Hey lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet historian. I'm thrilled to be back with you on #TutuTuesday and, oh my goodness, are we in for a treat today! Buckle up, darlings, because we're stepping back in time to 27th September 1977!
As always, it's a dream come true to travel through time, especially when I get to see ballet history in action. This time, I found myself in the bustling heart of New York City, which was truly a whirlwind of fashion, glamour, and of course, incredible ballet!
Imagine, my dears, the excitement! We’re smack-dab in the middle of the golden age of American ballet. New York City Ballet is at the height of its fame, showcasing dazzling performances by renowned choreographers like George Balanchine. There's a contagious buzz in the air, and it’s all thanks to these phenomenal dancers, the iconic costumes, and the energy of the city itself.
Speaking of costumes, tutus are absolutely everywhere, but they're a far cry from the styles we see today. The tutus back then were all about volume! They were huge, full-skirted, almost billowing affairs, made with yards and yards of tulle, showcasing a symphony of vibrant colors and a luxurious sense of drama.
Think pale pinks – my personal favourite, of course – and shimmering sky blues paired with sleek, black bodices, and you’ll have a picture of the stunning beauty these dancers were embodying. Oh, and let's not forget the headdresses! Those fabulous, bejewelled headpieces were absolutely the finishing touch – sheer, feminine glamour at its finest!
On this particular 27th September, I stumbled upon a truly iconic performance: Jerome Robbins' "The Four Seasons" at the New York State Theater. Can you imagine, darling? A masterpiece choreographed to Vivaldi’s music with four dancers representing the elements! It’s simply captivating. The energy of the stage, the intricate steps, the dazzling costumes – everything felt alive!
As I watched these extraordinary artists perform, it struck me how much ballet in 1977 reflected the spirit of the time. The costumes, bold and exuberant, mimicked the growing confidence and freedom in fashion. It was an era of disco, of bold colour and shimmering fabrics, and this sense of individuality and expression perfectly echoed in the tutus that danced on stage.
Remember those iconic disco dresses we see in the movies? It was the same attitude in ballet, my dears! There was this infectious joy and energy, a sense of playfulness, which transcended beyond the stage and into the wider world. It was a glorious era, and the tutus reflected it perfectly!
And it wasn't just the tutus, darling! Let's talk about the fashion off the stage. The 1970s were a bold fashion era, embracing styles that weren’t afraid to be noticed. Think wide-legged pants, vibrant colours, platform shoes – and the epitome of it all, a good, old-fashioned boho vibe. There was so much creative energy pouring through the streets, and that spirit naturally carried itself into the ballet scene. It’s simply fascinating to see how the fashion of the time played into the artistic vision of ballet.
My day in 1977 wouldn't be complete without a delightful detour to the city's grandest department store, Bergdorf Goodman. The windows shimmered with jewels and haute couture, but what really caught my eye was a stunning collection of ballet flats. Not just any flats, mind you, but elegantly crafted ones, perfect for adding a touch of feminine charm to any ensemble! I imagine myself stepping out, a whimsical touch of pink against the grey backdrop of New York, all thanks to those delicate, dancing flats.
Now, darling, I wouldn't be true to my pink-tutu-loving self without bringing you a special treat! I found this absolutely adorable vintage shop that had the most stunning collection of pink tutu-esque accessories! Picture this: silk headbands with pink feathers, glittery ballet pumps with a touch of pink, and delicate necklaces featuring miniature, twinkling ballet shoes – a delightful haven for any tutu enthusiast!
Oh, but hold on a minute! My trip back to the 70s wouldn't be complete without a dash of 1970s fashion flair. Imagine my excitement when I discovered a stall in Greenwich Village overflowing with colourful fabrics, funky hats, and retro handbags. I just couldn’t resist grabbing a fabulously printed vintage scarf - just perfect for adding a touch of colour to my own wardrobe. It even inspired me to add some 70s chic to my current outfits back in our time – pairing my tutus with bell bottoms and floral scarves.
As I travel back to our present time, I'm filled with a newfound inspiration, darlings. The energy and style of 1977 remind me that fashion and dance have always been intertwined – both mediums for self-expression and creative energy. I can’t wait to bring those vibrant colours and the timeless spirit of that era to our time!
Until next #TutuTuesday, I encourage you all to channel the spirit of those glorious seventies. Grab your pink tutus, channel your inner dancer, and express your own unique flair on the world! It's all about fun, embracing who we are, and showing off a bit of magic in our everyday lives, isn’t it?
Until next time, keep shining and dance on!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
