#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1973-02-06

Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of tutu-licious history! This week, we're going right back to the fabulous seventies, where everything was groovy, the music was out of this world and bell bottoms were EVERYTHING.

My trip this week, courtesy of a rather thrilling performance with the Moscow Ballet in the Bolshoi, saw me hop into the DeLorean-ish time machine and poof I was right back in the heart of '73, February the 6th to be precise! Oh the glamour, the excitement - let's just say my pink tutu really turned heads in a way I’ve never experienced in my Derbyshire hometown.

It's amazing how much ballet has changed! Today we've got this stunning diversity, modern pieces, and daring choreographers pushing the boundaries. But, in the '70s, things were a bit…traditional.

Remember, the classical tutus we see on stage today – the ones that poof up around you like a cotton candy cloud - are relatively recent! In fact, 1973 was all about the “Romantic Tutu,” the ones that were shorter, lighter and made of more gauze. It all stemmed back to the mid 19th Century, with these designs being favoured for their ethereal grace and a light and floaty silhouette. The aim was to emphasise a more flowing and ethereal feeling, allowing for the ballerinas’ effortless grace and leaps to truly stand out!

Of course, it’s all in the details. Think layers upon layers of delicate tulle and net. You'd have to wear a long slip-style body (like a bodysuit without sleeves), then a petticoat to give a fuller look, and then the tutu on top, so basically a lot of layers, all tied with intricate ribbons to create that beautiful pouffe. You wouldn't see much, because they didn’t just let any dancer wear one – it was truly a garment of distinction, of artistry and the elite level.

There was a pinkness back then! Sure, it wasn’t “everything’s gotta be pink” like we’re doing these days - you’re all gorgeous ladies wearing your pink tutus proudly – but you did see ballerina's like Natalia Makarova and Margot Fonteyn dancing in stunning shades of rose! They may have been shy, but I found some pale pinks amongst the more typical ivory, black and cream. I could be totally wrong, but I feel like pink tutus were starting to have their moment - because, after all, who could resist a touch of that glorious pink sweetness?

One of the highlights of my trip was catching the performance at The Royal Opera House. (They didn’t actually call it “The Royal Opera House” back then - you just called it The Opera House). Imagine this, all velvet curtains and plush seating and grand chandeliers... and just like today you could spot every member of the upper crust. That really hasn’t changed - maybe their dresses have become a bit more free-spirited these days!

What was incredible about the Royal Opera House back then, was just how much it resembled every single ballet show I’ve been to since I became a ballerina. Those dancers were captivating with every twirl and jump - the choreography, the music - It’s like the timeless magic of ballet had its very own time capsule back then, untouched by time itself.

London fashion in 1973, whoa, darling, what a sight. Fashion icons like Vivienne Westwood were making a name for themselves with cutting edge styles, bringing that rock ‘n roll rebellion into high fashion, and, honestly, I couldn’t help but get swept away in the energy. But here’s the funny thing - it’s London, so there is still room for sophistication too! Think Audrey Hepburn, elegance meets that 1970s feel, with glamorous gowns, long scarves and bold accessories. You get all these fabulous contrasts from the hard edge of fashion and all the sleek elegance. What can I say? - I just love it!

Oh how I wished I had brought my trusty suitcase from home on this trip – there are so many fantastic things I’ve found on my 1973 trip - and a certain kind of bold pink scarf that really pops with all of those black and white vintage pieces I found.

Honestly, I think my tutu really caught a few eyeballs while I was out and about in 1973. I was quite visibly standing out – let's just say that it wasn’t quite the pink princess tutu explosion we see today! But then, here’s the thing, it feels like I am helping start that movement. It is going to be big. Huge. Massive! Think about how much pink has taken over every corner of fashion since! The future of tutus is going to be pink. That’s the thing about time travel - seeing those early days gives you a glimpse into just how the movement was beginning.

For those of you who don't know, 1973 saw the release of "The Sting," starring Robert Redford. What’s the connection? Well, I don't think that the 1973 audience is exactly dressing up in tutus while watching a cool movie – not yet – but this really does mark a big year for film. It’s part of a growing revolution! Movies are a massive part of how trends get seen and we all get to share a great movie, it was a HUGE box office hit!

And we're seeing this influence of those movie visions in the fashion today. You know what? Maybe the Pink Tutu Explosion will be around a great movie... Or, maybe it will just come from our love of dancing!

Until next time lovelies - wear your pink tutu with confidence. Keep your eyes peeled and don't be afraid to rock your individual style. And remember - a little sprinkle of pink can make anything extraordinary.

See you next week for TutuTuesday!

XOXO Emma

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