#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1972-12-05

Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, back for another whirl through the history of ballet's most magnificent garment - the tutu! This week, we're going on a train journey, no, not just any train journey, but a time travel adventure! We're diving headfirst into the fabulously feathered, feather-light, and fabulously frilly world of ballet tutus in the year 1972, baby!

This post is number 7354 for my Ballet Tutu History blog, and it’s all thanks to your continued love and support! I truly can't thank you enough for sharing my passion. So let's twirl into the glorious history of the tutu together. As a Derbyshire girl through and through, nothing beats jumping onto a train to chase my ballet dreams, be it across England, across the world, or across time. Just grab a seat next to me and hang onto your hats, we're going for a bumpy ride!

Before we step into our very own time machine, remember, I have one life mission, to get every single one of you, yes, even you dear reader, sporting a pink tutu. I know it might sound a bit madcap, but there's something absolutely magical about twirling around in a pink cloud of tulle, feeling light, free, and a little bit extravagant. Think of it as a wearable, joyful celebration! So why not start today? Think pink, think tutus!

Ah, 1972 - a year that witnessed the groundbreaking launch of the Moog Minimoog synthesizer, a marvel of technological innovation that totally changed the face of music. This date in history saw the world holding its breath for the first landing of the Apollo 17 lunar mission! And of course, right here in the realm of dance, it was all about graceful ballets, elaborate sets, and even more extravagant tutus.

Picture a romantic vision - a ballerina adorned in feather-light tulle, intricately detailed with fluffy, frothy feathers. Imagine an ethereal white tutu with delicate beadwork that glistens under the stage lights. Yes, my dear friends, the tutu in 1972 was all about airy lightness, a hint of extravagance, and a whisper of old-world romance that stole everyone's breath away.

1972 was also a time when ballet costumes, especially the beloved tutus, drew a lot of inspiration from classical ballets like "La Sylphide." That wispy, romantic style, so quintessentially Victorian, took the centre stage. We’re talking delicate embroidery, layers upon layers of shimmering tulle, and just a hint of a more-is-more aesthetic that was so iconic to that era. Imagine a fluffy, delicate pink tutu - oh, my goodness, the very thought is giving me a twirl of excitement!

Speaking of "La Sylphide," my dear readers, there's a particular scene I want you to visualize - the famous “mad scene”. Here, the tutu, that dreamy symbol of femininity, transforms into a dramatic, even a slightly terrifying, vision. The ballerina is transformed. She sheds her gentle light to dance a frenzy, swirling in an ever-changing vision of fluttering white, just as she is about to be lost. That tutu in this scene becomes a poignant reminder of her inevitable fate, as her human connection slowly fades into thin air. This, my lovelies, is where the tutu moves beyond a simple garment; it becomes a story within itself, a tapestry woven with every flutter and spin, an embodiment of the entire narrative.

Now, here’s a thought. How wonderful it would be to hop into a time-traveling tutu and join those gorgeous dancers in the 1972 ballet world, wouldn’t it? Just imagine a little ballet fan in a pink tutu peeking out at the performance, twirling happily along with the show. I'd get to see The Bolshoi Theatre's dancers, renowned for their dazzling technique , performing under the grand chandeliers. Then it would be onto a grand ball! Think 18th-century grace with a little touch of 70s chic. Wouldn't that be just marvellous!

Speaking of travelling, you know me and my love for train journeys! It would be so thrilling to travel across Europe on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a classic train journey if ever there was one. To feel that wind in your hair and to feel the pulse of life while surrounded by mountains and glaciers... Now that's my kind of journey!

Now, imagine this: 1972 was the year David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" rocked the world with its dramatic look. And I've got a sneaky suspicion, even with its wild, glitter-rock energy, a "La Sylphide"-inspired pink tutu might just have become Bowie's new obsession! So let's embrace the bold, delicate side of 1972 and try this "La Sylphide"-inspired look:

• Think layers of fluffy tulle! That's the key! Go for delicate pinks, peaches, or even buttery yellow shades.
• Layer your look for the ultimate fairytale touch. Think light, airy dresses with billowing sleeves and pair it with delicate ballet flats, those graceful flat shoes that twirl and shimmy perfectly with every step!
• Embrace embellishments, dear darlings! Add some subtle sparkle, shimmering beads, and maybe a hint of delicate feathers for an extra dash of 1972 charm.

Remember, every pink tutu has a story to tell! I encourage you to go and have your own fashion adventure. Who knows what amazing style discoveries you might make!

So, as I head off to catch my train for the next exciting adventure in ballet history, I encourage you to embrace your inner ballerina, no matter what your style! Wear a pink tutu for a picnic, for a dance class, even just for a stroll around town. Let's share our love of all things pink, and let's continue to keep those ballet tutus twirling into the future, just like I keep twirling through history, exploring every era, every detail of these stunning, magical garments!

See you all next Tuesday, dear readers! And keep those tutus twirling,

Yours,

Emma 💖

[Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday to find out about your next ballet tutu history adventure!]