Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, back with another thrilling trip through ballet tutu history! Today, we're hopping aboard the time train, setting our destination to 18th September 1973, and taking a peek at the fabulous ballet world of that era.
Buckle your seatbelts, grab a handful of those yummy, pink sugared almonds I picked up at Harrods – oh, did I tell you about my amazing spree there? So much exquisite lace and tulle, just begging to be turned into tutus! Anyway, back to our journey…
A World of Graceful Elegance
The year 1973! It was a time of incredible innovation in the ballet world. Imagine, darling, it was only just a few decades earlier that ballet tutus were primarily these voluminous, gauzy affairs! They weren't exactly designed to encourage pirouettes, let's just say that. But by the '70s, the focus was on lightness and movement. It's thanks to ballet greats like Mikhail Baryshnikov, whose mesmerizing leaps and turns ignited a new appreciation for the modern, more form-fitting style of tutu. Imagine that!
The Tutu on the Stage:
Oh, how I would have loved to be in the audience at the Royal Opera House that year! On this very day, 18th September 1973, the Royal Ballet premiered "The Sleeping Beauty". Such an exquisite ballet! The story, the music, the costumes! They say Margot Fonteyn was just captivating as Aurora! Now that’s a name you might have heard, dear readers! Oh, and those tutus – simple yet so elegantly chic. A perfect blend of ethereal beauty and breathtaking movement.
From Ballet to Fashion: The Tutu Takes the Stage
Speaking of movement and beauty, it wasn't just the ballet world that embraced the tutu's grace in 1973. That very year, the tutu, in all its glory, made a grand entrance into mainstream fashion! Think sleek silhouettes and delicate tulle – fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel started experimenting with the form. The tutu became a statement of style and sophistication, moving from the ballet stage to the bustling streets, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts all over the world.
And you know, it doesn’t stop there! Remember how the film, “The Last Picture Show” with that captivating performance by Cybill Shepherd was such a big hit at the time! It truly resonated with this wave of style and fashion that embraced the beauty and freedom of the ballerina tutu.
Pink, My Sweetest Inspiration:
Ah, pink! Isn't it simply the most charming colour? It represents femininity, joy, and, of course, all things wonderful about ballet. That's why, you know, I've made a life goal – to inspire everyone to embrace the gloriousness of pink, to wear a pink tutu, just once! Imagine that! What a delightful and beautiful world that would be.
And you know, back in 1973, even those wonderful designers embraced that spirit of vibrancy and elegance! A whole palette of shades graced the tutus. While there’s something so breathtakingly stunning about the timeless classic, the snow-white tutu, nothing beats a good splash of colour! Imagine the soft, graceful tulle dancing in a shade of rose pink – just breathtaking. It’s like a poem written with fabric and colour!
Travel Tips for a Tutu-Loving Time Traveller
And don't even get me started on my trip back to the 70s, darling! It was so much fun! The time travel portal near the National Gallery here in London…simply magical! But then again, any chance to don my favourite tutu is magic in itself, isn't it? Remember to pack your trusty umbrella, my darlings – London can be quite fickle with the weather. But the chance to see those incredible ballet performances – oh, my dears! That alone makes it all worthwhile.
Speaking of the wonderful city of London – you just wouldn’t believe the excitement building up towards the premiere of “The Sleeping Beauty” back in 1973. People everywhere talked about nothing else! Fashion stores were full of gorgeous frocks that had been inspired by the designs in the ballet – think full, swirling skirts and intricate bodices that even had little bits of sequins like a thousand tiny stars! Even the way ladies were wearing their hats! And don’t even get me started on the gloves! So glamorous! It's the same feeling you get when there's a huge gala or ballet opening around town! Oh, to relive that energy again – it truly was the magic of ballet!
Well, darlings, my trip's coming to an end! It was a real joy to take you on this fabulous trip to the ballet world of 1973! Keep those twirling spirits high, and never forget that ballet tutus – and pink ones at that – are the most wondrous things!
Stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday adventures! Until next time, twirl on!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
