#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1978-06-20

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. I'm your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, Emma, and today we're taking a trip back to the shimmering, glittery, and utterly fabulous year of 1978! This week I’m going to be talking all things ballet history! Get comfy, grab a cuppa, and let's step into the world of ballet's evolution through the eyes of a tutu-loving girl. 💕

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Now, darling, you know I love a good tutu. They're like the embodiment of grace and elegance - and pink ones are just divine, aren't they? So, to fully appreciate the tutus of today, we need to understand their roots, their journey through time. Today, my dears, I’m talking all things tutus, starting back in the mid-19th century in that wonderful city, Paris!

Imagine it: it's 1830. The French capital is buzzing, with artists, musicians, and dancers embracing a new era of romanticism. It was all about celebrating beauty, passion, and above all - the divine female figure. Ballet dancers of this time would have worn simple white muslin skirts, soft and flowing, and often gathered just below the knees. Now, you might be thinking "that's not exactly what we see at a ballet these days." But these delicate muslin skirts are what the now iconic ballet tutus were inspired by! They represented lightness, innocence and of course, that feminine grace. You have to love ballet. It’s all about that elegant fluidity and artistry - you can feel that with a tutu just watching from the audience.

By 1840, a very important and well-respected Russian dancer, Maria Taglioni was taking Paris by storm. You all remember this iconic ballerina who revolutionized dance with her ethereal movement, lightness, and, well, yes - the iconic pas de bourrée. She danced en pointe for the first time in the most incredible performance of "La Sylphide", a beautiful romantic ballet, that's sure to have blown all of the Parisiennes away! And get this - it's because of Maria that we're wearing all these fabulously glamorous and frilly tutus. Her performance inspired other ballerinas to try her new style, with even shorter muslin skirts, which were called the "Romantic tutu." They allowed for full range of motion and, believe me, it did just that!

Now, the tutus went through various evolutions throughout the 19th century. But by 1860, the world of dance was starting to focus on something more grounded, more earthy. This change led to a "classical" tutu, much longer and fuller, making it perfect for that "grande allure" style of ballet, with incredible leaps, fast-paced footwork, and graceful balances. It really became quite the sensation. And it’s important to understand this historical evolution for a deeper appreciation of tutu design and its purpose. They are works of art and have an iconic significance in the dance world.

By the late 19th and 20th century, we began to see these magnificent and elegant tutu designs made out of, wait for it... tulle! Oh my, they look so incredible - so incredibly delicate, airy and absolutely breathtaking. As the styles changed, the "Romantic Tutu", you know - those incredibly soft and delicate skirts, came back. This iconic design went on to have a major influence in ballet in the 1900s.

Here I am in 1978, with the “Romantic tutu” still going strong! It has always been a timeless design in ballet history - an artistic tribute to graceful fluidity and elegant, graceful movements that showcase the beauty and art form of the human body! In the 1970s, the "Romantic" style was even being paired with other fabulously intricate patterns like floral embroideries! My oh my, did the fashion scene for ballet become divine in the late 20th century! I have been going to shows non-stop. Last week I was in New York City! Do you know that place? So vibrant! The dance scene was just thrilling, full of amazing performers.

Speaking of performers, today in 1978, you can find Rudolf Nureyev, who, by the way, I think was a total fashion icon with such charisma. I know so many of you have probably seen him in many a performance! This legend's performance at The Royal Opera House in London has everyone glued to their seats - everyone's got to watch his dancing - it's an incredible experience, truly a marvel to witness such elegant and masterful moves! He even went on a dance tour that month - he certainly has that star quality, doesn’t he? What’s a ballerina’s life without the perfect combination of stunning dance moves, charisma and that sprinkle of glitter and glam? The combination of all three is really what brings that ultimate fashion sensibility in the ballet scene. You can really feel that in every show, can’t you? The performers look radiant in their gorgeous and colorful tutus - really just captivating! We owe so much to these wonderful, historical performances from ballet dancers, performers, and designers that came before us. I always love my trips to museums with the iconic dresses. There's so much history. I know many of you are ballet buffs, and have collections of those iconic dresses too - tell me about your favorites in the comments. We need to keep the tutu fashion legacy alive!

I have got a bit distracted here! Time travelling does tend to do that to you! But I do believe it’s important to know the history of these amazing designs. You know, a tutu is not just a skirt, it’s a testament to those who dedicated their life to art. It has an evolution and a legacy that reflects the cultural zeitgeist of each era. When I’m time traveling, it feels like I am truly experiencing ballet in its fullness – every era’s grace and elegance. Oh my!

That’s it for this week! Next week I will be continuing with our exploration of ballet history. You’ll all have to see which era I choose. I can’t wait to travel there. Until next Tuesday, stay fabulous and be sure to share with me in the comments section!

Now I've got to dash to the train station! I’m going to London! I have an amazing Ballet Performance I’m so excited to attend! Maybe I’ll see Rudolf Nureyev there too!

You see why pink tutus are essential - they add just a touch of whimsy and color to the day! Until next time my dearest lovely.

Remember to stay tuned for my #TutuTuesday next week, when we continue our fashionably fab exploration of the magical world of Ballet!

Website: www.pink-tutu.com