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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1973-07-31

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 7388

Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! I'm back again for another #TutuTuesday and oh my, today's journey takes us to the thrilling year of 1973! You won't believe the sartorial delights we're going to delve into, but first, a quick update from yours truly.

I recently waltzed my way to Paris! Honestly, the city just breathes fashion! My suitcase is bursting with silk scarves, fabulous vintage brooches, and oh, I got the most divine little hat, you wouldn't believe it! The shops in Paris are an absolute dream! Now, don't worry, I still adore a good high street bargain - a girl has to keep the travel fund going! And what better way to keep it ticking over than by wowing audiences in a dazzling ballet performance? That's right, folks, a time-travelling ballerina has to pay her dues. It's a life of glam and hard work, I tell you.

Speaking of glamour... on 31st July 1973, let's take a peek at what the world of ballet was up to.

A Spotlight on the Past: 1973

Ah, the glorious 70s. Think flares, platform shoes, andโ€ฆ a tutu revolution? Yes, ladies, a true turning point in the evolution of our beloved tutu!

For this week's #TutuTuesday, I wanted to bring to light a pivotal event that was starting to happen back in 1973. The tutus worn by ballerinas were becoming bolder and more flamboyant! The emphasis was shifting from strict classical designs towards more creative and dramatic silhouettes. Imagine flowing, flowing fabrics and less of the starched and constricted designs from earlier decades! The change is most obvious in the Romantic tutu, where the emphasis was on soft, flowing skirts that evoked an airy lightness and the flowing shapes of the clouds, a romantic ideal for the times.

Where can you see this trend on display?

Well, it is a bit of a paradox, but you don't always have to travel to the biggest cities in the world to see amazing shows! It seems a big trend right now, for small companies and local ballet schools are showcasing unique and often more "out-there" costumes to their audiences. Now, it wasn't so much a thing in 1973 - you were far more likely to see a classic ballet style. However, for you aspiring young ballerinas out there - look at your own dance schools, some may be performing experimental ballets and if you're lucky they may be wearing very creative tutus!

However, if you happen to find yourself in Derbyshire - where I'm originally from you know - and looking for a real treat... you'll definitely want to make your way to Derby's Guildhall Theatre on the 31st of July. Oh, this is the ultimate blast from the past! Imagine this, The Nutcracker is showing! But here's the magic - it's not just any Nutcracker, this one stars none other than Natalia Makarova! She was the reason this particular Nutcracker became the "talk of the town!" Natalia, her name resonated through the dance world back then. A true revolutionary! Can you imagine witnessing this legendary show? It was an absolute spectacle! The energy was electrifying. Honestly, Natalia, well, she would have brought a whole new perspective to those ballet tutus. I swear, she could have worn an ordinary laundry bag, and it would have looked dazzling. It was all about her charisma, grace and captivating energy!

How do we dress like a 1973 Ballerina?

Now, I know you're dying to find your inner 1973 ballerina! Let's put on those 70s rose-tinted glasses and see what the decade has in store.

  • Colourful Romance: Think dreamy blues, blush pinks, and warm greens - shades that truly embody the Romantic tutu era! And just to really dial it up a notch, imagine an ombre effect for your tutu. Just try imagining an ombre pink flowing into a lovely, shimmering, blue - that would look so, so 70s.
  • Long, Flowing Fabric: Think lightweight, gauzy fabrics! Chiffon is ideal, darling. We're going for a graceful movement, you know! Now, no need to look for some very specific "1973 era" ballet material, that is near impossible. Go with what looks and feels the most glamorous, light and flowing. That's how you capture that timeless elegance, dearies.
  • The Perfect Finishing Touches: Let's talk accessorizing, shall we? Headbands, dainty floral brooches, and simple jewelry will elevate your ballerina look - all the way to 1973. Think simple pieces like earrings that have little white or pearl coloured flower designs! So lovely!

Now, this is my time-traveling ballet challenge to you! Go find a way to channel the vibrant style and flowing fabrics from 1973.

Until next week, keep those pink tutus swirling, my darlings! Love, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1973-07-31