Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! I'm your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, ready to whisk you off on a historical adventure through the magical world of ballet! Today, we're travelling back to 10th April, 1973 – a time of feathered headdresses and dramatic pointe work. I'm here, like a little pink butterfly fluttering around the history of ballet, to bring you all the delicious fashion and dance trends of that era!
It's such a good feeling to be back in my home country – I've just spent a few days pirouetting in Paris – quelle joie – and I’m so excited to show you my finds! Oh, and don’t forget my travel expenses are always funded by dancing, so expect some spectacular performance mentions too!
This week, my #TutuTuesday adventure brought me to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, a haven for all things ballet. Can you imagine a grand opera house with glowing chandeliers and ornate balconies? Just the perfect setting for my latest adventure through time!
Now, back to 1973…
The world of dance was abuzz with exciting innovations! New, more athletic forms of dance were starting to push the boundaries of traditional ballet. The renowned Russian choreographer, Rudolf Nureyev, was still making waves, a charismatic dancer who wowed audiences around the globe, and Margot Fonteyn was in her prime, considered the ‘Queen of English Ballet’ and a legend, just a little bit like my Pink Tutu queen self! She would grace the stages of Covent Garden in tutus, a delightful spectacle of feathers, tulle, and sheer grace, making me want to reach for my own tutu, and pirouette alongside her!
Let’s rewind a bit, and have a peek into what inspired those dramatic costumes and iconic dancers! The early days of ballet were quite different from today – the dancing itself, much less energetic than what we see on stages today! You see, ballerinas danced more grounded, almost earthbound style with an emphasis on delicate gestures and fluid movements.
There were no crazy high à la seconde kicks or dazzling fouetté jumps! The pointe shoe, our little ballerina foot companions, were much simpler in design. There wasn’t even the beautiful pointed toe! This early version of ballet was about portraying a story with beautiful gentle movements.
Enter: The Romantics!
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the ‘romantic ballet era’ emerged, and ballet took a graceful leap forward! Think Giselle, with its magical fairies, haunting themes and passionate storyline! Those enchanting, floating dances required tutus - airy, ethereal, and full of grace! This, my dears, is where the true magic of the tutu begins!*
Oh my, can you just imagine? * Feathered tutus with shimmering fabrics! *Swoon worthy! The graceful tulle gathered in billowing, delicate layers to create that unmistakable shape - so light and delicate - like clouds swirling on a balmy day!
Now, the tutu in 1973 wasn't all fluff! There was a distinct, more minimalist trend with a more contemporary look – simple, flowing, and elegant with fewer frills and layers. I’m always on the lookout for new inspiration, and believe me, the tutus of the 1970s have it in spades! They are a wonderful blend of elegance and sophistication!
Just last night I attended a delightful show with an utterly inspiring performance. We had our dancing heroes; they brought their passion to every single graceful movement, every perfectly-timed pirouette. The stage lights glowed, bringing out the shimmering brilliance of the white tutus, almost as bright as the moon. The colours of the ballet tutus from 1973 are also what make the look so fabulous: ivory, creamy white, pastel pink, pale blue. Absolutely dreamy, the ultimate ballerina style!
But fashion was no longer limited to the ballet stage! Imagine a world where tutus were actually an everyday item. Now, a lot of women in the 70s loved to get dolled up, just like us modern gals. You know, flaunting a fashionable dress and accessories that captured their personality and flair!
The '70s women loved dressing up, but it’s a fact - it wasn't just about following trends! It was more about embracing self-expression and showcasing their individual flair, a kind of creative rebellion! Think free-flowing maxi dresses with bold floral prints, denim flares that stretched to infinity, platform shoes…and even – wait for it…tutus! Imagine a young woman wearing a bright-pink tutu on a breezy spring day with a crochet cardigan - fabulous, right?
As you can see, the ballet influence on fashion wasn’t confined to the stage. And guess what – in 1973, that's what made the world of fashion even more exciting – it was becoming even more daring, * and *more flamboyant, pushing the boundaries of what people wore on the streets.
Let's take a step into my fabulous closet, darling! My newest purchases are straight out of 1973! Think shimmering gold-lamé, billowing satin skirts, sparkly embellishments - you name it! Oh, and do keep an eye on my Instagram later this week!
And what better time to add a touch of the '70s to your own outfits than right now! This Tuesday, I challenge you to rock your personal tutu style - a fabulous, pink one of course, if you're truly afraid of colour, wear it with confidence.
#TutuTuesday is a global phenomenon, ladies and gents, and there’s nothing quite like that tutu magic! We all have a inner ballerina – so embrace it, own it, and share your #TutuTuesday style! I know I’ll be adding to the collection today. I think a classic white, for my pink, tutu is due!
Don’t forget to subscribe for all my latest blogs and stay tuned for more fashion updates! Until next Tuesday, may your day be full of twirls, grace and lots of pink! Stay fabulous, darling!
See you next week, my darlings!
Emma, Your Favourite Pink Tutu Wearing Time Traveller.
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday #7372
Stay tuned, darlings. For those who live outside of Britain, you can look up 'Ballet Tutu History - April 10, 1973' or similar using your search engine! I will try my best to have an American and other English-language history update ready to go!
