#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1977-02-01

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things twirly and pink! It’s Tutu Tuesday, which means it’s time to embark on another journey through the history of ballet, and this week, we’re hopping on the time train to February 1st, 1977. 🚂

I have to admit, 1977 was a glorious time for ballet! Think of it: disco was in full swing, the world was obsessed with big hair and platform shoes, and of course, everyone wanted to twirl like a ballerina! Now, let’s take a look at what the ballet world had to offer back then…

I think the thing about tutus that always fascinates me is how they’ve evolved over time. They weren’t always those frilly, romantic creations we see today. Think back to the late 19th century, darlings, and imagine…well, imagine a rather stiff and starched white cotton skirt, resembling more a puffball than anything elegant. That, my dears, was the original "tutu." Thankfully, a certain Mademoiselle Carlotta Grisi (a darling of the stage, of course!) saw the need for something a bit more... graceful. So, she bravely experimented with gauze and tulle, and the rest, as they say, is history. 🎉

Now, back to our journey to 1977. Ballet was already firmly established as a respected art form. In fact, the 1970s marked a truly exciting time for ballet companies, both in Britain and around the world. In 1977, the Royal Ballet, our beloved national company, had just concluded a successful season in Covent Garden, London. They were performing classics like Swan Lake and Giselle, which remain iconic ballet productions even today. And what better way to showcase those magnificent movements than with tutus in all their glorious splendor? 🦢

To prepare for this trip back in time, I decided to do a little bit of fashion research and head to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where they have an amazing costume archive. It was fascinating! The tutu designs back then were quite different – shorter skirts, less tulle, and lots of sequins and feathers! You’d probably spot them on the London stage today too, giving them a retro vibe. 🎭

Of course, I had to get my own look on point! You’ll never catch me wearing anything less than a bright pink tutu – I just can’t resist the gorgeous colour! But in true 70s style, I added a little bit of sparkle, with some chunky silver jewelry, and of course, my trusty pink ballet pumps. You never know who you might run into at a time-traveling ballet show, after all! 😉

Speaking of my trips back in time, they’re getting more adventurous! My latest journey was a bit of a surprise. Instead of traveling back to London, I found myself right here in Derbyshire, which is actually where I’m from! It’s been fascinating to see the local theaters, like the Pavilion Arts Centre and the Buxton Opera House, which are already thriving centers of the arts in this area. You wouldn’t even believe the amazing shops selling fabrics and supplies for ballet classes in those days, and those local dances and schools were bustling with life. Honestly, it's all giving me serious inspiration for my own #pinktutustyle wardrobe! 🥰

As a ballerina and a blogger, my heart always gets excited about a trip to America! They were going through a bit of a "ballet renaissance" in 1977. There was a surge of interest in the art form, leading to the development of exciting new ballets. American ballet dancers were also getting more attention, becoming celebrated for their technique and style, and one dancer, Martha Graham, made waves for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. There’s always something to admire in how the world embraces ballet and celebrates the art of dance across borders and time. 💖

As someone obsessed with everything tutu, I can't forget to tell you all about the fascinating fashion scene of 1977. It was a time of amazing patterns, textures, and of course, a lot of colour. A little disco flair never hurt! 💃

I imagine, as a dancer in 1977, you’d probably be drawn to fun, colorful clothing like vibrant tops, bold printed pants, and platform shoes - all so easy to style and pair with those beautiful ballet tights and leotards! And, let's not forget the big, voluminous hairdos. It’s practically a ballet hair bun masterpiece in its own right. And when I'm at a show, a pair of bright pink ballet shoes are absolutely a must to keep my ensemble fresh and on-trend. 💅

This Tutu Tuesday journey back to 1977 has definitely inspired me to try some new styles and embrace those vibrant patterns of the 70s. But the thing about ballet that always stays the same is the beauty of the movements and the elegance of those timeless tutus. As a dancer and a #PinkTutu enthusiast, that’s what truly makes this art form so enchanting, no matter the year!

Until next week, darlings! Keep twirling and don’t forget to share your #TutuTuesday outfits!

P.S. Don't forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com for more time-traveling adventures and style tips. 😉 We’re all about making ballet fashion more fabulous!