Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller, and welcome back to another Tuesday of Tutu History! This week, I've hopped on the Orient Express (in a sparkly pink dress, naturally) and travelled all the way back to June 11th, 1974! Can you believe it's been almost 50 years?!
Now, you might think the 70s were all about flares and disco, and you wouldn't be wrong… but believe it or not, the ballet world was buzzing with excitement too! We were just starting to see the influence of modern dance really take hold, and those iconic, fluid tutus with layers upon layers of tulle were just the ticket! Imagine a swathe of flowing fabric in a stunning shade of lilac or a sunshine yellow… a beautiful and truly whimsical vision!
Just picture this… the Royal Opera House in London is packed. The atmosphere is electric. As the lights dim, you can practically hear a pin drop. The orchestra strikes up the music for Swan Lake and the dancers glide effortlessly onto the stage. Tutus twirl and swirl, captivating the audience with every delicate movement. Those ballerina shoes - a symphony of graceful steps. Such magic, all thanks to the stunning tulle of a perfectly-designed tutu!
But here's a little secret: you don't need to be a professional dancer to wear a tutu! Whether you're waltzing through your living room or just popping out for a cheeky cuppa with your bestie, a pink tutu is always the perfect finishing touch! And remember, if you can't get enough of this wonderful era, why not take a trip down memory lane yourself? There are some fantastic videos online of the great ballerinas of the 70s – Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, even the iconic Mikhail Baryshnikov! Trust me, it's pure ballet heaven!
And speaking of heaven… have I got a treat for you today!
On June 11th, 1974, the world was captivated by "The Sleeping Beauty," a legendary production at the American Ballet Theatre in New York! They were making a world tour starting in just a few short days! Now, I may be biased, but that sounds like an event not to be missed! And who knows? You might even be able to snag a glimpse of the most dazzling costumes, maybe even a sparkly pink tutu?
As a little time travel bonus, this week I found the most amazing vintage boutique tucked away on a charming cobbled street in Notting Hill. Let's just say, I had to use all my time travel willpower not to go completely crazy on the antique treasures, especially those stunning beaded dresses that perfectly compliment a floaty pink tulle. Oh, and they had a gorgeous collection of hats - think tiny fascinators perfect for tea parties, elegant cloche hats for a touch of old Hollywood glamour and those fantastic oversized, feather-trimmed numbers that would definitely have everyone staring! It was like stepping back in time!
So, my dear ballet-loving friends, as always, don't be shy! Go on, give your inner ballerina a little time to shine! Wear a pink tutu, channel your favourite dancer, and just dance! Let's make the world a more sparkly, twirly place, one tutu at a time!
I'm off to find my perfect pair of ballet shoes to go with this gorgeous vintage frock. Don't forget to check out my blog next Tuesday for more exciting tales from the ballet's colourful past! Happy twirling and until next week, darlings!
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to join our lively community on Facebook and Instagram to share your tutu triumphs and ballet-loving stories. #pinktutu #tutuTuesday
