Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another dose of ballet history for your Tuesday dose of tulle and twirls. This week we're heading back to 1973, and let me tell you, the fashion was divine!
It's #TutuTuesday, number 7380 on my ballet history blog. Can you believe I'm over seven thousand posts in? I never dreamed when I first started this blog that I'd be travelling so far, literally! Since I first discovered this glorious pink tutu, I haven't been able to resist its siren call. It whispers "adventure", "ballet", "history". And frankly, I can't resist its call. Plus, who can say no to a journey through time that allows me to visit the very source of this incredible, magical, dance-worthy garment?!
This time I've hopped on a train - you know I can never resist a good old fashioned train journey - and am finding myself at the very heart of where it all began for tutus... drumroll Paris, darling!
As you might already know, Parisian fashion is THE standard in style. Parisiennes are always effortlessly elegant, stylish, and chic. The Parisian designers had a vision for their dancers - sleek and strong, flowing and beautiful, the perfect combination of power and grace. Imagine these dazzling ladies on stage in these iconic tutus... you can practically hear the applause already!
The 1970s, ah, such a glamorous decade! It's the decade of disco, and you better believe this fashion trend even made its way onto the ballet stage. I'm picturing some shimmering, sequin-embellished tutus. Now that would be something special.
While I'm travelling back through time, I can't resist sneaking a peak at the current dance world and picking up on some fabulous fashion tips for you, darlings. Just take a look at all the exciting contemporary ballet shows featuring costumes inspired by all things retro - oh, the irony! - think flared pants and platform boots on stage. Just so modern!
But you know, this week is about celebrating the origin of the classic tutu, those romantic, flowing creations that made ballet such a spectacle, and such a source of artistic expression. Just think of all the stunning ballerina silhouettes, those beautiful and precise moves… and oh, the emotions expressed! And if you're planning to dress up, like I do every Tuesday, a vintage-inspired pink tutu is all you need for a bit of ballet glamour!
Speaking of pink - I’ve discovered this glorious shade really comes alive in the sunshine - what a perfect colour for spring! Maybe that's why Paris, the “City of Lights,” is the perfect location for our Tutu Tuesday time-travelling journey this week! And just as the Eiffel Tower reflects a unique and beautiful glimmer against the Parisian sky, so do my gorgeous pink tutus – so dreamy!
You can't travel through time without learning about some truly significant events and 1973 has so many! Just imagine the scene, this magical world of dance amidst a time of historical significance… shuddering at the possibilities
It’s June 5th, 1973. A lot has already happened! On this date, the first ever Concorde supersonic airliner went into service! Think about that - an airplane that could go faster than the speed of sound, how thrilling! It certainly was a time of rapid technological advancement - it's quite amazing when you think of how fast technology has advanced since!
As a dedicated dancer and historian, I'm forever interested in what goes on at the Royal Opera House in London. So imagine my delight on finding that this particular week, the Royal Ballet is staging a performance of “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky. Talk about legendary! You know I just HAD to find a way to see that! This ballet is the very epitome of romanticism - with its graceful choreography, dramatic music and, of course, iconic tutus. Who could resist?!
Tchaikovsky and "Swan Lake" just take me right back to my childhood. I recall the first time I saw this enchanting piece… I was probably 5 years old and I was completely captivated! To this day I've always considered "Swan Lake" to be one of the most breathtaking ballets ever performed - and this particular staging by the Royal Ballet, is considered one of the finest in the world. It really is a must-see in my book, so do be sure to try and catch a performance if you get the chance.
As we wind up another #TutuTuesday adventure in history, I hope you all felt a little more pink inside today. And who knows? Maybe you've found yourself with a bit more of that time-travelling feeling.
And that's all for this week's edition of #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to visit my site every Tuesday for a brand new historical blog about tutus, and be sure to look for a fun little surprise on our social media every week. Maybe we'll be sharing a photo from one of my adventures in time! Until then, wear those tutus and make some fabulous memories! Happy dancing!
