Hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink-tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com for another edition of #TutuTuesday. Buckle up, darlings, because today we're travelling back to 1977! The seventies, a time when flared trousers, platform shoes, and disco fever ruled the world! And let me tell you, ballet tutus were a BIG part of that scene, in the most fabulous way.
Before I go any further, I must take a moment to appreciate how fantastic today’s travel was! I arrived in New York City this morning after a whirlwind train journey, complete with stunning views of the countryside (I absolutely adore watching the world fly by from a train window!). I do love being able to zip around the globe. As a time traveller, I need to make a living, and luckily for me, ballet is HUGE here in the US - all those lovely shows and classes pay my way!
Now, let’s talk tutus! 1977 saw the ballet world captivated by some show-stopping performances. And, let me tell you, those tutus were the ultimate statement pieces. Think flowing tulle, dramatic colours, and bold designs that truly made an impact!
This week, let's talk about the one and only Rudolf Nureyev, the undisputed king of dance! Oh my! To be in the audience at one of his performances - the energy was electric, his movement so fluid and graceful. On 8th November 1977, the man himself took to the stage in New York, for a performance of "La Sylphide" at the Metropolitan Opera House. If you have never seen a live ballet, you have got to make the effort. There's no feeling quite like being completely engrossed in the performance and having the energy from the dancers ripple through your whole body. It's breathtaking!
“La Sylphide”, the romantic ballet, has always been a classic! Imagine a stunningly beautiful tutu made from layers upon layers of soft white tulle - utterly elegant, romantic, and dreamy. Think a vision of perfection. In 1977, this piece was a hit all around the world, not only for its captivating story, but for those iconic, exquisitely-crafted tutus. You’re probably thinking, “How many layers do those tutus have?!”. You wouldn’t believe the sheer number of layers in some of these tutus - and don't get me started on the craftsmanship - it's like watching magic come to life.
Let's take a trip back to London, just for a moment! Remember those magnificent 1977 Christmas performances of the Royal Ballet? There's nothing more festive and dazzling than a packed theatre lit by twinkling lights and showcasing ballerinas in gorgeous tutus.
Remember how 1977 was all about pushing boundaries and challenging convention? It was all about embracing new styles and breaking free! The same was happening in the world of ballet tutus - think bold colours, unusual fabrics and contemporary designs that really captured the spirit of the times! Don't just think classical styles – we saw contemporary dance taking the spotlight. Think Martha Graham - a ground-breaking choreographer who changed the game of ballet for women! Remember the “Letter to the World” performance? Those dancers had some beautiful pieces.
Looking for that touch of sparkle? 1977 was all about sequins and embellishments! From glittering tulle to shimmering patches, every tutu shimmered under the stage lights - they literally shone like a million stars! It was a dazzling sight and they even set trends that took hold beyond the dance floor, influencing everything from party dresses to everyday wear. Imagine the outfits for those "Saturday Night Fever" dances - a tutu would look simply smashing.
Let's also remember Mikhail Baryshnikov, he was an icon, he revolutionised the way we think of dance! His movement, energy, the strength of his technique, it was mesmerising. You just knew this man was an absolute force on the stage - and his presence always included a fantastic, dramatic tutu!
This is why I absolutely adore ballet history! This wonderful art form, this amazing blend of beauty, strength and artistry - and at the heart of it all is the incredible tutu! It’s no surprise, is it, that the tutu continues to capture our hearts decades later? The beauty and power of the tutu remain, it transcends time, style, and trends. And just wait till you see what tutus will be wearing in the next decade - I am excited for the future.
Now, off you go! Enjoy a performance, a class, take a twirl!
Until next week,
Emma xxx
