Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of tutu-licious history! This week, we're skipping back to 12th February 1974 for a bit of a time-traveling trip to the 70s, where the tutu was, let's just say, "not having its moment."
Now, I'm sure you're all wondering: "Emma, we love pink, we love tutus, but the 70s? Wasn't that all about bell bottoms and platforms?" Well, you're right, darlings. But the 70s were a bit of a whirlwind for the tutu. Think of it like a prima ballerina who gets caught up in a pirouette, loses her balance for a moment, but manages to pull herself back and find her grace again.
Our trusty tutu had gone through a big change after the '50s and '60s, when its grand, romantic form had held center stage, often made of stiff, voluminous tulle. But in the '70s, fashion was all about letting loose - the free-flowing, effortless vibes were the name of the game, and tutus felt a tad restrictive, too formal, too "prima ballerina" for the vibe. It's not like tutus weren't there - we've never gone entirely without the tutu, just like we've never gone entirely without the beauty and grace of dance!
However, our dear tutu was undergoing a makeover in the shadows, ready for its big comeback! You see, by this time, some brilliant ballet companies - particularly those outside of the "big three" (the Royal Ballet, the Bolshoi, the Paris Opera Ballet) - were starting to experiment with less formal, shorter tutus that still captured that whimsical charm, and they were playing with modern styles! Think layered tutus, cropped styles, and tutus made with unexpected materials like leather or stretch fabrics. You might see some dancers using them as a base for their performances, sometimes combining it with other interesting materials! The creative genius of the ballet world, finding ways to keep the tradition of the tutu alive and evolving alongside modern design and sensibilities, truly amazes me!
For a delightful peek into this playful style, we need to take a train to New York City. Today, at the New York City Ballet, choreographers were re-interpreting ballets, moving away from those grand, classic interpretations! That's what I love about the ballet, darlings - there's always a new story being told, always new creativity in how the classic elements are interpreted and woven together to tell stories in movement! And the tutu - so adaptable and graceful - is right there with them! And who knows, we might see one of these experimental styles making its way into The Nutcracker, and finding itself under the spotlight! That would be truly magical!
The tutu might have been a bit lost in the flow of fashion in 1974, but that didn't stop its spirit, and the dancers' passion, from reaching those on stage. And that spirit would surely come to inspire an even greater explosion of creative expression with the tutu later! Remember, dear lovelies, while fads may come and go, a true icon never goes out of style. It simply evolves.
This week, while rocking your own pink tutu and catching up on the newest fashion magazines, keep in mind: the 70s might have felt a bit like an off-stage interlude for the tutu, but the big show, its dramatic entrance in the next few years, was getting ready to begin! I'll leave you with this, dear readers - remember: in ballet and in fashion, true magic is born from playing, experimenting, and daring to be different!
Till next time, darlings! Stay fashionable!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Have a lovely #TutuTuesday! Share your pink tutu photos and adventures with us on social media using the hashtag #TutuTuesday. You can find my latest creations and inspirations on Instagram @PinkTutu.com! Don't forget to check out our website www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive Tutu Tuesday content!
