Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballerina extraordinaire, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday. This week, we're stepping back in time, trading our sleek contemporary styles for a touch of disco-infused 70s chic! Grab your glitter, your bell bottoms, and your very best pink tutu, because today we're celebrating the evolution of this iconic piece of dancewear.
I just got back from 1972, honey! Let me tell you, the seventies were all about vibrant colors, bold prints, and a whole lotta glamour. And what better way to capture that essence than with a fluffy, pink tutu? I actually picked up the most amazing floral print maxi dress with an embroidered lace trim on my travels - oh my gosh, you would have LOVED it!
But, you want to hear about tutus right? Well, in 1972, tutus were experiencing a fascinating shift. The Romantic era was out, and contemporary choreography was bringing something entirely new! That meant new, bold silhouettes. There were a few main trends to note:
1. The Rise of the "Demi" Tutu: This tutu wasn't just about ballerina lightness - it was meant for dancing with an added dose of sass and dynamism! The demi tutu was perfect for portraying all sorts of contemporary emotions, from playful to tragic. Imagine the graceful swoop of the demi's soft tiers - just heavenly! It added an extra layer of drama and fluidity to every pirouette.
2. Ballet Meets the "Real" World: Ballet was starting to break away from the traditional "princess" mold! Ballet choreographers like Martha Graham, were shaking things up and expressing their vision of contemporary life, from social anxieties to the challenges of relationships. And guess what? This movement helped evolve the tutu right along with it! The rigid shapes of old were starting to get less and less traditional - the focus now was all about movement, freedom, and showing the raw beauty of the human body.
3. A New Wave of Fabrics and Design: Remember that floral maxi-dress I mentioned? Well, designers weren't just sticking with the classic, tulle tutus of yore! Now they were playing around with different fabrics. Can you believe it? Tutus weren't just tulle - designers were starting to mix in other textures - cotton, silks, even velvet, creating all sorts of textures and shades.
I even spotted a show that showcased a ballerina with a tutu made entirely from silk scarves! They flowed and danced around her, reflecting the bright lights in the most magical way. Imagine the possibilities, right?
A Perfect Example: "The Rite of Spring"
Remember all that talk about tutus that captured real-life anxieties? Well, “The Rite of Spring” ballet is a real turning point in tutu history. First performed in 1913, it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. Shocking, innovative and shocking to its audience in Paris - they literally erupted in chaos and anger, during its premiere. Imagine! A riot because a dance challenged what they thought a tutu could look like!
I saw "Rite" in 1972, and let me tell you, it was still incredibly impactful, and all about showcasing the raw human emotions and using costumes that were modern and unique. The choreography, created by Vaslav Nijinsky, used the entire stage as an arena. And while the costumes in that 1913 first production may not be exactly tutus, they reflected this revolution against traditional ballet. They are often seen as the original 'modern dance costume' - they were more about natural fabrics like linen, silk and loose layers, but all the same, were designed to show the dancers movement - they certainly were the starting point for new era tutus, just a few decades later.
The Legacy of a Timeless Tutu
From the dreamy layers of the Romantic era, to the free-flowing shapes of the demi tutus and all the new wave fabrics that are pushing the boundaries, the story of the tutu is full of life, evolution, and style. The seventies really gave us a beautiful reminder that the tutu is not about staying stuck in the past but is forever adapting to each new generation, each new idea. It continues to reflect our imagination and pushes the limits of artistic expression.
You know, the real beauty of tutus lies not only in how they move, but also in their adaptability! Whether you’re channeling a graceful swan or embracing a bold and fierce spirit, a tutu can embody any emotion or idea. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll even see a “The Rite of Spring” performed with pink tulle tutus (one can only hope!)
Now, tell me, lovelies - what’s your favorite era for tutus?
Until next time, stay fabulous!
XOXO,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
