Hello lovelies, and welcome to another week of #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! I'm your resident pink-tutu-clad time-traveling ballerina, Emma, ready to whisk you away to a time when tutus were absolutely blooming brilliant! This week we're stepping back to 20th February, 1973. It was a Tuesday, just like today, and I was most certainly twirling in a delightful pink tutu!
Now, you may be wondering, "Why 1973, Emma?" Well, darling, 1973 was a year of boldness and experimentation in ballet. Think shimmering satin, flowing lines, and designs that dared to be different! We saw the rise of powerful women leading the stage, showcasing their talents in dynamic ways. Oh, and don't forget the tutus! They were daringly cut, beautifully draped, and certainly didn't hold back on the sparkle. Imagine, a ballerina like me but in a time of flared trousers and big, bold prints!
Before we travel, I must share a little bit about myself. My name's Emma, and I'm a Derbyshire girl through and through. My family lives near the Peak District, and I adore that beautiful countryside. Now, you won't catch me wearing any dreary grey tunics - not Emma, darling! Give me sunshine yellow, luscious fuchsia, and, of course, my beloved pink. There's nothing I love more than getting into a shop (especially one that sells vintage clothes) and discovering an outrageous, yet completely fabulous piece of fabric. This is how my love of tutus grew into a genuine passion!
But back to our trip... We're heading for New York, a city brimming with creative energy! The dance scene was abuzz, full of excitement and bold new movements. Imagine swirling with dancers in a grand New York theatre, the audience erupting with applause. Oh, the excitement!
Speaking of excitement, on 20th February, 1973, the musical comedy "Grease" opened at the Eden Theatre. No, I didn't do "Grease", darling! My specialty was the classics, with my passion for the ballets of Tchaikovsky burning fiercely. But a touch of Grease's upbeat energy definitely touched the world of dance!
Now, let's dive into the fascinating world of tutus from this period:
A Tutus Tale:
The Shorter Tutus: While long tutus were still in fashion, this was the era where dancers like me might find a shorter version for our solos, showing off some stunning legs! A shorter, full, multi-layered tutu for a soloist? Oh, darling, talk about a dramatic entrance!
Bold Colour Choices: Don't get me wrong, classic white still reigned supreme, but daringly coloured tutus made a splash on the stage. Think rich jewel tones - amethyst, ruby, and sapphire. You couldn't miss a ballerina on stage in a glittering emerald tutu, darling!
More Flowy Designs: The stiff tutus of the past were losing their grip, yielding to a softer, more whimsical flow. Imagine a tutu so elegant it moved with you. That was 1973!
My Tutu Shopping Spree:
Of course, darling, my time travels involve a little retail therapy! 1973 New York had some amazing vintage boutiques where I found stunning tutus with decadent embellishments. From tiny beads to shimmering sequins, oh darling, they were divine! My travelling trunk is brimming with exquisite fabrics from that period. It was a golden age for materials, especially tulle - that airy, lightweight fabric perfect for twirling! I found gorgeous silk ribbon in the most exquisite colours! I still have some of those beautiful silk ribbons that are just so much softer than what they use now, and oh so much more beautiful! I'd also pop into department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue. What a place to buy the finest fabrics for my own pink creations. They had everything! Imagine the thrill of knowing you'd find an exquisite fabric to turn into a tutu. My little sewing room became a workshop for the most perfect creations, with all sorts of materials, lace and bows, perfect for adding a bit of whimsy to any tutu design.
But darling, 1973 wasn't just about fashion! The whole atmosphere was full of life! I enjoyed watching all kinds of performances - musicals, plays, ballets - you name it, I saw it! This was a time when the theater scene was flourishing! We even went to Broadway, taking in a play after a ballet! It's a true joy seeing the theater thriving, filled with eager, passionate audiences.
Remember, darling, your life is a stage, and every day, we have a chance to dance through it with confidence and grace! So grab your own pink tutu, throw on a sparkly headband, and make your own beautiful memory on this #TutuTuesday.
See you next week, darlings! Until then, keep twirling, and don't forget to smile!
Emma
