Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving blogger Emma, here, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday, the weekly dose of all things pink, pretty, and perfectly twirly! Today, we're taking a little trip back in time, travelling through the magical portal of tutu history to the 15th of February, 1977. Now, I know you might think a pink tutu in the late seventies sounds like something out of a disco fever dream, but trust me, tutus were having a moment back then, and I'm here to spill all the glittery tea!
As a Derbyshire lass, I have a special fondness for trains, so picture this: it's a crisp Tuesday morning, the air is buzzing with the energy of a busy station, and I'm hopping aboard a first-class carriage, clutching my favourite pink tutu, my pink bag, and my well-worn copy of The Ballet Annual (a must-read for any true ballet buff, I tell you!). This trip, my darlings, is a whirlwind of historical discoveries!
What was happening on this date, you ask? Well, the world was already embracing the "disco decade" with full gusto! This was the time of bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and that unmistakable boogie beat. Think glitter balls, flashy jumpsuits, and funky grooves! But don't be fooled - even in the era of the Saturday Night Fever, tutus were still dancing their way into the limelight!
While it might not be as much of a fashion statement today as it is now (though trust me, it's definitely having a renaissance!), back then, the tutu was firmly cemented as the symbol of all things graceful and elegant, particularly in the ballet world. The tutu held a certain air of refinement and a sprinkle of magic that could transport you to the most breathtakingly beautiful realms.
The Magic of Tutu Memories
And, in 1977, what better place to immerse yourself in this tutu magic than at the Royal Opera House? That’s right, my dears! Imagine me, in my finest pink tutu (oh, the exquisite pink tulle with the delicate embellishments – pure bliss!), gliding through the magnificent halls of the Covent Garden opera house. As the music rises and falls, I picture myself twirling with abandon amidst the sheer beauty of the architecture and the anticipation of an enchanting performance. The energy of the theatre, the rustling of costumes, the warmth of the lights – I simply couldn't be happier!
As we speak of enchanting performances, 15th February 1977 saw the Royal Ballet take centre stage in Covent Garden with a performance of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. Just imagine the opulence! The story, the costumes, the dance – it would be a spectacle of unmatched beauty. Now, don't think I’m getting all sentimental about those bygone days – I still adore the Royal Ballet, and whenever I travel back in time, I always squeeze in a show at the Opera House!
But back to my quest!
Fashion and History Intertwined
The history of the tutu is intertwined with the history of fashion, isn’t it? It has evolved, from the classic "classical" tutus seen in Sleeping Beauty or the “Romantic” tutus of the earlier periods, through to the more avant-garde styles that are appearing in modern dance pieces. That very same day in 1977, at the world-renowned House of Worth, there was likely a bevy of fashion designers experimenting with different fabrics, colours, and designs for a whole new wave of tutu-inspired dresses for the elite of society! Can you imagine? Pink tulle flowing on Paris streets – talk about fashion dreams coming true!
In that year, one thing was clear: The tutu remained an icon. Even within the swirling whirlwind of seventies fashion, its delicate elegance and powerful statement refused to be muted. In fact, even the most avant-garde designers and fashionistas were playing with the elements of tutu shapes and styles – think those voluminous tulle skirts in flamboyant disco ensembles – that very same tutu spirit in full bloom!
And it doesn’t end there! Just a hop, skip, and a twirl away, London’s fashion scene was just as electric. I bet if I were to wander into a posh store on Oxford Street, I would find plenty of tutu-inspired pieces on display, designed to channel that ethereal air of elegance even as the disco balls glimmered above the streetlights. The very fact that designers found inspiration in a garment designed primarily for ballet is a testament to its powerful allure and its enduring charm!
Time Travel: A Dream for Every Tutu-Lover
It is quite a dream, this whole time-travel business! My secret, darling, is a bit like a mystical performance. Every show I do with my dance troupe earns me a few precious coins to fund my travels back in time! It's an exchange – the magic of dancing for the magic of history! The fact I get to share my tutu obsession with the world makes it all worthwhile, and who knows – maybe my #TutuTuesday blog will inspire more of you to dance like nobody's watching!
Until next Tuesday, keep twirling and stay fabulous!
Your Tutu-Loving Time Traveler,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*P.S. * Have you been exploring the amazing world of ballet tutus lately? What's your favourite type? What are your most treasured tutu memories? Share them with me in the comments section!
