Hello darlings! Itās your favourite tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here! I'm back with another fab post for your weekly dose of ballet history. And this week, we're taking a trip back to the vibrant and groovy 1977! Grab your tea, a little cake (maybe something pink, of course), and get comfy because weāre about to delve into the wonderful world of tutus in the late 1970s!
It's absolutely wild how different the world of fashion was just a few decades ago, and seeing tutus evolve alongside fashion is simply divine. If you imagine a time with flared trousers, big collars, and disco beats - thatās exactly what 1977 felt like, a whirlwind of change!
For you non-ballet peeps, 1977 was a time when classical ballet was evolving, merging with contemporary styles, and finding a new playful groove, much like the music of the day. This influence wasn't just on choreography; it was seeping into the fashion world and, my dear tutu-lovers, that meant our precious tutus were going through their own exciting transformation too.
The late 1970s were all about a little less structured and a whole lot more flair! Picture flowing fabric, maybe even some metallics, and tutus that felt a little freer, a little less āprincessā and a lot more expressive. That doesnāt mean they were sacrificing grace, but those graceful shapes were being interpreted with a little bit more whimsy and freedom.
A Glimpse into the Tutu-ful Past:On this particular day, 14th June, 1977, ballet was still firmly nestled within the traditional confines of London's Covent Garden and New York's Lincoln Center. It was a time for stunning performances like Baryshnikov's return to the stage with the American Ballet Theatre, or a chance to catch a timeless classic like āSwan Lakeā. However, the spirit of experimentation was creeping in. There were budding ballet companies like The Royal Ballet's new offshoot, "Ballet Rambertā, a company championing modern dance and defying conventions with their contemporary explorations.
While the traditional tutus remained central to the stage, this new era of dance was opening doors for creative interpretations.
Now, about those 1970s tutusā¦Letās talk about the amazing array of colours and materials that graced the dance floor! Forget those traditional, strict colours of the past - pink (always my favourite!) had become a bold statement and tutus came in bold yellows, blues, and even glittery purples! This burst of vibrant colour was matched by exciting textures - fringed tutus, fluffy tulle, even the occasional glimpse of velvet made their appearance, making every dance more exciting!
The shapes themselves reflected this spirit of change too! They became softer, often using layers of tulle for that billowing, almost āflowyā effect. Think of those Grecian-inspired skirts that were fashionable then - well, it was like they came dancing to the ballet stage!
Where was I on the 14th June 1977?I confess, dear readers, I was probably somewhere in Europe, catching a ballet show in one of the lovely old theatres. Perhaps I was marveling at the elegance of a Royal Ballet production, or maybe indulging in some serious shopping for the latest, must-have tutus (did I mention there was this divine pink tutu I was obsessed with? It was a little frilly and perfectly flowy!) - you know, just indulging in all the delightful things this magical time period had to offer.
And as I often say, a true tutu-lover can't go on a trip without checking out local shops and the fabulous local ballet performances - because, after all, every tutu deserves its moment in the spotlight!
Remember, #TutuTuesday is a chance to travel through time and marvel at the history of these amazing, expressive garments that have always captured the imagination. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite tutu (even if it's just your imagination), slip it on, and join me for another journey through time next week. Until then, stay fabulous and wear your tutus with pride!
And remember - if anyone asks, tell them that you saw this post at www.pink-tutu.com - my mission is to spread the joy and colour of tutus to every corner of the world!
