#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1973-10-23

Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving time traveller Emma, here to whisk you back in time for another #TutuTuesday adventure! Today we're hopping aboard the fashion express and taking a trip to the glamorous 23rd of October 1973!

Just imagine it, the year that gave us ABBA’s "Waterloo" topping the charts and The Rolling Stones' "Angie" sending the airwaves into a frenzy. Oh, what a time to be alive! Now, you all know that fashion trends move as fast as a pirouette, and so tutus in 1973 were just as thrilling and dazzling as the music that filled the air!

Think billowing, flowy chiffons, a touch of delicate lace, and maybe even some sequins for added sparkle! But let's dive deeper into the tutu timeline and see what glorious dancewear trends were twirling their way across the stages of the world!

It’s no surprise that romantic ballets were absolutely blooming in 1973! You had ballets like Giselle with its billowing, ethereal tutus that just seemed to float on air. We're talking wispy layers of tulle, soft colours like creams, pastels, and even touches of pink, evoking an airy and enchanting quality! Honestly, if a ballerina ever stepped out onto a stage wearing a dreamy pink tutu with sparkling sequins for the grand finale of a Romantic ballet… the audience would have gone wild!

This was also the time where the magic of the ballet stage was spilling onto the streets! Tutus, especially the romantic kind, were being incorporated into fashion trends for everyone to enjoy! Remember how fabulous those floaty 70s maxi dresses were? Imagine one in shimmering pale pink tulle…a little tutu inspiration right there, wouldn't you say?

Even though the colour pink wasn't a universally-embraced trend just yet, its presence was subtly creeping into high-fashion with hints of it being spotted in designers' palettes, and of course, on a few brave fashionistas who were willing to rock a pink tutu on the street! (Although, who would want to wear anything BUT pink? It’s the colour of pure happiness and utter joy, a true reflection of my inner-self! The world needs more pink!)

I’ve always felt like the very best tutus come from London! Now, this was definitely a time for a proper grand opening of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Ballet! Those beautiful tutus, oh my… I can practically hear the "oomph" as a prima ballerina does her big leap! They would have had an extra layer of grandeur, a regal touch, a nod to the classics – tutus like I can only dream of wearing myself! There was just something incredibly captivating about seeing these iconic designs worn by incredibly talented ballerinas who had dedicated their lives to their art. It truly felt like watching the ultimate expression of passion and beauty!

Well, what else was a ballet lover like me doing back in the 1970s in London besides soaking up the energy and history of the Royal Opera House? I just HAD to take a visit to the fabulous Harrods department store! Just imagine a massive shop overflowing with extravagant hats, opulent gowns, and a million stunning pieces for an evening out at the ballet. Perhaps a dazzling emerald green or crimson gown to wear to a gala, maybe a dramatic shawl to wrap around me, and for the ultimate final touch, the perfect hat... possibly an intricate birdcage veil for an extra touch of 1970s flair!

For the performance, I went with a traditional romantic tutu in a soft champagne pink - a simple design yet incredibly chic, perfect for a balletic spectacle of dancing beauty and technical precision!

No matter how many trips I make, I just can't resist a train journey. After spending the afternoon soaking in all of the London theatre vibes, it was time to board the train and head home to Derbyshire. Now, imagine the glorious experience! The train cars were beautiful. Elegant and comfortable! There was even a trolley service with all sorts of delicious pastries, teas, and snacks. The rhythmic sounds of the train, the changing landscape, and the delightful chatter all around… I just feel so content, travelling between places by train.

When planning a trip to any theatre for a performance, be sure to plan in extra time to just breathe in the air of a historic theatre, to absorb the atmosphere. You can really immerse yourself in the legacy of performers who have graced those very same stages. It is simply magical.

Let’s get real! We all know how much I adore my pink tutus. A bright pink tutu in a theatre - it makes such a statement! Even when it’s worn under an extravagant pink ballgown for a glitzy night out. You can wear your tutu under layers of fabric if you really want to push your fashion limits – nobody will ever know you're sporting a ballerina's essential! But my dream… it is to inspire everyone to just wear pink!

This beautiful color is so joyful and bright and cheerful. It really reflects the beauty and joy in everything. I know that one day…one day…. the whole world will embrace pink tutus! A global Tutu-Pink-volution! It's already happening with many of you darling, joining the movement, rocking those bright pinks, pastel pinks, and hot pinks – you know who you are, my darlings! Keep those pinks twirling!

Until next Tuesday, my lovely darlings, twirl on!

Xoxo

Emma

P.S Don’t forget to join me at www.pink-tutu.com!