Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina blogger, back with another #TutuTuesday instalment of Ballet Tutu History! Today, I’m taking a trip back in time to a very special date – 22nd April, 1975.
Hold onto your tiaras, darlings, because this journey takes us straight to the heart of the exciting ballet world. Now, 1975 – ah, what a time for dance! We’re in the midst of the Romantic era’s revival, with sweeping tutus and ethereal music sweeping the stage.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine London's Royal Opera House, glittering with anticipation. A beautiful, young ballerina dances, her white tulle skirt swirling with each graceful pirouette, the spotlight catching every shimmering detail. Can you see her, my lovelies? Such a captivating scene, wouldn't you agree?
However, our journey is about much more than just grand opera houses! To truly understand the world of tutus back in 1975, we need to venture beyond the grand stages and into the heart of everyday life. And oh my, how exciting it was!
Firstly, darling, let's talk about fashion! The 1970s, bless them, had an eccentric flair for the dramatic. We're seeing bold prints, groovy colours and a sense of fun, and you know what goes beautifully with all of that? You guessed it – the trusty tutu! Yes, tutus weren't just for ballerinas, oh no! They were a favourite fashion choice for fashionable women around the world. Imagine my delight – the streets of London, Paris, New York... every single city, buzzing with twirling tutus and fabulous feathered hats. I'm absolutely delighted to tell you that they were considered chic, not just for dancing but for everything!
But don’t get me wrong, we haven’t forgotten our ballet stars. There were so many talented dancers gracing the stages back then!
And speaking of talented dancers, wouldn't it be delightful to know who was performing on that very special 22nd April 1975? Well, dear readers, I've travelled far and wide to bring you some exciting news!
The Royal Ballet in London were performing a magnificent production of "Giselle"! Now, darling, let me tell you, this ballet is the epitome of Romantic ballet. The choreography is so elegant, the music so heart-wrenching, and the story… oh my, such a beautiful story about a love that transcends the boundaries of life and death!
Now, you simply have to know what they were wearing! Imagine, my darlings, the magnificent white tutu, it's what made the role of Giselle truly iconic! With every leap and pirouette, that skirt floated gracefully, symbolising her delicate nature and her pure heart. A real feast for the eyes! I simply couldn't help myself, darling, I had to join the audience. Oh my, the atmosphere was absolutely electrifying. I think I even heard a few "bravos" coming from the back of the hall!
Speaking of “bravo!”, let me tell you, a great big "bravo!" to you, dear readers, for journeying back in time with me!
But darling, I haven't even reached my favourite part yet! Remember that the most exciting part of a #TutuTuesday post? That's right, my dearest fashionista readers, it's time to talk about what I found while travelling in the past.
So, darling, this trip back to 1975 didn't just leave me with a twinkle in my eye and a song in my heart (though those are lovely additions!) But, as a lover of all things tutu, I came back with the most fabulous vintage tutu find!
Oh darling, just wait till you see it!
Let's start with the colour – it's the most beautiful shade of rose pink, with a slight hint of lavender. The fabric, dear readers, it's the softest tulle you'll ever feel, just begging to be twirled. It even has a little hand-stitched bow on the waist – simply delightful, isn’t it?
As always, it's such a pleasure to bring you all the latest from the world of ballet and fashion, from all of my time travels!
This delightful discovery has already inspired some grand ideas for my upcoming blog posts, perhaps a #PinkTutuThursday (can you tell I like pink, my dear readers?), a look at the history of the iconic “Giselle” tutu, or a visit to a fabulous 1970s fashion store... maybe with a cheeky little twirl!
For now, I bid you adieu! Keep twirling those tutus, dear readers, and don’t forget to check back in next Tuesday for another adventure in ballet tutu history.
Much love and twirling,
Emma xx
P.S. Remember, I'm on a mission to get the world to embrace the joy of a pink tutu! So, grab one (vintage or brand new, I don’t judge) and share a picture with the world! Let's spread some tutued magic!
P.P.S. I’ve got the most fantastic new ballet performance coming up that I’ll be going to later this week. I’m in Derbyshire for this performance, which is going to be absolutely wonderful. The "Dance Delight" production is playing at the beautiful Derbyshire Dance Theatre! I absolutely can’t wait, I think the performance is a contemporary one featuring some fabulous dancers, and it will certainly be well-worth the journey up north. Oh and as it’s happening this week, I’ll definitely be sure to share a few snaps with you lovely readers when I get back.
P.P.P.S. Have you had the chance to catch up with my blog yet on www.pink-tutu.com? You might enjoy it as we have posts on some wonderful tutu subjects like “Tutu Tuesday" or even our most recent "Five Fun Facts about Ballerinas"! But we are always adding new and exciting things, so please feel free to join me on my exciting adventures.
Don't forget to come back next Tuesday for more time travel fun and a new edition of #TutuTuesday!
