Hello, darling tutus! Welcome to this week's #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post. It's Tuesday again, which means we're back at the magical land of www.pink-tutu.com for a delightful dip into the world of tutus. And oh, what a world it is! It’s February and the air's still crisp with the last vestiges of winter. Perfect for a delightful journey back in time! This week I'm twirling back to 7th February 1978, to see how tutus were dazzling the world then.
Imagine it! That year the London Palladium was absolutely hopping with the wonderful ‘Barnum’ starring the magnificent Jim Dale – a real charmer, he was! Remember that charming circus theme song everyone knew? Pure joy and whimsy - just like our lovely tutus. And speaking of tutus, have you heard of the wonderful, enchanting, utterly magical National Ballet of Canada? Oh, they were giving performances that could make even the dullest heart leap for joy. In the glorious capital of Canada, Ottawa, a truly special tutu performance graced the stage at the National Arts Centre, leaving everyone spellbound. Talk about an evening full of shimmering delight! They certainly had their act together, this amazing ballet company!
The year 1978 was an especially fabulous year for tutus, darling. The American Ballet Theatre (now the American Ballet Theatre) was showcasing "Swan Lake" starring the dazzling Cynthia Gregory, known for her graceful beauty. Oh, my! The delicate movements of her dance, combined with the sweeping form of the tutus, gave me all the feels! Those delicate, shimmering white layers made me just want to join in and twirl right there with her. Now there was a dancer who had truly found her inner tutus magic, wouldn't you agree, darlings?
The Dance world in 1978 was buzzing with activity and creativity, a veritable whirlwind of twirling joy. And let's not forget our fellow Brits at the Royal Ballet performing the beautiful “The Sleeping Beauty” at the majestic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, oh so charming! All the beautiful, dreamy tutus, the enchanting music, it just took my breath away! It's no wonder the Royal Ballet is still one of the most esteemed and popular ballet companies in the world. And with all those stunning tutu designs, it's hard not to see why. It's just SO delightful to see how history reflects our modern tutu fashion choices!
Did you know, darlings, that the year 1978 brought with it a fantastic revival of the "Cinderella" ballet ? And wouldn’t you know it? It was none other than Rudolf Nureyev, the darling of dance! A most fabulous show with tutus like little wisps of cloud. Pure fairy tale magic, I tell you! Nureyev really brought his A-game with a production that just had people swooning! He's one of my favorite dancers! Do you remember him, darlings?
There was such a spark in Nureyev , such passion and joy, he really captured what the magic of ballet is all about. I loved his energetic choreography, so dramatic, so powerful, and SO much fun. It wasn’t a performance just on stage, it was like magic just came alive before our very eyes! Nureyev, my love for you shall never fade, even in the fast flowing tide of time, even when you're just a memory on #TutuTuesday!
And talking of memories, did you know there was a very special ballerina called Alicia Alonso who was delighting audiences in Cuba at the National Ballet of Cuba, all those years ago in 1978! Such a glamorous and influential dancer! Now there was a lady who truly embodied all the elegance and grace of a beautiful tutu, didn't she? And let's not forget our American tutu queens! The beautiful Suzanne Farrell of the New York City Ballet!
Remember the beautiful "Firebird" ballet, with staggering tutus that flowed like fire, so dramatic, yet so stunning? And "Swan Lake" with it’s delicate white layers, floating on stage, like whispers of grace! The sheer skill, agility, and poise she demonstrated was captivating. That ballet style! You couldn't help but feel the passion, the dedication! Suzanne's artistry was truly captivating. Her presence radiated such femininity , grace, and elegance, a true dancer, darling. Just pure tutu magic!
These ladies and their artistry reminded us how important tutus are for every ballet - be it a grand, sweeping dramatic one, like "The Sleeping Beauty", or a simple and classic piece like "Swan Lake." Tutus always add that extra dose of whimsy and beauty. They transform the ordinary, and take the ballerina's movements to a higher level, a magical realm! You can't help but feel that twirl, feel that lightness in your heart when you see a tutu twirling! And to me, that's the best feeling in the world!
Speaking of which, you know, darling, I absolutely adore going to see performances and it is a part of my time-traveling routine, whether it is a modern performance, a ballet at the Royal Opera House, or a captivating ballet somewhere around the world! My love for tutus always has me on the lookout for an amazing new show, and it was at London's Festival Hall, that I witnessed a marvelous performance of * "Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake", a breathtaking ballet*, a visual treat, that sent my inner tutu spirit soaring!
And then there was the stunning performance at the London Coliseum, that made me gasp with wonder! It was a beautiful rendition of * “Le Corsaire” featuring a wonderful ballet performance by the English National Ballet! * Oh, darling, it’s truly an iconic piece of work, *a timeless masterpiece! And their *wonderful, billowing tutus truly brought the romance and passion to life! They make me want to grab my favorite pink tutu and just take off for a twirl. Life is an adventure! * And *the adventure starts with the tutu, don’t you think?
My time-traveling journey also takes me on many interesting trains journeys! The lovely UK rail network, is my playground - from the picturesque countryside, to the urban cityscape, there's so much to see, and so much fashion to inspire me! Every trip offers a chance for new sartorial inspiration!
I particularly loved seeing the "La Fille Mal Gardée" at Sadler’s Wells, a classic production with a fresh twist that just added such vibrancy and sparkle! I’d seen it all those years ago, and the show still had the power to take me on an emotional roller coaster!
Now darlings, what did I learn from my journey back in time? * 1978 was an epic year for tutus, darling.* You wouldn't be caught dead anywhere in the world without a perfectly fabulous tutu, especially if you were a dancer. And oh my! Those ballet shows! 1978 truly embodied the essence of the perfect tutu moment. Just beautiful. I even found a couple of my favorite vintage tutus from this time period to add to my personal tutu collection. They really complete my closet!
So there you have it! Remember darling, be bold, embrace your femininity, and always feel confident, and fabulous - and never, ever forget to bring that "pink tutu" magic to your day! See you next Tuesday, darling tutus! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for your daily dose of #TutuTuesday!
XOXO, Emma
