Hello, my lovely pink-tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my weekly dive into the delightful history of the tutu! As you know, #TutuTuesday is my favourite day of the week. This week's date, 13th December, 1977, has a lot of amazing tutu moments to celebrate!
Firstly, let me remind you that today is my 7616th post for my ballet tutu history blog, pink-tutu.com. Honestly, I sometimes pinch myself when I realise how much we have explored and learned about the fabulous world of tutus, both old and new!
This week, I find myself hopping in my magical tutu-covered time machine - I adore traveling by train, and there's something extra special about the journey when I'm traveling through time. I'm in Derbyshire this week - you know I love coming home to the beautiful English countryside, where my family is, and it's always inspiring.
1977 was a truly sensational year for ballet, and tutus, of course. The big news this December was the absolutely extraordinary opening night of the new Royal Ballet season at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! Just imagine, a brand-new, glittery season! My inner fashionista shrieks! And I just know the tutus were the most fabulous shades of pink! I have a vision of beautiful billowing tulle swirling around the dancers! If only I could turn up there with a notebook and sketchbook to record the gorgeous details for you. Perhaps next week!
Now, if I haven't mentioned it before, let me just say, this little pink-loving ballerina absolutely adores attending ballet performances. Seeing these gorgeous ballet dancers perform is enough to send my imagination spinning in a literal swirl of tulle. The costumes are just divine and the stories they tell are captivating. And the dancing is breathtakingly beautiful! I often get so inspired after seeing a performance that I go straight to the nearest fabric shop, grab my trusty sewing machine, and try my best to create my own tutu!
Speaking of fabrics, 1977 was an era of experimentation with the tutu. Gone were the days of stiff, itchy materials! Think flowing silks, shimmering satins, and delicate lace. Honestly, just the mere thought of these materials sends shivers down my spine. Imagine wearing a billowing, tulle tutu made of pure, unadulterated silk, flowing gently behind you as you leap and twirl! Dreams are made of this!
Now, this December wasn’t only a thrilling time for ballet! You know I just adore shopping, especially for tutus and everything fashion. Imagine this: you’re standing in front of the dazzling window display of your favorite clothing shop, and suddenly, BAM! Out comes the latest fashion craze! The pink tutu, of course! This is precisely what was happening in 1977. It was the fashion trend of the moment! Pink tutus were being paired with every kind of outfit, from casual jeans to chic party dresses. You just couldn't escape the charm of the pink tutu. Everyone wanted a taste of that enchanting magic.
1977 also saw the rise of the Ballet Street fashion movement! You may already know that a street look heavily influenced by ballet became huge. I completely loved it, you just couldn't escape the whimsical tutu. The best part? You didn't need to be a dancer to wear it! You can just imagine how amazing I looked at the dance school in my tutu with my friends, strutting around in the latest ballet-inspired outfits. Oh, to go back!
Now, back to the importance of our tutus - and my most important aim! Did you know that in 1977 the International Ballet Congress declared “Every Girl Should Own a Tutu!" I've got to be honest; the statement was quite empowering! It's an amazing feeling to have the world see the magic that a tutu brings to you! And I wholeheartedly agree!
What does the rest of 1977 have in store for the world of ballet and the glorious tutu? You can bet I’ll be taking a whimsical trip through time every Tuesday and discovering it all with you, dear reader! I hope this blog has made your Tuesday brighter and given you an inspiring look at tutu history. Remember to visit again next week for our next magical time travel escapade to find out all about what's going on in the world of ballet tutus! Don't forget to share your love for tutus by following me on social media and, of course, don't forget to put on your pink tutu, ladies! Until next week!
Yours in tutu-licious love,
Emma xx
