#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1972-05-02

Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, and welcome to my #TutuTuesday blog! This week we’re taking a trip back to May 2nd, 1972, a day filled with fashion, flair, and fabulous ballet, so hold onto your tutus! This is post number 7323 on my www.pink-tutu.com blog, where we explore the glorious history of ballet through the enchanting lens of tutus.

Oh, how I love those 1970s tutus! Imagine a flurry of billowing chiffon and dainty tulle, the pastel shades catching the stage lights like moonbeams on a summer night. Those romantic, ethereal tutus – they're simply breathtaking! But before I get swept away by the magic, let's dive into what was happening on this particular May day in 1972...

On May 2nd, 1972, the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow was the stage for something spectacular! It was a night of Russian ballet at its finest, and imagine the thrill of the crowd watching Ekaterina Maximova and Vladimir Vasiliev, two legendary dancers, taking the stage. Now, you can probably imagine my utter joy being able to watch them live! I do love travelling through time and watching these brilliant ballerinas and their impeccable grace and artistry, particularly since I managed to grab a seat in the stalls. You know how much I love a good show, and ballet, especially, takes my breath away!

This incredible show, part of a Bolshoi touring season, was a fantastic example of how ballet captivated audiences around the world in the early 1970s. Back then, ballet was not confined to just one specific part of the globe – it was blossoming everywhere! We’re talking France, Russia, the USA, all the way to Derbyshire, where I call home! Speaking of which, I just love going to see shows back in my own time! There’s a lovely theatre just up the road from me, and my friend Claire and I regularly go to see ballet and opera productions. We recently saw a stunning performance of "Giselle", and it simply transported us to another world!

And of course, on #TutuTuesday, the spotlight has to shine on the star of the show - the tutu! It's fascinating to see how the tutus worn in 1972 differed from those we see on stage today. They had a slightly shorter, more relaxed shape, creating a flowing, elegant silhouette – a dream to twirl in! I've even got myself a 1970s style tutu, a lovely blush pink one that I love to wear while writing these blog posts. It just gets me in the mood for tutus!

Now, 1972 wasn’t all about grand ballets and swirling tutus. We can't forget the fashion scene! It was a whirlwind of vibrant colors, groovy patterns, and playful styles! Think big, bold patterns like floral prints and geometric designs - fashionistas were daring to be different.

The early 1970s saw a fascinating blend of classic chic and a touch of rebellious flair. Think glamorous floor-length dresses paired with platform shoes and, of course, some funky hats. And it’s no surprise that I absolutely adore the vintage pieces from this era. Whenever I pop into a charity shop, I love to rummage through the racks for a stunning, unique vintage garment.

Now you’re probably wondering how I can time travel! It’s a rather delicate process and a carefully kept secret, of course! But what I can tell you is that it has everything to do with ballet. In the early 20th century, an enigmatic ballerina named Vivienne discovered a powerful energy hidden within the choreography of the most elegant ballet moves. This special energy allows for some interesting, albeit brief, time-bending trips! Of course, I have to finance my time travel, and my skills are pretty much the only thing that’s for sale - ballet! Every trip to the past needs to be funded, so I get my dancing shoes on and earn a bit of cash from performing on the world’s stages.

I often have to perform in different venues to help pay my way. There’s a special sense of adventure to my job - a dash of theatre, a touch of history, and an absolute abundance of glamour! I get to travel to stunning places - think soaring cathedrals, majestic theatres, even royal palaces. And in between time-hopping, I love exploring, discovering local shops, trying out their famous cakes, and soaking up the atmosphere of each place.

Now, we've been talking a lot about history, and a little bit about my job and time travel. But no #TutuTuesday is complete without a bit of shopping talk! Oh, I just adore shopping, and the 1970s are a truly enchanting era for fashion-obsessed souls. I can't resist a vintage shop when I travel - especially for tutus, of course!

And guess what, darlings? This coming weekend, I'm whisking myself off to Paris! Not only am I hoping to catch a spectacular ballet performance at the Palais Garnier (who doesn’t love an elegant opera house?), but I'm also planning on some serious shopping! I’ve got my eye on a divine pink tutu at an antique boutique on the Champs-Élysées! The silk and tulle will be divine - and just perfect for adding a dash of Parisian elegance to my tutu collection.

Every #TutuTuesday, my goal is to bring you a little piece of ballet history and sprinkle it with my own dose of pink tutu magic. This journey is all about spreading the love of ballet, one sparkling tutu at a time.

So go on, darlings, unleash your inner ballerina! Whether it's wearing your favourite tutu, joining a ballet class, or just watching a classic ballet film, there's something magical about embracing the art of ballet!

And remember, always believe in the power of a little bit of pink magic!

Until next week,

Emma 💖

(P.S., be sure to follow my travels on Instagram: @PinkTutuTravels!)