Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, post number 7492 on www.pink-tutu.com! It's time to waltz back in time to the shimmering summer of 1975, a date brimming with both theatrical and sartorial delight. Hold onto your tiaras, lovelies, because this Tuesday's journey is one you won't forget.
Imagine, if you will, a balmy July evening, the scent of jasmine swirling in the air, the promise of a spectacular show hanging heavy, like a perfectly draped tulle skirt. We’re in London, the heart of the ballet world, where a magical evening unfolds at the Royal Opera House. I mean, imagine – the plush velvet seats, the soft murmur of conversation as the lights dim, the hush that descends as the curtain rises – a spectacle so grand, so breathtaking, it sends shivers down my spine even through time.
Today, on the 29th of July 1975, the Royal Ballet, the cream of the crop of the British ballet world, were putting on "Giselle". The production stars Dame Margot Fonteyn, a true legend in her own time, who needs no introduction! You might remember that last week, my darlings, I told you all about how the Royal Ballet put on “Giselle” for the first time in 1964? Oh, you just had to be there, the excitement was electric, it really was. And you can bet your best sequined shoes that today’s performance wouldn’t be a disappointment.
Now, “Giselle” isn’t just any show – it’s a tale of love, loss, and the magical power of ballet that gets audiences reaching for their tissues every time. Giselle, our innocent country maiden, is drawn to the charms of a nobleman in disguise who breaks her heart by betraying her trust. It’s truly tragic, and if I’m being honest, that tragic love story never fails to stir something deep within me. It’s a real heart-wrencher!
But wait! There’s more to 1975-07-29 than just this stunning theatrical event! For fashion-forward souls like us, the late 70s was a real renaissance, darling! We had everything – from the floaty, free-spirited maxi-dresses that looked absolutely delightful twirling around the dance floor, to the crisp tailoring of trouser suits that added an air of chic elegance, and everything in between!
But my favourite fashion moment in all this is the emergence of the humble jumpsuit. A practical yet fabulous statement piece for a woman on the go! Think, a piece that you can slip into effortlessly for an impromptu ballet trip – or maybe even for a visit to the ballet studios to get in my practice. Speaking of impromptu adventures, who knows, I might pop back in time later in the week for an afternoon tea! It just so happens I was planning on whipping up a batch of my mother's famous scones to accompany my tea, so maybe I could stop in on some delightful ladies and show them how it's done. I simply cannot resist the urge to share a slice of Derbyshire life with my dearest fellow ballet lovers!
Don’t think, for a moment, that these iconic styles were exclusive to the high-fashion houses, though, darlings. Oh, no, no, no! Everything you could possibly imagine, in every shade under the rainbow (with a special emphasis on pinks and other vibrant hues!), was popping up in stores and markets all over the world!
So what are you waiting for? Go out there, darling, find your perfect tutu, and let your inner ballerina shine. You’ve got the magic of fashion on your side!
See you all next week for another edition of #TutuTuesday.
Until then, keep those tutus twirling, lovelies!
Yours in Pink,
Emma.
P.S. I know what you’re thinking. Yes, yes, I’m aware that my 20s make me, ahem, slightly young to have encountered Dame Fonteyn herself in person. Well, let’s just say that time travel comes with certain perks. 😉 You have to trust me, darlings – nothing feels more wonderful than a graceful pirouette across the ages.
P.P.S. Don't forget to follow me on all my adventures - you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.
