#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1974-01-22

Post number: 7413

Hello my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another delve into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu. Today, we're taking a grand leap back to 1974, and I've got a rather spectacular frock (and a whole host of stories!) up my sleeve for you!

**(Remember, darlings, if you're feeling adventurous, you can always grab a pink tutu, pack your picnic basket, and take a journey of your own. Just hop on the next train out of town, I always find those romantic red carriages so terribly exciting, don't you? Just remember your ballet slippers, a sprinkle of fairy dust, and of course, a big smile! My trip back in time was funded by my recent trip to see "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House. Honestly, the sheer extravagance of it all! The sets, the costumes, the sheer artistry - absolutely divine.)

So, what was happening on January 22nd, 1974?

Well, my dear fashionistas, it was a very special day! It marked the opening of the "Fashion in the Twentieth Century" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Talk about a feast for the eyes! This exhibition was the talk of the town, showcasing everything from 1900's gowns to swinging '60s mini dresses. I can just imagine myself waltzing around in one of those extravagant dresses, feeling like a true lady of the era! I imagine it was a true revelation of how much our understanding of fashion and clothing has progressed. Just like the evolution of the tutu!

And, on this very same date in 1974, our very own Sir Frederick Ashton was celebrating his 70th birthday. Can you imagine?! Sir Frederick, one of the most prominent ballet choreographers of the 20th century, known for masterpieces like "Symphonic Variations" and "La Fille Mal Gardée". Imagine having the opportunity to study under his guidance, I would be positively swooning! But we have his incredible legacy of works to appreciate, which he so kindly bestowed on us!

Now, as we journey through 1974's sartorial delights, I must confess, the tutu of the period had a certain kind of '70s charm. There was a move away from the traditional Romantic tutus - you know, those billowing skirts reaching for the heavens - towards something a little bit more practical, and a whole lot more modern.

Think of those short tutus that graced the stage at The Royal Ballet, a sort of shortened version of the traditional tutus. I call them 'petite ballerinas'. They still evoked that delightful sense of ballet grace, but with a hint of playful, contemporary flair. These new shorter tutus gave the dancers more freedom of movement, and well, they certainly looked rather striking, my dears!

I imagine that seeing this move towards shorter and more practical designs, the dancers must have been delighted to be able to truly 'go for it'. After all, nothing can be as graceful and elegant as the flow of a perfectly cut, lightweight, airy tutu. Not to mention it emphasizes the beauty and skill of each individual movement and, oh, those leaps and turns just make the eye so happy.

The 1970s also saw an interesting surge of experimental choreography, particularly at the American Ballet Theatre This gave choreographers the perfect opportunity to break free from the traditional ballet standards, pushing boundaries with inventive movements and unconventional costume choices. (I have a particular fondness for unconventional, and frankly, think all choreographers should push boundaries. My goodness! Who knows what kind of beauty we might uncover!)

Of course, my darlings, let's not forget the tutus worn by ballerinas on the streets, and oh, let me tell you, there was a real air of romance around this! Not only was it the 'swinging 70s' so you just had to be rocking that platform sole! They started adding a touch of playful glamour with oversized bows and colourful embroidery to their everyday tutus! Imagine it, darlings, a burst of bright hues against the muted colour of a winter day. It must have been delightful to watch. You could have danced through the day in the most divine pink tutu. Just think about it - an array of different lengths, all spun with a generous dose of tulle, sequins, and the most lovely shade of pink! They added their own unique touch to this timeless piece of ballet history.

Speaking of embellishment, I'm starting to see an exciting trend that is definitely catching my eye! Feathers were all the rage in the 1970s! These fluffy friends became a bold embellishment, bringing a sense of lightness and sophistication to both the stage and the street. I picture those fluffy feathers flitting on a stage, adding a splash of whimsy. It’s positively enchanting!

So, my dear tutu-lovers, we can clearly see that 1974 was a turning point for ballet costumes, and specifically tutus! It was a year that saw both the traditional and the modern, bringing about a wonderfully exciting shift in the way ballet was presented to the world.

And speaking of fashion, if you're looking to embrace a bit of that 1974 charm, I suggest taking a leaf out of the dancers’ books and add some feathers or a big bow to your next tutu creation. Don't forget the sequins, because the more sparkles, the better! Remember to find a vintage piece of fabric – a lovely silkscreen, perhaps, or a bold velvet pattern – to create something unique that’s distinctly 1974 in style!

Well, darlings, until next time, stay twirly and always, always wear pink!

P.S. And now, darlings, do please remember to share your #TutuTuesday thoughts in the comments below. I am just dying to know - What is your favorite decade for tutus, and why? What tutu styles are you most excited about seeing for 2024, darling? And be sure to follow me on Instagram @pink_tutu.

I can’t wait to hear from you, darlings! See you next Tuesday!