#7589 - 07 June 1977
Hello darling dancers and fashionistas! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, back again for another #TutuTuesday!
This week we’re taking a trip down memory lane to the glamorous year of 1977, just when disco was hitting its peak and bell bottoms were all the rage. Think platform shoes, shimmering sequins, and enough glitter to blind a whole theatre! Oh, how I would have loved to have danced my way through those iconic disco nights in a gorgeous pink tutu, a shimmering masterpiece with every inch of fabric begging to be twirled!
As always, I love delving into the history of ballet costumes, especially when it comes to the star of the show – the tutu! This week, we’re looking at some fabulous fashion moments that were making waves in the world of dance just over forty years ago.
Back in 1977...
…the world of ballet was filled with innovation and creativity. Dancers were pushing boundaries, not just in the way they moved, but in how they presented themselves on stage. This era saw a shift away from the rigid, romantic tutus of the past, embracing shorter skirts, a wider range of colours, and fabrics with a bit more ‘oomph’.
If you think tutus today are fabulous, you should have seen the tutus back in the seventies! They were daring, glamorous and sometimes quite scandalous. Remember when Rudolf Nureyev took to the stage in a black tutu for a Don Quixote performance in 1968? Now, that was a shock!
One of the things I absolutely adore about the seventies is how the dancers weren't afraid to mix things up with the shape of the tutu. This era brought about the Romantic and the Demi-Classical tutu, two absolute game-changers in tutu design! The Romantic tutu had a long, full skirt that flowed beautifully. Picture a graceful swirl of tulle with maybe a bit of chiffon layered on top – absolutely stunning! This style is still so popular today.
Then there was the Demi-Classical, a more streamlined and shorter tutu that really let the dancers show off their incredible legs and flexibility. They were less grand than their full-length counterparts, but they had an undeniably edgy vibe. Think bold colours, unexpected patterns and cuts. They made a statement for sure, especially as this trend wasn’t entirely accepted back then!
This brings us to Natalia Makarova! I absolutely adore this lady. This was an amazing dancer whose impact on dance has stood the test of time! One of her most notable roles is in “La Bayadère,” with her shimmering and perfectly crafted tutus in white and pink colours, I could just imagine them! She has a magical grace and beauty that completely redefined what it meant to be a ballerina. Her talent and spirit continue to inspire dancers across the world.
Now, as a huge fan of tutus, I was also thrilled to see the increasing influence of designers like Jean Paul Gaultier on the ballet stage. Can you imagine what these creative giants would come up with today! Their daring designs embraced more experimental styles, showcasing bold colours and patterns, using the stage as their own personal canvas for expression. Think patchwork tutus, tutus in metallics – we can dream!
But tutus are more than just fashion; they’re a symbol of beauty, grace and feminine power. They represent a timeless art form that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Now, if you’re feeling inspired to add a touch of tutus to your life, take a cue from this fab decade and create your own masterpiece! The possibilities are endless – whether you’re rocking a vibrant pink tutu, a sparkly silver creation, or a demure ivory design, remember to let your inner dancer shine! And never forget, if you have a passion for tutus, be sure to visit my little corner of the internet at www.pink-tutu.com – it’s a haven for all things ballet, beauty, and fashion!
Before I let you go…. it’s time for some quick ballet news for this day in history…
Did you know that on 07 June 1977, the Royal Ballet opened their summer season at Covent Garden with Frederick Ashton’s "La Fille Mal Gardée," with dancers like **Anthony Dowell and Lesley Collier making their debuts? Just think, maybe this might have even been a part of the "The Year of the Dance" where a host of iconic shows took place in celebration of a certain "royal lady’s" 25th anniversary. I was delighted to have attended the grand opening of the ballet! How exciting to see such brilliance up close. It made me remember how wonderful and empowering the ballerina dress looks on the stage, making the dance look all the more dramatic.
As I prepare to take my next time-travelling adventure, be sure to join me again next week, as I delve back into the rich history of ballet fashion, right here on #TutuTuesday! Until next time, keep your toes pointed, darling dancers!
P.S. What would your dream ballet tutu be? Let me know in the comments below, I always love to hear from my tutu-loving community!
