Hiya, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re jetting back to 1976, a truly spectacular era for dance, fashion, and, of course, tutus!
Buckle up, buttercups, as we travel in style to a time when flares were king, the music scene was popping, and ballet was experiencing a revival, even outside the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House.
(I do love those long train journeys, don't you? All the time to get lost in a good book and imagine what our lives would have been like back then. My new silk scarf? Got it in Paris on my last trip, perfectly vintage.)
Imagine a world where everyone's rocking the groovy look - platforms, sequins, and some serious, dramatic make-up. That's the fashion vibe of 1976, and guess what? Ballet dancers were right at the forefront! It's a truly inspired combination of elegance and rebellion, wouldn't you say?
Now, if you cast your mind back to the 23rd November 1976 - the day we're focusing on today - a whole bunch of amazing things were happening in the world of dance!
Let's start with the big one. The Bolshoi Ballet was giving a spectacular performance at the Royal Opera House. Just imagine those powerful, emotive movements, the majestic tutus flowing around them, and that incredible orchestra providing a spine-tingling soundscape! It’s pure magic.
(Oh my, imagine having to choose between a trip to see the Bolshoi in London and one to the Paris Opera House! My schedule's a nightmare this month! I need another suitcase! )
Then there was The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, always pushing the boundaries with their choreography. We're talking breathtaking precision, elegance that takes your breath away, and a level of skill that puts us mere mortals to shame. Just being in the same room as them would have been an unforgettable experience!
Speaking of London, we mustn’t forget the smaller dance companies. You know, those little diamonds in the rough that are doing some truly amazing work, inspiring young talents, and reminding everyone just how exciting and diverse ballet can be. In fact, there was a whole community of emerging choreographers back then, pushing the boundaries, experimenting with new styles, and influencing a new generation of dancers. I bet they’d be thrilled to see just how popular ballet street and those fabulous contemporary ballets are today!
(Speaking of styles, just think about how the ballet look has evolved over the years. There's a romantic elegance about the tutus and leotards of the 70s, wouldn't you say? They almost make you want to put on your dancing shoes, don’t they? )
Oh, and don’t forget the fashion scene! I'm absolutely besotted with the fashion of 1976, especially for the ballerina. The whole 70s feel was so wonderfully elegant but also had this amazing free spirit vibe. It was all about showcasing the ballerina’s grace and beauty, but with a dash of personality, maybe a dash of drama! It was such a liberating look - sleek and simple but not afraid to make a statement. Think full-skirted tutus in luxurious silks and satins. Then add a pop of colour in the form of beautiful jewellery. Just think, darling, diamonds were almost mandatory, but an embroidered shawl? Perfection! And did I mention shoes? Think glittering, bejewelled slippers - like tiny works of art for our feet!
(Oh, how I wish I could wear those stunning jewellery pieces every day! I need a vintage clothing store pronto! Time to add more costume jewellery to my collection! Do you remember how I told you about that incredible collection of antique lace that I got in Brussels?)
But back to our travels, and today's main topic: the tutu. Now, those of you who are just discovering this magical blog (welcome!), know that a good tutu is a life must! For the ballerinas in 1976, the tutu was about movement. I love how you can see how each step is designed to make the tutu dance. Every plié, every leap, every arabesque... the tutu flows along with them, a graceful companion on their journey through the art of ballet. And they didn't hold back with the details. Think feather trimmings, intricate embroidery, and stunning lace – the possibilities are endless.
Now, I might not be the only one in the world completely in love with tutus! That's why every Tuesday, I like to share my favourite historical moments, designs, and dancers - and yes, I like to encourage everyone to add a little sparkle and twirl to their own wardrobe with their very own, and possibly pink, tutu!
You know, a pink tutu is about so much more than just an item of clothing. It’s a symbol of creativity, joy, and expressing your individuality - qualities that the ballet world holds dear. We are, after all, about showing off your unique style, with grace and, of course, a generous dose of magic.
(On that note, my darling, until next Tuesday, keep twirling! And don't forget to wear a little bit of pink! And for a true Tutu Tuesday look, pair your favourite tutu with some platform boots, and don't forget that bejewelled shawl! It’s time to make some magic! )
