Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu-tastic! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another delve into the fascinating world of ballet history! Today we're stepping back in time, right to the middle of 1979 - such a fabulously fun decade, eh? Now, let's talk about tutus!
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself for any newcomers. I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-loving ballerina from the rolling hills of Derbyshire. My mission in life is simple: spread the joy of tutus across the world.
Of course, it takes a bit of magic to time-hop, and luckily, I'm quite the performer. I hop back and forth across the decades with a whirlwind of twirls and grand jetés - my secret's the occasional ballet performance. Oh, how I love seeing those sparkling lights, feeling the electricity in the air, and the energy of a crowd, completely mesmerised by a wonderful ballet!
This time, I found myself waltzing through London on this fine day - 1979, 16th January! It was positively crisp with a bit of a nip in the air - perfect for a ballet-themed outfit. The day itself is pretty unremarkable, except, I'm absolutely giddy to tell you - it was the birthday of the divine Dame Judi Dench! Now, isn't that fantastic? This darling lady is a true national treasure, don't you think?
So, what were tutus doing in the grand world of dance back in 1979?
Well, they were as fabulous as ever! Imagine - full-skirted tutus still held their ground, all romantic and airy, a true fairytale staple. The more contemporary pieces were exploring new forms and materials, using those wonderfully dramatic sheer and layered fabrics. Even then, people were always looking for new and innovative ways to incorporate the tutu into their designs!
You might not know it, darlings, but this era, 1979, saw the dawn of a particular innovation - the "street tutu" (if you can believe it)! Can you picture it? It was revolutionary. Think shorter tutus, paired with modern fashion - jeans, leggings, or even an awesome vintage jacket! It was this daring blend of ballet grace and edgy cool that caught everyone's attention. It really felt like a turning point for the tutu, pushing it beyond the stage and into the world.
You know what else I found out about 1979? This year marked the end of a magnificent chapter for London’s legendary ballet company, The Royal Ballet - they opened a brand-new theatre: The Royal Opera House! 🤯 It was quite the momentous occasion, and I hear they were opening it up with the divine, Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake"! Talk about the perfect start, wouldn't you say? Imagine all those incredible dancers performing for the first time on that fabulous stage. The stories I could tell you about the tutus... shimmering, majestic, and simply magnificent.
Don’t forget about those captivating costumes, darling! That's something else that never gets old for me. Remember how mesmerising those traditional ballet costumes can be? And remember - if there’s a beautiful tutu in a ballet, it means that the whole look has been thought about in intricate detail. That makes each design a tiny masterpiece, in my humble opinion.
In 1979, just like now, there was this fantastic focus on individuality and personal style. Ballet costumes, tutus especially, weren’t just something you wore, they were expressions, darlings. And those styles often matched the personalities of the ballet companies themselves, the dance itself - everything about the show!
For me, 1979 was also a time of great inspiration, darling! Ballet itself was going through a whirlwind of new, fantastic trends. The famous Bolshoi Ballet were turning heads with their breathtaking technique - it was absolutely divine. I can see them now, leaping across the stage in tutus that whispered about Russia's soul, yet exuded this irresistible contemporary feel. They were leading the charge for this exciting blend of traditions and modernism - making everyone stand up and pay attention!
Do you know what I adore about all this, darlings? It’s the universality of tutus. No matter where you are or where you’re from, the love for the tutu has remained! The essence of tutus transcends borders - it's this timeless celebration of elegance and femininity. And the best bit? Every single ballet dancer who has ever slipped on a tutu, makes her own magic on stage - with their own, unique sparkle!
Let me take you to a little tea party for the senses! Imagine, dear friends, if you will, stepping back to this incredible time, this wonderful day, and imagining this wonderful ballet performance happening... A cuppa warming your hands, surrounded by laughter, delicious homemade treats, and the gorgeous smell of those enchanting stories being told on stage. Isn't it divine?
Now, what does the future hold? I can't say, but I'm absolutely confident - the tutu will continue to twist and twirl its way into the hearts and souls of fashion-lovers around the world! And here at www.pink-tutu.com, we'll be there to see it all unfold.
Speaking of tutus, don’t forget darlings - a little something special for all my readers! I’ve got a brand new line of adorable tutus arriving - imagine delicate lace, shimmering sparkles, and an absolutely perfect shade of pink! They’ll be online soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
As always, thank you so much for joining me today! Do keep those wonderful thoughts of tutus spinning, my loves. Don't forget to share your tutu moments on Instagram with #pink-tutu. I adore seeing how you all incorporate tutus into your lives, whether it's a fashion choice, a ballet performance, or a simple celebration of your own beauty and grace.
See you all next week!
💖 Emma