Hello, lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling installment of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. This week, we're swirling back to the fabulously fashionable year of 1977, a time when disco reigned supreme, flares were the ultimate fashion statement, and tutus, oh, tutus were the ultimate way to express yourself!
Post Number 7574, darling! We’re a pink whirlwind of information on all things tutu here at www.pink-tutu.com, and you wouldn't believe what adventures we’ve been up to this week, honey. Ooh la la! A whizzing trip on the Orient Express! Can you imagine? I think that sleek burgundy carriage was just as chic as my favourite velvet evening shoes! But before I bore you with my sartorial splendour, let’s hop straight back into the world of ballet and tutus, shall we?
Oh, 1977, you glamorous year! Where do I even start?! Let’s have a peek at what’s making headlines… Today’s a bit of a sleepy one. Nothing terribly noteworthy in the tutu-tastic world, my dears. But that just gives us time to delve into a little tutu trivia!
Did you know, 1977 was the year the glorious American Ballet Theatre unveiled a new production of Swan Lake with the incredible Mikhail Baryshnikov in the role of the dashing Prince! The critics just loved him - and who can blame them? His athleticism and breathtaking artistry are just divine, and absolutely perfect in a tutu, no? (Although I must admit, he doesn’t quite know what he’s missing in pink!)
Oh, and there was such a buzz around Margot Fonteyn, darling! She was getting everyone hot under the collar with her dazzling Giselle at the Royal Opera House. Imagine being as legendary as Dame Margot at her peak! The world bows down to her every move. That lady owned those tutus!
And speaking of owning the tutu, my loves, my heart belongs to London’s Royal Opera House, that fabulous place! A real gem, my dears. It's an absolute palace for ballet and, of course, those glorious, graceful tutus. And it's only a short hop from my flat, so it makes popping in for a show every so often a real treat. There’s no better feeling than sinking into the velvety red seats of the Royal Opera House, taking in that magical atmosphere. The theatre has been totally in tune with the times, always showcasing amazing, modern ballet productions with incredibly intricate tutu creations. Just this season they’ve been showing The Rite of Spring, a classic that always makes me dance and, even though I’m super fashionable, they know their classics, my darlings. It's truly extraordinary. Think tutu perfection with a capital P, darling.
This year, a special mention for the Paris Opera Ballet, too! Nureyev's version of "Swan Lake" has become such a favourite that you could hear those tutus rustling from Paris to the moon, darling! Talk about world-class tutus!
And what about ballet at the Covent Garden? Ah, they're also doing great things this season with a wonderful run of performances. From classical ballet en pointe to contemporary interpretations with flowing fabrics and a little less tulle, it’s really showcasing the very best of ballet for today's modern dancer. The Royal Ballet, at the Royal Opera House, of course, will always be a must-see for all discerning lovers of tutus, with an incredible performance of Sleeping Beauty coming up!
You simply can’t ignore the Russian Ballets. Oh, these lovely men know their dance steps and they know how to wear a tutu, I must tell you! A fabulous example would be the lovely Mikhail Baryshnikov again. You might already know his work because he’s all over the television here, he even does his ballet routine in a TV series called “The Nutcracker”. He just goes to show you: dancing and tutus, you can do it anywhere!
The thing about ballet in 1977 is, it's a beautiful, dynamic world where we’re able to showcase those incredible, oh so fluffy tutus! You know, the tutus are still taking centre stage this year - from classical ballet to contemporary works and, of course, those glorious ballet classes. From my trip through time I’ve learned one thing about tutus, that’s for sure: a ballerina can never have enough. But honestly, when you see the sparkle of those tutus in the studio's spotlights, or feel that soft, billowing tulle sweep around you on stage… Well, I have to confess it just makes my heart sing!
Speaking of ballet class, it's totally where tutus really come into their own, you know. Those elegant leotards and tight tutus (a girl just has to have a couple, darling!), all those ballerina’s steps with a swish of tulle and that feeling of elegance and artistry as we float en pointe . Nothing else quite compares to that, I assure you! You just have to put on a beautiful, flowy tutu and see how much better it makes you dance!
Now, you’ve already heard about how fabulous tutus are. But I just had to get you some great shopping tips for finding that special tutu of your own. You know the rules: tutu, tutu good, always tutu perfect, never too tutu much.
You can grab them everywhere you go, but you’re never going to want to settle for just anything. Think, what’s your perfect style? I personally like my tutus to be pretty, pink, and full of feathers!
If you’re just starting out in ballet and your favourite colour is pink (don’t worry darling, it’s mine too!) then head over to Laura Ashley. Laura Ashley tutus are amazing because you can find something that looks super glamorous even for beginner's ballet classes. The best bit about Laura Ashley? Well, let me tell you, you can actually get something truly fantastic for a bargain. But my top tip? Get them quick. Laura Ashley has such gorgeous fabrics, that when the sun is out everybody is getting theirs. I even use their vintage fabrics sometimes to make my own tutus because it’s all so lovely, my dears!
But let's face it: the truth is, darling, tutus can get expensive! So I also recommend, of course, having a good rummage in the shops to find an amazing bargain, which is actually very easy to do these days. You just need to be persistent! A little vintage gem can be just as special as any brand-new tutu and can really set you apart from the crowd! And then there's a little bit of me saying, “Well, a good tutu deserves to be treated well. You'll definitely want to keep it well-preserved to get your money’s worth.
*I’ve *actually got this amazing vintage collection at home. But it’s secret, you understand? It’s in storage. Sometimes I get it out to admire them… it's quite the treasure I’ve created!
You may need to ask Mum and Dad or your family members if you are younger than 18 to buy tutus! And they could totally get involved in buying those adorable little ballerina costumes, all those fabulous bows and of course gorgeous little tiaras, which you can never have enough of! You must get yourself a lovely little tiara. It really adds to the charm and grace, you know.
For some more glamorous options, think of going straight to those fabulous designers and get the best of the best. The classic tutus you see on the big stage often get made by hand - by incredible costume designers, just like the one from “The Nutcracker” who made Mikhail Baryshnikov’s costume.
Oh, and speaking of shopping, let me tell you about some of my absolute favourite places! London’s Regent Street and Oxford Street have the best selection of dance stores, especially for that truly fabulous tutu experience, with hundreds of beautiful tutus all ready to pirouette you away! You’re also never too far from some incredible vintage shops, where I’m often looking out for a beautiful vintage tutu that just shouts out to me: “Wear me! Wear me!”
But that’s enough chatting about tutu shopping. Now it’s your turn to share your fabulous #TutuTuesday with me. I want you to tell me your stories of your own tutu love affairs! Did you find a hidden treasure in your local vintage shop? Are you saving for that special sparkly tutu for the dance competition? Or maybe you just love the look of those ballerina dresses with a little poof and puff of tulle!
And of course, don’t forget to share photos of your most cherished tutus! Tag me on social media using #PinkTutu, darling, and let’s all spread the love for everything that is pretty and pink!
Well, that’s all from me today, darlings! And as always, keep shining in your fabulous tutus!
See you next week, for more ballet history with your beloved #TutuTuesday!
Emma xo
