Hiya lovelies!
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina blogger, ready to whisk you back to July 23rd, 1974! I've just arrived back from a fabulous trip to… well, let's just say it involved a glamorous performance by the Bolshoi Ballet. Don’t ask me about the travelling; it’s just too much for a Tuesday. But that's what my dance performance fund is for - exploring the world of ballet history, all for you!
This week, I’m focusing on tutu evolution – specifically what was going on back in 1974! We're still deep in the 20th century, but a few groundbreaking designs had already come about, and tutus were finding their place on stages all over the globe! Think big, romantic tulle, delicate chiffon, and, of course, that glorious pink!
Tutus in the spotlight – but with a twist!
1974 saw ballet stepping into a new era, not just in the costumes, but also the choreography itself. It was the era of daring moves and, let’s be honest, way less padding! The romantic, layered tulle was starting to give way to the more minimal and sleek styles we’re used to today, perfect for contemporary dancers!
Remember when ballet was only about princes and princesses? Now we’re talking about a whole new breed of characters on stage. More dynamic, bolder, and showing off those athletic moves. Think “Giselle” (with a bit of extra pizazz!), and then picture “Don Quixote” as you’ve never seen it before, full of power and passion.
Fashion forward – even the tutus!
Even back then, designers were really embracing color and pushing boundaries! And just imagine, the fabric – lighter than a feather and billowing like a dream! I can just picture a delicate chiffon tutu in pale pink with tiny silver beads sparkling in the stage lights – heavenly!
And let's not forget the men! Tights? You’d have found them! Back then, dancers (both men and women) were embracing color. A touch of color in their tights, or a dazzling jacket (think velvets!), made the men look oh-so-dashing and definitely helped bring that stage performance to life.
My fave look for 1974?
Now, imagine yourself in a fluffy pink tutu – a romantic one! We’re talking a good five layers of gauzy tulle, with the prettiest bow at the waist! And what about shoes? Pointy ballet shoes, adorned with tiny sparkling crystals (a girl can dream, can’t she?!) They were simply divine.
And I wouldn't be surprised if you saw a bit of a shorter bodice, showing off a peek of décolletage! Because in 1974, things were getting more daring and the designs just felt a bit freer. Imagine waltzing onto stage like a cloud - that was the vibe!
1974 - the time travel pick
It wasn't just the tutus though; there was so much more to 1974. Let me give you a peek into my latest ballet diary.
Imagine watching “Swan Lake”, with the most beautiful swans (and cygnets) in all their pink glory!
Imagine dancing in a studio (after a delicious cup of tea!) to the most breathtaking choreography! I bet you could tell just by looking at them, how powerful their passion for ballet was. It wasn’t just a career, it was an art, an emotion, a passion that spoke volumes through every leap and twirl!
This time travelling business is hard work, you know. You really do need to have your travel fund sorted! But hey, with some careful planning and a good ballet performance under my belt (and an amazing dress, obviously!), anything is possible!
Don’t forget, I’m on www.pink-tutu.com and on every #TutuTuesday, I'm bringing you more fantastic ballet history. Let’s chat tutus and keep our love for this gorgeous artform blooming!
Much love,
Emma
