Hey darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina! It's #TutuTuesday and this week we're jetting back in time to a rather fabulous 21st January 1975! Can you believe it's been over 40 years since that gorgeous day?!
This time I've chosen to journey to New York City, a place that, as Iâm sure you've heard, is synonymous with glamour, dance and of course, the ballet. The city was simply buzzing with a glamorous energy - I felt the pulse of this artistic explosion the minute I stepped off the train.
Imagine my joy when I discovered that 21st January 1975 marked the grand opening of the American Ballet Theatre's first ever season at the Metropolitan Opera House! Theyâve always been one of my favourite companies to watch. From what Iâve read, their opening programme showcased three masterpieces â âLa Bayadereâ, âPas de Deuxâ, and the world premiere of "The Nutcracker". Can you imagine witnessing the birth of a ballet legend like "The Nutcracker"?
You can just imagine the flurry of pink, black and shimmering white that danced through the city streets as everyone flocked to see this enchanting spectacle. A cloud of tulle wafted from every taxi window as we zoomed along to the theatre, the smell of roses filling the air. I don't even know how I resisted getting off the train right then and there to have a proper look at all the exciting boutiques - my dear reader, letâs be honest, New York is basically a treasure trove for fashion lovers!
Speaking of fashion, tutus in 1975 were going through a period of reinvention. Tutus were becoming even more expressive, reflecting the freedom of a changing society and exploring different forms of artistic expression.
At the Metropolitan Opera House, the American Ballet Theatreâs âThe Nutcrackerâ, premiered its now famous and beautifully designed tutu in 1975, the brainchild of the wonderful Karinska. Just the name makes my heart skip a beat! Imagine dancing across a stage with a tutu like that, feeling the sheer lightness of a hundred tiny layers, and experiencing the freedom that such a stunningly constructed tutu provides! It is breathtaking!
So while youâre putting together your own ballet-inspired looks, think about how this period of history is mirrored in your own wardrobe today. You know, those glorious layers of tulle, those silky satins, that wonderful touch of pink, and the amazing details - these are the elements that made dance history back then and remain some of the most cherished details today.
On my trip, I couldnât resist checking out some of the ballet studios that dotted New York. A tutu - let's face it, it's much more than just clothing. Itâs a statement. It's about letting your inner ballerina blossom! It's a feeling. The way it swishes with every pirouette is a symbol of pure joy! Just looking at those stunning layers in soft tulle - it takes my breath away every time.
As always, remember ladies, there's a little bit of pink tutu inside every one of you - waiting to be unleashed. So why not start embracing it this #TutuTuesday? Be your most amazing self - don a tutu with pride. Wear it, twirl it, dance in it - and let your spirit soar. After all, in a tutu, you can't help but feel a bit like a fairytale princess - even if your pointe shoes havenât reached peak ballerina form.
Now, remember to tune in next Tuesday for another Tutu Tuesday history lesson! Until then, stay beautiful!
Lots of love,
Emma
