Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, post number 7627 for www.pink-tutu.com, your weekly dose of all things tulle and twirls! Today we're dipping back into the archives to explore a particularly fabulous year in ballet history: 1978.
Hold on tight, because we're going to be whizzing through the years to check out the tutus that reigned supreme in the glittering world of dance back in February of '78! Remember, I fund my time travels by performing, so don't be shy to give me a wave next time you're at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden!
Back to the 70s
Oh, the 1970s. Disco balls, flared trousers, and a certain fondness for the colour orange (not a fan of that, I have to say!). The ballet world, though, was a different story entirely! A shimmering, glittering haven of delicate tulle and silk, all floating like clouds around graceful, powerful limbs.
Picture this: the Royal Ballet was in full swing with all its stars in their prime. Margot Fonteyn had gracefully bowed out (oh, how we miss her!), but the stage was now dominated by prima ballerinas like Antoinette Sibley, Lesley Collier and Lynn Seymour - all women who captured the hearts of audiences with their unique style and fierce talent.
But let's get back to the tutu. It's a very important topic, darlings! It was a bit of a game-changer in the late 70s, as ballet, like everything else, began experimenting with new styles and interpretations. The rigid, traditional tutu was evolving. It was still elegant, undeniably glamorous, but with a hint of modern rebellion bubbling just beneath the surface. You still saw those breathtaking, traditional "whipped cream" tutus that we love, like the ones from "Swan Lake" or "Giselle". They were, after all, the quintessential symbols of a timeless art form.
But there was something else happening...
We saw tutus becoming shorter and shorter, even daring to reveal a glimpse of a ballerina's beautifully sculpted legs! Imagine the daring! Think âLa Sylphideâ - a wispy cloud of white, perfectly framing each delicate movement. Or âLa Bayadere,â with its dramatic crimson, reminding everyone that ballet could be both graceful and dramatic, feminine yet undeniably powerful.
I swear, I think it's all those amazing designers that helped revolutionise tutu styles in the late 70s. We had legends like Cecil Beaton for the Royal Ballet and Christian Lacroix who just blew the doors open with a dazzling array of colours, textures, and designs. Suddenly, the tutu wasn't just a piece of costume; it became an art piece, a statement, a way for a ballerina to express her individuality within a highly disciplined form.
And that individuality was truly thriving! Each ballerina seemed to have her own personal style, like Lynn Seymour with her amazing athleticism and stage presence, always in her short tutus!
The short, frilly "Giselle" style tutus of the late 70s brought about an interesting change in ballet history - shorter became popular. Who knew we'd see tutus with a tiny puff of tulle sitting on a ballerinaâs hip while they danced effortlessly and dramatically on stage? It really was revolutionary for the time, but letâs not forget, short is definitely in this century and in this tutu loving bloggerâs world too!
And of course, there was the fashion itself â let's just say, '70s ballet had its own specific flare! Imagine the bold use of colours. Emerald green, a favourite of the day, could be seen in the opulent costumes of "La Bayadere,â with its vibrant contrasting hues - simply amazing!
February 28th, 1978
It might not be a significant date in our tutu diaries, darling, but it certainly wasn't a quiet day in the world of ballet. Here's a peek into what the international scene looked like, based on the time travel notes of course:
- The Royal Ballet: On tour at the Sadler's Wells Theatre (later the Sadlerâs Wells Theatre, London), captivating audiences with a powerful performance of âSwan Lake.â We can only imagine the dazzling spectacle, complete with those elegant âwhipped creamâ tutus! They were certainly setting the standards!
- American Ballet Theatre (ABT): The legendary ABT was performing âGiselleâ at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Now, we can't forget "Giselle,â right? Those tutus, short or long, always look so beautifully delicate! With Gelsey Kirkland's amazing dancing (the ballerina whose famous for her âGiselle,â which everyone still raves about!), I just know the crowd would've gone wild with a mix of elegance and passion that would've made their hearts skip a beat!
- Paris Opera Ballet: Meanwhile, the French were staging "Le Corsaire" at the Palais Garnier - we are, of course, all dreaming of the incredible costumes. âLe Corsaire,â the ballet that took the Parisian audience's breath away, must have seen some fabulous âhaute coutureâ costumes.
- Hamburg Ballet: At the Hamburg State Opera, one of the most impressive ballet companies in the world, a fascinating contemporary piece called "The Rite of Spring" wouldâve graced their stage! This wasn't your standard tutu dance. This was modern ballet, all about exploring different expressions and taking ballet beyond tradition.
Oh, to have been in a Parisian audience for a night out in the theatre during that era! To experience the electric atmosphere of those iconic venues as dancers took centre stage in all their tutu-ed glory. Itâs a time I want to travel to again - and maybe next week I will!
I'm off on another adventure, darlings! Remember, follow me on Instagram (@EmmaTutu) for tutu tips, backstage snaps, and exclusive insights into my time travelling exploits!
And as always, spread the love for tutus! They're for everyone, every occasion, and any shape or size! Just be sure to wear yours with confidence.
Happy twirling,
Emma!
