#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1977-07-12

Hello my darlings, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday here on www.pink-tutu.com, post number 7594, where we embark on a fabulous journey through the fascinating history of the ballet tutu. Buckle up, because we're taking a time-traveling trip back to the summer of 1977!

I'm Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast from Derbyshire, England, and it's been a dream of mine since I was little to share my passion for dance and fashion with the world. This week, we're twirling back to the glorious days of disco and bell-bottoms!

Now, I know what you're thinking. 1977 - tutus weren't all that 'in' then, were they? You might be surprised! This period saw the birth of new choreographers, new styles and, guess what, new kinds of tutus! It was a time of bold experimentation with dance, where choreographers like Twyla Tharp were blending classical ballet with modern dance, challenging the traditional ideas of what a tutu could be.

Of course, the romantic tutu, the quintessential fluffy, multi-layered wonder that still reigns supreme in Swan Lake, was still in full bloom. But 1977 was all about breaking those barriers! Think modern lines, more revealing designs and tutus becoming more flexible, almost like a part of the dancers' body, rather than an independent costume piece.

Take for instance, the Bellini Opera Company's production of "La Sonnambula" this very week, July 12th! Can you believe it? They brought to life a new, revolutionary interpretation of this beloved Italian opera, complete with sleek and modern costumes – tutus included! Apparently, their design for the 'sombre' parts of the performance is particularly noteworthy, utilising dark and minimalist outfits, quite unlike the conventional romantic ballet looks of the past. It just goes to show that even classical tutus could have a daring twist. And a little twist of daring never hurts, darling, especially in fashion!

And, oh my, speaking of twists and daring, have I got a juicy fashion story for you! Before we get into more tutu specifics, I absolutely have to share my recent adventure. Picture it: a quaint little railway station in Derby. It's early morning, the sun is just peeking through the windowpanes, casting a magical golden hue upon my newly acquired sparkling hot pink satin ballerina shoes. I have them with me, darling, as a lucky charm, and I always try to make sure my shoes match the colour of my favourite tutu!

The platform is buzzing with the sounds of chatter and steam engines chugging, and as I climb onto the train, the smell of steam and leather instantly transports me back in time to the era of luxurious railway travel.

My journey, however, is less about arriving at my destination, and more about a treasure hunt! It’s to a quaint village in Kent, known for its vintage stores - and one in particular that always seems to have a fabulous stash of vintage tutus, just for me! You see, darling, my travels are funded by my ballet performances – this little ballerina has to hustle to stay afloat, don’t you know! I love being on the stage, the applause of the audience... it truly is magic! And then I can fund all of my tutu adventures. I am quite the skilled traveller too, my darlings. I have mastered the art of finding a good bargain and can navigate a crowded London Tube station like a pro! And nothing, I repeat nothing, brings more joy to this ballerina than getting a vintage tutu to add to my collection!

This time, I'm after a classic 1970s tulle tutu with some fun, vibrant colour. And let me tell you, this little ballerina is on a mission! Now, the tutu market of 1977 is quite different from our more glam era. No sleek online stores here, darling! You must take to the dusty shops and antique stalls, seeking out those rare gems - and I’ve never failed to find a treasure or two. It’s all part of the thrill!

I absolutely adore rummaging through boxes, searching through faded fabrics, and experiencing a little blast from the past, all in pursuit of my perfect tutu. Just yesterday, I was thrilled to find a powder blue 1977 tutu in a London vintage store. And you’ll just have to see how the ruffle detail at the waist adds the most delicate Victorian flourish. This vintage tutu might be from the same time as these daring new choreographers and more minimalist tutus we discussed earlier but it has such a timeless feel!

My vintage finds take pride of place amongst my favourite new-season tutus! Yes darling, let’s be real, I love a bit of retail therapy and keeping up with fashion trends. The new range of Ballet Black® "Free Dance" tutus are divine. You’re all looking so elegant with your delicate fabrics and light layers. And this month I discovered The Tutu Boutique! Their tutus come in the most fabulous sparkly colours. This makes me think – could I be persuaded to stray from my classic pink for just a few minutes!

Of course, for performance nights, my go-to outfit is a gorgeous pink tulle tutu paired with a silken camisole in a soft pink hue. For evening outings, it's a velvet black floor-length skirt, matched with my must-have pink tutu. Who can resist that little splash of pink? And it works with every outfit.

Now, I want to know! Are you rocking a pink tutu today, dear readers? Because my ultimate goal is to inspire the world to embrace the joy of the tutu! The twirling, the twirls, and the gorgeous pink colours - oh my! The pink tutu brings an energy to my life like no other item of clothing! It can dress you up, it can be dressy, or just a fun, fun accessory. Why don't you have a go! Send me some snaps of your outfits using the #PinkTutuLife. We are building a fabulous pink tutu community on here at www.pink-tutu.com!

My motto, my darlings, is: let your tutu tell your story! What story are you telling the world today? Join me next week as we travel further down this road of tutus, as I share more about their amazing history! Until next time, darling! Don’t forget to share those photos and let me know your own memories of 1977’s fabulous fashions!