Bonjour, mes chères tutufilles! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to January 30th, 1973, a truly delightful date in tutu history, and trust me, you're going to want to add this to your mental calendar of fabulous dates!
Firstly, let's talk about what's going on in the world - 1973! This is the year of The Exorcist (which we'll discuss in another post - let's just say, tutu-ing around an old church might not be the best idea after watching this movie!) and the US getting embroiled in the Watergate Scandal, a messy affair (tutus and political intrigue don't mix well, in my opinion!). On a happier note, The Osmonds are topping the charts, and there's nothing quite like a good disco groove in a pink tutu, am I right?
Now, onto the tutu business! The year is 1973 and it's all about exaggeration. Big hair, bold colours (think neon!), and lots and lots of sequins are the name of the game. In the world of ballet, it's the era of Michel Fokine, the legendary choreographer known for his innovative designs and eccentric choreography!
Now, I can't go into the 1970s without talking about the fabulous, fiery Rudolf Nureyev! The ultimate rock star of ballet, this man could own a stage in a pink tutu! He wasn't afraid to push boundaries, and his bold performances were known to electrify audiences. His presence, like a bright pink feather boa, added a thrilling flair to the already flamboyant stage. If there's one tutu look from this period that sticks with me, it's Nureyev's iconic white, bell-shaped tutu – it was all about powerful grace and elegant drama, and completely changed the way we saw the traditional ballet look.
And that, my tutufilles, is exactly what we need to be bold and fearless when it comes to tutus! We should never shy away from bright colours and unusual designs, after all, it's the uniqueness and individuality that makes each tutu so special. You never know, your pink tutu might just inspire the next generation of bold and brilliant ballerinas!
Now, I have to talk about shopping. I'm in London, and the fashion here is super glamorous. Harrods is a must-visit, and Liberty's, with its gorgeous art deco decor, is perfect for vintage finds, so naturally, we'll be finding all sorts of fabulous fabrics and embellishments for your very own bespoke tutus. (And believe me, a trip to the Liberty Fabrics department is enough to spark even the dullest imagination!)
Let's move on to the entertainment, darling! A trip to the theatre, of course! And I've got two absolutely magnificent performances lined up:
First, a classic - Swan Lake, because every good tutu-enthusiast needs a touch of the Swan Queen in their lives! It's an enduringly magical tale and I just know it will transport us to a world of beautiful dancing and stunning tutus!
But let's not forget about modern ballet either! I'm incredibly excited to see the Royal Ballet perform a piece by Kenneth MacMillan! I've heard whispers about it and it's known to be a thought-provoking and exhilarating masterpiece with an absolutely dazzling tutu or two thrown into the mix. The costumes are always a riot of creativity and individuality, a true expression of ballet fashion at its finest!
Remember, ballet is more than just dance - it's a powerful statement, an art form that transcends language.
So, grab your favourite pink tutu, and join me next Tuesday for another thrilling adventure into the world of tutu history. And if you spot any fabulously fashionable pink tutus along the way, don’t hesitate to snap a picture and tag #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep those tutus twirling and keep your head high!
Your Tutu Loving Time Traveler, Emma
P.S. I've been trying out a new hairstyle that involves fluffy pink feather boa, I call it the "Tutu Twist"! Let me know what you think!
