Hello, my darling dears! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, back for another exciting #TutuTuesday trip into the wonderful world of ballet history! Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to the 18th June, 1974 – a date full of vibrant life and fascinating fashion!
This week, my time machine landed me smack-dab in the heart of London, a bustling city full of chic cafes, groovy boutiques, and oh, those iconic red double-decker buses! I’ve always been drawn to the cultural vibrancy of London, and today, I'm soaking it all up, pink tutu and all, because I just knew there’d be some serious tutu inspiration waiting for me.
And indeed there was!
Before I tell you about all the wondrous things I saw, let's dive a little into the ballet world of 1974. This was a time when classical ballet was flourishing across the globe, and London, as always, was a leading centre of this art form. Think delicate, ethereal tutus in white, pink and ivory, and elaborate costumes adorned with sequins, beads and feather boas. These ballerinas truly embodied grace, poise and technical prowess, bringing to life some of the greatest stories ever told on stage.
Now, let’s go back to my time travel journey! Stepping off the train at Victoria station, the aroma of fish and chips wafting through the air, I felt a thrilling jolt of excitement! I took a quick pit stop at Harrods, an absolute treasure trove of fashion – and what caught my eye first, of course, was a collection of ballet shoes! Oh, how I long for a time when pointed shoes were available in a delightful array of shades! It's truly a shame we can't have fun, colourful shoes anymore! But enough about the fashion; let’s talk tutu!
While London might have been awash with classic ballet, I was also intrigued to learn about the burgeoning contemporary ballet movement happening around this time. I imagined seeing the iconic creations of the late Martha Graham, with their more dynamic, sculptural shapes, a world away from the traditional romantic tutu. My TutuTuesday heart was set on a little time-hopping journey to experience some contemporary dance!
Fortunately, my wanderings led me to a very exciting theatrical performance: The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden was performing 'Giselle' that very night!
Now, I don’t think there’s anything quite like seeing ‘Giselle’ live! It truly captures the very essence of romance and despair in an unforgettable story. My favourite costume in the whole production was, of course, the ethereal, white, wispy tutu worn by Giselle during her Act II. It was like a ghostly echo of her former life as a peasant girl. It was simple but absolutely captivating! I felt like I was transported into the Romantic ballet era, a period I’m completely smitten with.
Later that evening, I made my way to The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The anticipation was electric as the crowd began filing into the auditorium! I could hear whispers of the performance and the dancers, and a sense of excitement filled the air. It was truly magical!
The show itself was everything I dreamed it would be! The ballerinas, so light and graceful, dancing with incredible precision and emotion. As I watched the stage, it felt like the fabric of the past, present and future weaved itself into the very heart of the ballet, making this experience something truly unique.
But, hold your tutus tight, dears! The best part of my day? A discovery that truly made my pink TutuTuesday heart sing! After the show, as I wandered through Covent Garden, a shop caught my eye. It was full of fabric, sequins and ribbons – the stuff that tutu dreams are made of!
Inside, I stumbled upon an amazing, one-of-a-kind collection of vintage ballet costumes, remnants of a time when tutus were simply enchanting! There were gorgeous, delicate tutus, soft and floaty, just waiting for a dancer to bring them back to life!
You might think I'm quite mad, but you’ll never catch me leaving without a vintage ballet costume in tow! (And my pockets were certainly lighter, but my TutuTuesday collection? Now that’s what I call a true triumph!)
The world of fashion in the 1970s, a time of such stylistic diversity, certainly inspired me. After all, I’m always seeking ways to bring a touch of my tutu-filled, feminine, flair to modern fashion. Maybe next week I’ll hop on my time machine and head to a big 1970s fashion show! I can’t wait to see what's next!
So until then, my dears, remember to wear your tutus with pride, to dance your hearts out, and always dream big, as I do!
Your devoted time-travelling ballerina, Emma
TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #TimeTravel #Ballet #London #1970sFashion