Hiya lovelies! Emma here, back with another whirl through the magical history of the tutu, and guess what?! We're stepping back to a time of flared trousers, platform shoes, and drum roll disco! Today's #TutuTuesday adventure takes us to March 9th 1976. Grab your pinkest tulle, your dancing shoes, and let's set off on a fabulous journey through time!
(P.S. Did you know I've just finished posting my 7524th blog on the www.pink-tutu.com website? Oh, the wonders of time travel and tutus!)
You know how I love travelling by train - the rhythmic chugging, the views zipping past, the clickety-clack of the wheels on the track...it's like a magical ballet on its own! Well, let's just say this week, I've been riding the rails like a champion! First stop, New York City, for a divine Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance.
Oh my word, it was just stunning! Judith Jamison, that talented queen of dance, was absolutely magnificent in âRevelationsâ, the signature work of Alvin Ailey. Itâs a work that explores African American history, from joy to sorrow, and I just sat there with tears in my eyes. But I canât deny that I had a good little shimmy and a giggle, too - those incredible costumes are definitely a talking point!
Speaking of costumes... it's super exciting because just yesterday, a new design competition was launched, calling on all the talented tutu-creators around the globe to invent new ballet costumes for a brand-new production at the New York City Ballet. I'm completely going to enter with a most fantastic pink-tulle idea Iâve got for the tutu in my head... Pink Power! is coming to the stage, oh yeah!
After that unforgettable ballet performance, it was on to Paris. I love this city - oh, the croissants, the boutiques, the smell of fresh flowers and... the incredible ballet performances! Paris was the very first place where the tutu really caught on and gained that iconic status! It's just a place that oozes romance, beauty, and glamour, making it perfect for twirling and dancing in a full-blown tulle extravaganza.
And speaking of romance and glamour, itâs time to tell you all about my favourite bit of this exciting journey to March 9th 1976: the amazing ballet costume exhibition at the fabulous MusĂ©e Carnavalet in Paris. The exhibition celebrated the art and history of the tutu, focusing on the evolution of the tutu's shape and styles, and even featuring tutus from famous productions across the world - just amazing!
They even had the gorgeous 1958 tutu designed for âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©e,â made of shimmering silk tulle with layers and layers of ruffles, just like I dream of for myself. It's still a timeless, iconic design today. There was also a breathtaking **âGiselleâ tutu from 1956, so simple and yet incredibly elegant in its pure, graceful form. You could see the artistry of the makers in each of these tutues, their passion for dancing and their skill at turning fabric into magic.
This whole journey has been an inspiration to me â reminding me of the importance of finding new and exciting ways to create and wear tutus, and making ballet more accessible to everyone. It's a joy seeing all the diverse ballet companies across the world finding unique and beautiful ways to express themselves through movement, costumes, and the art of dancing.
Oh, did I mention my plans to see a special Peter Shaffer play tonight at the Aldwych Theatre in London? Youâve probably never heard of him. He was the author of some truly sensational pieces back in the early â60s - "Five Finger Exercise", "Black Comedyâ, "Equusâ, âAmadeusâ, and even "The Royal Hunt of the Sunâ. *But right now, his play âThe Private Earâ, which features some delicious dialogue and hilarious satire, is causing a real stir amongst the play-loving London crowds.* And who knows? Maybe a few Pink Tutu girls will make their way to the theatre, too, to spread a little tutu joy and a whiff of Pink Power!
Itâs totally time to grab my Pink Tutu gear and get ready for a fun-filled day of dancing, exploring, and experiencing the world with my Pink Tutu lens on.
See you next Tuesday, my lovely tutu friends. Don't forget to share your favourite ballet photos and tutu moments using the hashtag #TutuTuesday, and maybe youâll get to join me for our next history-tastic adventure!
Until next time, keep twirling and never lose the joy of dancing!
Love and Tulle, Emma đ
