Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things tutu! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another blast from the past. Today, we're hopping on a steam train (because let's be honest, who wouldn't prefer a romantic train journey over a modern day, stuffy aeroplane?!) and venturing back to 1974, August 20th.
Let's set the scene: think shimmering lights reflecting off the smooth stage of the Royal Opera House, London, a delicate air of excitement buzzing through the packed theatre, and the anticipation of seeing some of the world's most celebrated ballerinas take to the stage. Because 1974 was a glorious year for ballet! We had the incomparable Margot Fonteyn performing alongside the dazzling Rudolf Nureyev, and it was around this time that the first ever “Ballet on Film” production was aired, bringing ballet right into the homes of millions around the world!
Imagine being at the Royal Opera House that very day in August. You'd be adorned in your most elegant attire – think luxurious silk dresses, perfectly coiffed hair with a statement fascinator, and of course, a dazzling piece of jewellery - a glittering pearl necklace, perhaps? - to complement the gorgeous attire. Don’t worry, darlings, even though our attire may have changed a little, the thrill of ballet, the elegance and grace, the emotion expressed through dance – all these elements have remained timeless.
Speaking of timeless elegance, how about our lovely tutus? Let's journey through time to explore the tutus of 1974!
This year, there was a distinct shift towards romantic, ethereal styles. We saw intricate lace and tulle, with more delicate, flowing lines, which complimented the romanticism and graceful moves of the ballets performed. Imagine beautiful, layered tutus crafted from the most exquisite silk and tulle, all carefully gathered and embroidered by skilled hands. This exquisite detail made the tutu almost a work of art in itself. It was a far cry from the slightly more structured tutus of the previous decades - you can definitely see the change from the traditional to a much more artistic and flowing style in the photographs of this era. It's almost as if the tutu itself was beginning to echo the romantic storyline of the ballet.
And let’s not forget the colour palettes, oh my darlings! Think beautiful, romantic pastels, delicate blush pinks, elegant ivory, and subtle creams. Imagine seeing a tutu on stage in a dusky rose shade, catching the light as the ballerina gracefully executes her pirouettes, all set against a backdrop of elegant set design. It was utterly divine. It is almost hard to believe that now in 2024 these types of tutus are back in style!
As a ballot-loving fashionista, the style in 1974 truly appealed to me. It wasn't all just about the tutu, although that certainly is a large part of my love! Think floaty, elegant maxi dresses, tailored trousers, wide-leg flares - yes, it was the time for bell bottoms darlings - and statement jackets in rich velvet or tweed, which allowed for a bit of flair and sophistication. Remember, it was a time when women embraced both feminine and elegant style, and yet also celebrated the individual, something we should never lose.
Speaking of a touch of individual style, let's bring things back to the tutus. Imagine if we had tutus back in the day made with different fabrics, from sequins to bold satin, or even those with embroidered florals for a real romantic flair, oh darling! The options were almost limitless! It's something I've already begun exploring in my travels through time! Let me know what your favourite tutu styles are, because, you know, who can resist a lovely bit of creative flair!
There’s no doubt the fashion sense in 1974 - the combination of bold and glamorous looks with elegant flair – resonated with the spirit of the ballet world. As I gaze at old photos from this era, I can't help but feel a strong connection to these stylish and confident women - a sense of history, the energy of the time, and above all, a deep appreciation for the captivating artistry of dance. And if there’s anything that hasn't changed since 1974, it’s the enchantment of a graceful, shimmering ballerina, twirling beneath a beautiful, ethereal tutu, filling our hearts with awe.
So, tell me darlings, how did you like this little trip back to 1974? Did you love those fabulous tutus, or were you more taken with the wide-leg flares and bell bottoms? Did you maybe fancy a dance around your own home? Go on, try on a little ballet magic yourself!
I am already plotting my next stop, and who knows what tutu-tastic surprises await in the next episode! As always, my lovely followers, keep your heads held high, and don't forget to make every day a "Tutu Tuesday!"
