#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through the 1977 Tutu Timeline! 🩰✨
Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post from your very own website, www.pink-tutu.com!
This week we're taking a little trip back to 1977. Buckle up your dancing shoes, we're about to embark on a journey through a decade where big hair and bell bottoms were all the rage, and tutus… well, let’s just say they were having a moment, too! This is post number 7585, and just a reminder I post every Tuesday!
My, my, how I love travelling by train to the grand old theatres of this era! I always feel a touch of nostalgia as I watch the world blur by from my window, imagining all the dancers and designers who travelled before me, their heads full of dreams of pirouettes and perfect pleats.
Now, imagine stepping out of a London Underground station (though the air probably wasn't as fresh back then) straight into the heart of a ballet performance! The scent of popcorn and perfume swirling through the air, the gentle hum of conversation before the lights dim... Ahh, the sheer magic!
On 10th May, 1977, the London stage was ablaze with ballet brilliance. At the Royal Opera House, a renowned company called the Royal Ballet, known for their elegant movements and dazzling technique, was showcasing a piece called "La Fille Mal Gardée". It was a story of a spirited young woman (tutus? check! adorable romance? check!) set to a delightful score, complete with a charming mischievous young man – perfect for any budding ballet lover! I hear it was a triumph!
Of course, 1977 wasn't all about grand London theatre. Across the pond, in New York, the American Ballet Theatre was busy weaving their own dance magic, their shows a mix of classic ballet masterpieces and modern creations. Ballet in those days wasn’t just a beautiful performance; it was a window into the world of art and fashion!
Speaking of fashion… can we talk tutus? 1977 saw a truly eclectic mix of styles. From the iconic, voluminous, Romantic tutu with its layers of tulle, the epitome of ballerina glamour, to the sleeker, contemporary variations crafted from innovative materials – the tutu scene was a vibrant mix! You had everything from the elegant simplicity of a white tutu, making those perfect arabesques even more dazzling, to bold, vibrant colours. Think ruby red tutus for fire and passion, sunny yellow tutus for a burst of energy, and of course… pink!
Did I mention pink tutus were the ultimate must-have in 1977? Let’s just say, they were as coveted as the latest pair of jeans – because every dancer worth their salt had at least one pink tutu in their repertoire! They were not just about pretty aesthetics either; the shade pink is associated with strength, elegance, and grace… you know, everything a ballerina stands for!
Oh, darling, just the other day I popped into a vintage boutique near my Derbyshire cottage and found the most divine, blush-pink tulle skirt – the epitome of that 1977-esque tutu vibe! Imagine my excitement – I had to have it, and I immediately imagined all the ways to style it! Think lace blouses and pretty cardigans for a romantic daytime look, a vintage leather jacket and chic boots for a day exploring bustling cities, or a velvet ribbon tied around the waist, a simple yet oh-so-elegant outfit for attending an evening event! This vintage piece felt like a piece of the past whispering its style secrets into the future!
Of course, no fashion-conscious time traveler would be complete without a little bit of shopping, right? Luckily for me, this era boasts an array of delights: colourful fabrics for DIY tutu making, exquisite lace trimmings for adding a touch of Victorian romance to my own pink creations, and let's not forget the stunning range of vintage jewelry!
1977, you really know how to inspire a fashionista’s heart! Now, remember darlings, don't be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina, and get out there and twirl! Who knows, maybe you'll even inspire someone else to wear a pink tutu – a truly wonderful feeling!
Until next week, keep those tutus twirling, and don't forget to share your own pink tutu moments with me using #PinkTutuLove!
Love always,
Emma 💕