballet for Everyone?

I absolutely adore watching this. Here in the 70s, there’s a fabulous movement sweeping through the world of dance, and you've got to see this! It’s the incredible dancers pushing against the old ways, they're bringing in a bold and expressive way of ballet. You're talking a revolution in how the dancers moved their bodies! I tell you, it’s completely fabulous!

There are now ballet companies all over the world performing with exciting and innovative choreography. Ballet is becoming much more diverse and dynamic!

Of course, my dears, I couldn't talk about this historic ballet moment without some wonderful fashion inspiration! Just like today, the audience in 1972 dressed up for the occasion! So many gorgeous gowns! Just like that beautiful image of Audrey Hepburn floating down the stairs in Breakfast at Tiffany’s! But here, the colour of choice would be the colour of elegance, you guessed it, PINK. The men in suits, and ladies in soft pinks, lilacs, or sky blue, and don't forget the glamorous jewels! Imagine how spectacular the entire scene must have been, darling! The glamour, the beauty, and, of course, those stunning, unforgettable tutus!

This is exactly what inspires me, my dears, to share with you this rich ballet history, especially my #TutuTuesday blogs! I simply love how a few yards of tulle and some well-chosen fabrics can become such a magnificent and inspiring piece of theatre art.

And if you need even more inspiration, darling, I'll tell you where you can find some gorgeous tutus. Miss Lily's Tutus in Derby! This is the best shop, dears! I’ve seen some absolutely stunning tulle options for the aspiring ballerina, as well as the vintage ones for a real-deal touch of Parisian magic. If you are going to a ballet or fancy dressing up, I recommend you pay this little gem a visit!

This is just the start of my ballerina-related ventures! Keep following me on Pink-Tutu.com for more of the #TutuTuesday blog series.

And remember, dears: There's a little ballerina in every one of us. Just wear your favourite pink tutu, embrace the beauty around you and remember that the world's your stage! 💕✨

Now, go out there, dance like nobody's watching, and be the dazzling ballerina you are!

Until next Tuesday, dears!

Lots of love,

Emma