Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday! I've travelled all the way back to November 14th, 1972, and oh my goodness, the tutus here are just exquisite! I think I might have to steal a few for my collection (don't tell the curators!). 🤫
This week, I'm talking about the era that saw the tutu really take flight – the 1970s! Now, I know what you're thinking, 'Emma, isn't the tutu all about tradition and elegance?'. Well, the 1970s were all about redefining those very ideas! It was a time of big changes in dance, with new, revolutionary techniques being embraced and incredible experimentation with movement.
This creative energy meant a real shake-up for the traditional tutu, darling. Gone were the stiff, romantic, ultra-long, multi-layered tulle tutus that we might associate with 'Swan Lake'. Instead, you see these exciting, bold new silhouettes emerging – the modern tutu.
We're seeing lighter, shorter tutus with new shapes that actually allowed the ballerinas to dance with far more freedom and expression. Imagine it! Finally, the ability to actually move freely without those bulky, cumbersome layers! 🎉 This revolutionised choreography and dance aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
Let's take a look at some of the tutu highlights of this date in 1972…
First off, I had the incredible honour of seeing the Royal Ballet perform "La Bayadère" at the Royal Opera House in London. Can you believe the opulence? The stage, the costumes – it was a spectacle of sheer beauty! This ballet featured the 'Indian' variation that truly defined the era with its airy, short tutus made from layers and layers of the finest tulle – so airy and light! The dancers were absolute goddesses!
Later that night, I hopped on a train (a sleeper carriage – I adore travelling by train!), headed over to Paris, a real hub for ballet. Imagine, the City of Lights! There, I witnessed the French premiere of "La Sylphide," a truly beautiful production that once again showcased the artistry of the modern, short tutu.
I can't forget the glorious ballet school performances I was lucky enough to witness at the prestigious École de Danse in Paris. Their short, soft, ballet-pink tutus are just chef's kiss! Their focus was on clean lines and graceful movement, and the way those tutus highlighted their strength and elegance was phenomenal! 😍
I'm telling you, the tutu in 1972 wasn't just an outfit, it was a powerful symbol of freedom and movement! It was all about embracing a more modern and expressive dance aesthetic! This is the era where tutus were redefined to match the energy and artistic expression of the dance.
My favourite bit about this period is how designers pushed the boundaries of tradition to create bold, innovative new looks! It was all about experimenting with silhouettes and finding the perfect blend of elegance and modernism. This era laid the groundwork for the incredibly diverse tutu designs we see today!
I'm just bursting with excitement! It feels like such a vibrant time to be a tutu-lover. Let's get our tutus on and embrace the beauty of change! Don't forget to check out my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, for more exciting adventures!
Lots of love,
Emma 💋
P.S. This is post #7351 on my blog, and I'm thrilled to be sharing these adventures with you! My love of ballet and fashion really does make for a fulfilling life, darling!
P.P.S I’m collecting all the amazing pink tutu looks of history. I will be featuring my top 5 in a blog post coming up very soon. Follow me on social media for my latest updates – @EmmaPinkTutu – and let’s chat about what your favourite tutu designs are in the comments below.
