#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1973-02-27

Hello lovelies!

Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu and, well, pretty much anything pink! This Tuesday, we’re going back in time with our #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History series. Grab your fanciest teacup, a slice of Victoria sponge, and prepare to be swept away to the magical world of ballet history… on 27th February 1973, that is!

Let’s travel back, shall we? (Just you wait until I tell you how I travelled here. It was simply divine!).

The year is 1973, a year overflowing with style! The world is embracing bell-bottoms and platforms, while music pulsates with the funky grooves of disco. As a true fan of vintage fashion, let me tell you – that’s right up my alley!

This was also the year that a real style icon made their debut! If you know me, you know I can’t get enough of Audrey Hepburn. Well, in February 1973, this fabulous, stylish darling of cinema graced our screens as the enchanting Eliza Doolittle in the musical, My Fair Lady. I’d describe the costumes in this film as elegant with a touch of romance – quite the inspiration!

As a little bit of background: My Fair Lady originally debuted in 1956 and, you won’t believe it, there was even a whole stage show adaptation based on this musical, featuring the breathtakingly beautiful Audrey Hepburn herself! Can you imagine? I bet those tutus were exquisite. Now, if only I had a time machine that travelled even further back!

This was also the year of The Godfather, but sadly, no tutus in sight! Honestly, even those fabulously-dressed gangsters couldn’t get me to part with my tutu, though I have to admit, they sure did have some impeccable suits. You know me, always on the lookout for style inspiration!

Okay, so back to tutus! Can you believe in the early 70s the traditional, short tutus were starting to make a big comeback? This era truly felt like a celebration of ballet! Think the magical combination of delicate fabrics, gorgeous shapes, and those glorious flowing lines. Even more reason for you to pick out a lovely pink tutu to add to your wardrobe this week!

However, a very special ballerina, an absolute star, was shining the brightest. We're talking about the breathtaking, incredible, talented Gelsey Kirkland! If you’ve never heard of her, put her name on your “must see” list! Just google “Gelsey Kirkland” and watch her move. Honestly, you won’t be disappointed. She brought a special energy to her performance that absolutely blew the roof off, well, almost. Her dazzling dance movements – and yes, that’s my favourite style of movement – will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering just how she managed those jumps. Mind-blowing, truly mind-blowing.

What's exciting about 1973? It's about to become a ballet-centric year, packed with those elegant performances that are synonymous with tutus. So, picture this: I’ve donned my fluffiest, prettiest pink tutu, and stepped onto a London platform in this fantastic year. I've just come from a phenomenal show at the Royal Opera House. I feel so elegant. What can possibly be better than a little trip back in time and enjoying a performance of the finest, the most elegant, the most sophisticated dance performances. I might even buy myself a few lovely, new outfits! After all, you can never have too many.

Speaking of clothes shopping, let’s jump onto that big red double-decker bus – we're headed for London's finest shops! It’s all about a beautiful blouse and an intricately woven sweater, my darlings. We're even going to pop into Liberty’s. They were all about exquisite floral prints, an incredible selection of fabrics, and bold colors! You just know my tutu will blend right in with this era! I might even treat myself to a lovely new scarf – it has to match my fabulous tutu. It’s a fashionista’s paradise!

Speaking of a fashionista's paradise – I just can't get enough of how incredibly fabulous everyone is in this era. It's just all about elegance and class! It reminds me of my time in Paris back in 1950 - yes, that was the very same year Christian Dior burst onto the fashion scene with his amazing, incredibly graceful New Look! He was another style icon, for sure. The world loved the soft shoulders, delicate curves and full, feminine skirts of this fabulous fashion designer’s creations. Just like a ballerina!

But remember my darlings, we're focusing on tutus this week! It's our little passion here at Pink-Tutu.com!

Did you know there were several famous ballets performed in 1973 that still have huge international recognition today? The world, you know, is a place for everyone, but it truly seemed that the whole world was a big ballet in 1973! What does that say about the power of a tutu?

It's certainly given me all the motivation I need to keep pushing for the world to adopt the tutu! I have an exciting project in the works for my next trip. I can't reveal all the details now, but imagine… A little village… Pink… and you’ll be closer than you think!

Let's keep talking all things ballet! This is what I love about being in London: the incredible world of theatre and ballet. Did I tell you I have tickets for a special performance later? Oh, and have I told you I’ve also met some very important people! You can find out more about it next week!

Until then, dance the day away!

And remember, even if it's just around your house in your comfiest, prettiest pink tutu!

Love and glitter,

Emma xx