Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, the weekly blog dedicated to celebrating the history and joy of the most fabulous garment in the world - the tutu! This week, we're hopping on a time machine, setting our sights on December 19th, 1978, and discovering the tutu's story in the heart of a bygone era.
Buckle up, darling, because this is going to be a fabulous journey! (Remember, you can find all our past Tutu Tuesday posts at www.pink-tutu.com - I've even got it marked as post number 7669, because we're all about organisation over here! )
My recent travels have taken me to New York City, a wonderland of twinkling lights, honking cabs, and of course, a truly exceptional ballet scene. This is the city where tutus dance centre stage, where the stories whispered in tulle are celebrated with heart-stopping grace and talent. But back in 1978, what was the world of tutu-wearing ballerinas all about?
As a seasoned time traveler, I know one thing for sure - it's never too early for a little glitter! While I whizzed through December 19th, 1978, I caught a sparkling glimpse of what ballerinas were wearing and dancing in:
Classical Elegance & The Romantic Dream: In the world of ballet, 1978 was a time where classics ruled. Think shimmering tulle, delicate embroidery, and graceful lines, a delicate dream in motion! The tutu took on an enchanting form, a perfect balance between the Romantic Era's flowing gowns and the neoclassical style emerging around this time. Imagine graceful, fluid lines that seemed to float on air, the romantic spirit echoing in every single pirouette!
Tutu Tales & the 'Nutcracker' Dream: Just in time for the Christmas season, the world was falling in love with 'The Nutcracker,' a beloved ballet filled with fantastical characters and beautiful dancing. The Nutcracker is one of my absolute favourite shows, and in 1978, audiences were being swept away by its magic too. The costumes were spectacular, each telling a visual story. And, as any ballerina knows, the right tutu can make all the difference. Imagine sparkling snow flakes dancing with graceful swans, sugar plum fairies twirling with exquisitely-designed tutús, and mischievous mice frolicking in playful costumes! All these tales come to life with the power of the tutu, that little bit of magic that elevates a performance from good to brilliant!
Breaking Barriers and Exploring New Terrain: But don't mistake 1978 for just traditional elegance. There were signs of the new age on the horizon! In this decade, ballerinas like Natalia Makarova were breaking new ground, embracing contemporary styles while maintaining their classical roots. I spotted the 'Nutcracker' being staged in exciting new forms, reinterpretations of traditional ballets, and more freedom and innovation in costume designs. A nod to this was the emergence of 'Dance Theatre,' with a tutu-driven style where ballerinas weren't bound by classical rules but embraced experimental approaches to performance and visual storytelling.
*A Passion for Pink! * You know me, my darling, it's impossible for me to visit a historical moment and not go on a little shopping trip. I adore hunting for unique vintage pieces! This journey to December 19th, 1978 sent me into a spin! The vintage ballet shops I found in NYC were a trove of hidden gems. And it was impossible not to fall in love with the pretty pastel colours that were everywhere in fashion around this time - particularly the adorable pinks, from pale pastel to vivid shades of magenta and rose! What better inspiration for a pink-loving ballerina?
Taking Inspiration From Our Ballet Heroes: Speaking of ballerinas, I've been spending my last few days observing some of the biggest names from 1978. Think of legendary dancers like Gelsey Kirkland, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and the brilliant Rudolf Nureyev. It’s been fascinating to see how these ballet stars, each a unique force on stage, were all pushing the boundaries of the tutu. Their performances, their choices of costume, and their overall dedication were a truly incredible lesson on the powerful symbolism that the tutu represents.
*The Power of a Tutu & The Joy of a Dress Up Box: * Just remember: it doesn't matter if you're a ballerina with dreams of dancing on a grand stage or a tutu enthusiast simply enjoying a dress-up session at home - every time we put on our tutus, we unleash the magic. We are transformed - for a moment, anything is possible! From swirling on a wooden floor to twirling in front of a cheering audience, the tutu becomes a conduit to our dreams and fantasies.
So, remember to dream big! Wear your tutu proudly, find inspiration in our dancing ancestors, and remember - no matter what time you're in, the joy of the tutu never goes out of fashion!
Until next Tuesday my dears!
Much love,
Emma xx
