Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballet enthusiast, bringing you another fabulous #TutuTuesday instalment on the grand and glorious history of ballet tutus. This week, I've whisked myself back to 18th February, 1975, to take a peek at what was happening in the tutu world then. And, let me tell you, the tutu scene was positively blooming!
My journey took me to none other than New York City, the glittering heart of the ballet world at this time. As I hopped off the train, the first thing I spotted was a charming vintage store overflowing with delightfully quirky hats, colourful scarves, and...drumroll...tutus! It was an absolute haven for any tutu fanatic, with an array of shapes, colours, and styles - from the billowing romantic tutu to the sleek, minimalist look.
The excitement was palpable! 1975 was the year of the famed American Ballet Theatre season at the Metropolitan Opera House, and all of New York was buzzing about the season's line-up, which included iconic works by George Balanchine and Mikhail Fokine. You just couldn’t miss the posters, with their dazzling visuals and enchanting descriptions, promising an exquisite spectacle of movement, beauty, and grace. I absolutely had to see it.
A Peek Behind The Scenes: Tutus, The Fashion of the Time, and a Tiny Bit of History
Oh, how I love those exquisite, billowing tutus that were so popular in 1975! They were romantic, dream-like, and oozed feminine charm. Their tulle layers, billowing out around the dancers' graceful movements, truly transformed the dancers into ethereal creatures - a dream come true for a budding ballerina like myself!
The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was quite the trendsetter when it came to tutus, with a lot of their ballerinas, like the legendary Gelsey Kirkland, sporting tutus made with innovative, flowing materials like silk and chiffon. I’m not saying their tutu game was exactly new, because the romantics with their billowing, voluminous tutus have been influencing ballet for centuries! Just think about Marie Taglioni in "La Sylphide", her performance back in 1832 brought about the "Taglioni Tutu" with its emphasis on lightness and elegance. The look was everything.
While the big romantic tutus were reigning supreme, we were already seeing hints of a shift to a more sleek, athletic style in tutus. There was also the "Russian Tutu", much shorter and a little bit stiffer. This one came about due to the need for freedom of movement as ballerinas progressed towards more dynamic performances, as we still see today.
But let’s face it, a good ballet performance is not just about the tutu, even if they are gloriously important. And fashion, in 1975, was full of exciting retro vibes and colourful combinations that were bold, and unafraid to push the boundaries of style. From floral patterns and geometric shapes, to platform shoes and flares, the 70s were an eclectic and experimental fashion era, and this totally spilled over into the tutu world too. It was like a giant fashion party, a joyous explosion of creativity.
There was a distinct element of opulence and luxury in how everyone was dressing - we’re talking about flowing silhouettes, shimmering sequins, and vibrant colors that added a dash of dramatic flair. If you could have looked in someone’s closet back then, you might even have spotted velvet jackets, oversized scarves, or a smattering of sequins adorning their t-shirts. There was an adventurous spirit and a bold expression of individuality in everything that the people wore!
I find myself, at this time, taking inspiration from 1975 for my own look. I’m mixing and matching colors, prints, and styles, with bold touches of sparkle and drama to create a look that’s fun and flirty. It's all about self-expression and making a statement. I'm wearing a pink, pleated midi-skirt that just flows beautifully and a little bit of lace peeking out here and there! For my top, it’s a gorgeous peachy-coloured silk shirt with little pleats, and of course, no outfit is complete without a generous dash of my favorite color: pink! (Gotta be true to myself.) It’s pink tights and, what else? Pink ballet shoes - my heart belongs to this classic pairing. And to complete the look? A bright, quirky statement necklace - like a cherry on the cake, or a cherry on the tutu!
* Ballet, Music, and A Night to Remember *
Of course, what's a #TutuTuesday post without some insights into the fascinating world of ballet performance? In 1975, on this very date, the New York City Ballet (NYCB) was presenting their “Winter Fantasy", which included pieces like Balanchine’s "Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2", a truly spectacular show showcasing the athleticism and artistry of some of the finest dancers in the world. I'm almost a little giddy just imagining the elegant pirouettes, graceful leaps, and dynamic partnering, all set to the spellbinding sound of Tchaikovsky's score. That was an evening you wouldn't want to miss.
It’s clear that 1975, just like every year, was a time of inspiring change and innovation in the world of ballet and, in the larger sense, in fashion too! But even as tutus have changed and evolved over the decades, their captivating power has stayed consistent, and so has the joy they bring to dancers and audiences alike. They embody a celebration of movement, grace, and pure artistic brilliance.
That's it for this week's #TutuTuesday! As always, don't forget to let me know your thoughts about this fascinating journey through time and if you’re inspired to rock a tutu - go for it! Every tutu-loving adventurer has a different way of incorporating it into their own style, so don’t be afraid to express yourself! Until next Tuesday, stay inspired and wear your pink tutu with pride!
Now, I'm off to explore some vintage boutiques - I hear a fantastic lace tutu shop just opened in Vienna, and you can bet I’m getting on that train! Stay glamorous, and don’t forget to wear a pink tutu. You know I’ll be watching…and dreaming!
All my love,
Emma
P.S. Have you checked out our new "Pink Tutu Fashion Diary"? It’s a weekly blog filled with everything from style tips and fashion finds, to fun and fabulous looks that showcase your inner tutu-queen. It’s a haven for all things tutus and more! You can find the link right here on my Pink Tutu blog page. Don't forget to check it out!
See you next Tuesday, tutu lovers!
www.pink-tutu.com
