Hey lovelies! Emma here, your trusty Tutu Time Traveller, back from another jaunt through the decades and, as usual, ready to spill the tea (or should I say, the champagne?) about the fascinating world of ballet tutus!
This week, I've found myself back in the swinging seventies! Think disco fever, flares, and that hairstyle (yes, the one that looks like a triangle on your head!) But don't be fooled, fashion, especially in the world of dance, was still having its moment of elegance, as you'll soon see.
For our #TutuTuesday this week, I'm channeling the ultimate seventies style icon - my darling Olivia Newton-John. She's got the perfect mix of sweet and sassy - a true tutu-worthy lady. Just imagine, her rocking a gorgeous, frilly tutu with some hot pants, boots, and a big ol' smile. Talk about a rockstar tutu combo! (Maybe I should try that myself?!)
But I digress...
Tutus On The Track: The Rise of "Ballet On The Move!"The seventies were all about being active and doing things on a grand scale. From sporting events to concerts, this era embraced a kind of "big and bold" energy.
Naturally, this movement didn't skip over ballet! I found so many fascinating and innovative examples of the beautiful dance reaching wider audiences. This decade saw a boom in dance studios and classes being established all across the world, not just in fancy city halls! It made ballet more accessible for people from all walks of life. Isn't that brilliant? It just shows how a love of dancing is truly universal!
But perhaps the most striking innovation of this time period was "Ballet on the Move" (what a great name, eh? I do love a pun!). Imagine... ballets performed in outdoor arenas! You have no idea what a breath of fresh air this was for the art form, moving beyond the traditional setting and into an arena where so many could gather. The costumes, the set design - it all took on new dimensions. The scale was incredible!
This "on-the-go" style, a new chapter in tutu history, really changed how the world thought about ballet. And guess what? It totally fit with that "go get 'em, girl" attitude of the 70s. Think "Grease" and all those powerful women - that was a really positive shift, and the tutu scene was definitely a part of it!
## The Rise of the "Party Tutu"
This time was all about breaking away from strict traditional tutu designs, adding pops of colour and playful elements to the dance attire. The seventies ushered in the era of the "Party Tutu" - shorter and with even more layers of frills than the classic tutus of earlier eras. You can almost hear the whoosh of the frills as they spin!
Think bold colours, sparkly embellishments, and feathers. My favourite example of this is, of course, the amazing Baryshnikov's rendition of "Don Quixote," with the magnificent "party tutu" the Spanish dancer Natalia Makarova wears in it! Wow! Imagine the delight - watching those elegant yet energetic steps and then seeing those playful frills swishing with the music. You couldn't ask for a better way to showcase both the technical skills of ballet and the joyous expression of movement!
This kind of innovation led to a truly eye-popping world of costumes for dancers. There was this sense of exciting freedom, the kind that allows you to express your inner dancing goddess!
## Tutuminis and Tutu-Trends (Don't Hate Me! )
But remember - even in a time of so much creative energy, a new trend inevitably came along: the "tutuminis"! Yes, my loves, it's true! They're these hybrids, combining elements of a tutu and a leotard! You know I love a classic, and I really adore a tutu in its full glory!
That said, some tutuminis can be truly captivating. The sheer freedom of movement in these designs and how they show the dancer's body really adds a modern element to the ballet world. (But honestly, for me, nothing beats a fluffy, gorgeous, traditional tutu!).
It's all about embracing diversity and trying out different styles - in fashion and dance! And don't get me wrong, even back in the seventies, it wasn't just "tutuminis." There was plenty of love for the original style, but they also had a passion for experimentation and innovation. You see, even way back then, they realised that ballet could always be a platform to try out something new!
## What to Look Out For on May 24th, 1977
And finally, a quick peek at what the world of dance held for this date in 1977. This week's blog post brought me to The Royal Ballet in London. On this day, the wonderful Sir Kenneth MacMillan took to the stage with the classic production of "Manon," one of my favourites, for which he wrote the choreography!
Just imagining all the magnificent dancing... and the magnificent tutus, of course! This really is a treat for any ballerina. It was such an incredible honour to experience the power of this piece, this time with the legendary Margot Fonteyn leading the dance!
For all of us who are tutu-loving dancers, May 24th was definitely a date to be celebrated back in 1977! It reminded me that there's nothing more exciting than discovering a brand new dance, and for those who haven't yet taken the plunge, maybe you'll give it a try next time!
*See You Next Tutu Tuesday! *
Stay fab and dance like you mean it!
Love,
Emma (Your time travelling, Tutu-loving friend from Derbyshire, England! )
*Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com and follow @EmmaTutuTimeTraveller on Instagram for weekly updates and my fabulous travel pics! *
