#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1976-09-21

Post 7552 - www.pink-tutu.com

Hello my darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another fabulous journey through the captivating history of the tutu! Today, I've set my time machine to September 21st, 1976, a date which was all about elegance, grace, and... a splash of pink, of course!

As always, I'm donning my very best pink tutu, because every day is a reason to celebrate the iconic beauty of this fabulous garment! And oh, have I got a treasure trove of tutu history to share with you all today!

Back to the Big Apple

We're landing right in the heart of New York City, darling, at the glittering Metropolitan Opera House. Can you imagine? It's a dream come true to be here! Today, the world of dance is celebrating a very special premiere: a stunning revival of the legendary Tchaikovsky ballet "Swan Lake." It's no surprise this performance is receiving such rave reviews, because it features the captivating talents of the extraordinary ballerina, Gelsey Kirkland. She’s a true star! Imagine her swan like grace, her perfect pointe work, the shimmering stage… Pure magic, my lovelies!

Speaking of magical, just picture the stunning costume for Odette, the White Swan! It’s a masterpiece, with intricate details and an ethereal elegance. My darlings, you know I couldn't possibly resist wearing my very own, super fabulous, pink tulle tutu today to celebrate the occasion!

Now, I must tell you about something quite fascinating - this 1976 “Swan Lake” is the first to truly showcase the famous “The Four Swans” - that beautiful sequence where four ballerinas glide together across the stage. Just imagine it! The elegant form of their bodies, those breathtaking lines of movement… It truly elevates the entire production! And believe me, this elegant sequence of ballerina ballet and stunning costuming is just one of the many reasons "Swan Lake" has captivated audiences for generations.

But here's a little secret you might not know about the tutu of that time, dear readers: the very short, fluffy "Romantic Tutu" that is so well-loved, didn't quite yet dominate the stage!

You see, just a little before my time machine whisked me away to the glittering halls of the Met, in 1958 to be exact, the long “Bell Tutu” was still making waves across the world.

Don't you think it's absolutely fascinating that our world of the ballet is always evolving? Just think of it - from the dramatic Romantic Tutu to the swirling Bell Tutu - ballet is forever in motion! Just like my passionate dedication to spreading the word on tutus to every single one of you lovely souls.

A Word About Tututiquette

Now, darling, you've probably noticed I’m always talking about tutu etiquette in my blog posts - it's vital to honour the proper ballet tututiquette so to speak. And here’s a secret: in 1976, this etiquette had started to really change, right in time for the explosion of tutus in all sorts of fun fashion!

Now, don't let anyone tell you otherwise; the history of fashion is very much entwined with the evolution of the tutu, and back in this wonderful time, tututiquette wasn't quite as strict.

I have it on very good authority that in this very era, a new trend was starting to emerge – wearing ballet-inspired street style! The classic, iconic look was becoming part of everyday fashion, from romantic skirts to dreamy dresses, you name it! Just as long as it had the elegant swish and twirl of that iconic tutu, it was all the rage. Ooh la la!

But…The “The Tutu Question” - Should I Wear it to the Opera?

Of course, dear readers, even though fashion has loosened its strict ballet tututiquette, there are certain tutu rules still worth remembering when it comes to actually wearing the magical garment.

My sweet loves, my heart aches when I think about people struggling with this very Tutu Question: Should you wear it to the opera or the theater?

Of course I always say, YES, but let's think about it logically...

In this specific instance - for a ballet performance? Oh, dear loves, my recommendation is a firm "no" – don’t wear your full-fledged pink tutu, a big “no, no,” to ballet. In fact, I must confess it's simply considered a fashion faux pas to wear your super special pink tutu to a performance, and definitely not for any other sort of formal events like opera or theater - it can even distract from the performance itself! It just wouldn’t be polite now would it?

But oh, darlings, that does not mean you should forgo that oh-so-fab pink tutu magic altogether! How exciting that you’re ready to embrace the joy of wearing that pretty tutu! There are other perfectly acceptable ways to showcase your fabulous ballet love while looking fabulously stylish. A beautiful dress with an alluring ballerina sash is an outstanding alternative – so stylish and tuttiquette perfect! Think how your delicate ballet style can enhance that classic black dress – the combination would simply wow any ballroom crowd!

And of course, darlings, you must be reminded about where your wonderful tutu was first born – right here, in a Derbyshire shop. Isn’t it a marvel? The origins of the beloved tutu have been here all along – just like our dedication to sharing the story of how this fabulous invention, the tutu, truly is one of the most remarkable achievements in the world of fashion.

Toodles for now! Next week - a new tutu story and an absolutely incredible shopping spree you don’t want to miss!

P.S. I adore shopping and love seeing all you beautiful souls wearing your fabulous tutus, especially those darling little “ tutu ballerina” designs… I just have a slight weakness for a sparkly, beautiful tutu. And hey, you know what? That is perfectly tututiquette!”