Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, and it’s Tuesday again, which means it’s time for another blast from the past with my beloved #TutuTuesday blog! Today we’re journeying back to the year 1979, a time when disco was still hot, big hair was in, and ballet tutus were…well, they were just starting to take on a more dramatic look!
The Glamour of the 70s
As you know, my heart is truly devoted to all things tutu, but there's something especially alluring about the tutus from the 1970s. There's a bit of a "wild" edge to them, you see. They were about expressing artistic freedom. A sense of movement and a dash of playful defiance, perhaps reflecting the spirit of the era itself!
Think about it - the fashion in the late 70s, it was all about bold colour combinations, oversized everything, and plenty of sparkle. Think platform shoes, flares, sequins, and, yes, huge, puffy hair.
The world of ballet embraced this energy too. Imagine flowing fabrics, asymmetrical designs, and those absolutely gorgeous romantic tutu shapes. A far cry from the classic, stiff-looking tutus of the Victorian era.
And did I mention colour? The 70s weren't afraid to make a statement! Tutus became canvases for stunning hues, shades of plum, emerald green, rich ochre – think autumnal palettes but infused with that electric energy of the time. And you couldn't forget about that dazzling glitter, especially for evening performances!
My 1979 Adventure
Today, I found myself in New York City, the very heart of dance and fashion back in the 70s. What a day! First, I waltzed my way to a performance of the New York City Ballet, oh, what a treat! The New York State Theater, right by Lincoln Center, truly a stunning place. The entire building was alive with the hum of excitement, it was contagious!
I have to admit, even as a time-travelling ballerina from Derbyshire, I felt a little bit like I was stepping into a scene from Saturday Night Fever. Imagine the glamour! I'm pretty sure I could feel a faint echo of the disco ball reflected on the faces of the audience – pure excitement!
Then it was off to the legendary fashion emporium, Bergdorf Goodman. The shopping there was absolutely incredible! I spent a good hour ogling all the latest fashions – I can't resist a bit of fashion retail therapy even when time travelling, you know.
But I wasn't just shopping, I was also keeping an eye out for tutu inspiration. My quest was for some of that incredible vintage 70s tutu flair! I was hunting for the bold colour combinations and the fabulous designs that are synonymous with that era. Luckily, the shop was absolutely bursting with gorgeousness. It was like a feast for the eyes and for the tutu-lover in me!
Of course, a trip to New York in the 70s wasn’t complete without grabbing a classic slice of pizza. And a slice of New York cheesecake! There’s nothing quite like it.
My Favourite 1979 Moments
Here are a few key things I discovered about tutu design from my 1979 trip, all perfectly reflecting the fashion sense of the era:
Longer Tutus: Remember how everyone wanted to express themselves in the 70s? It shows in the longer, almost "flowy" tutu designs of the era, sometimes they almost reached the ground. Talk about dramatic!
Statement Colour Combinations: Deep purple with emerald green? Yes! Mustard yellow with rich plum? Absolutely! I am absolutely obsessed with this era’s play with colour. This period was about mixing and matching different colours that maybe wouldn't traditionally go together, but they somehow just work so well, and give off a truly spectacular effect on the stage.
Feathered Flourishes: For an extra touch of drama, and in keeping with the glam of the times, feathers were used in all sorts of incredible ways. Remember that look by that famous ballerina, Gelsey Kirkland, the woman with those magnificent fiery red locks, well, that was an outfit that stole the show! Imagine the feathers swirling on stage, a pure spectacle of pure theatrical grace!
"Modern" Designs: As you know, tutus have always been about grace and elegance. But during the 70s, we see a more "modern" take on traditional ballet outfits, reflecting a bolder, more contemporary take on classical forms. I can’t deny, this was a thrilling evolution for the tutu.
Wearing a Tutu? I'm All For It!
Do you remember my dream, my lifelong ambition? Yes, the ultimate dream to get everyone to wear a pink tutu! Well, I've realised something. Maybe, just maybe, it's all about taking inspiration from every era of tutu history. Why just stop at pink, right? Every decade, every generation brings something amazing to the world of tutus, just waiting to be rediscovered!
Until Next Tuesday, my darlings!
Keep shining, keep twirling, keep spreading the joy of tutus. And remember, always be fearless! Remember, my beloved ballet fanatics, my little corner of the internet www.pink-tutu.com is waiting for you! And remember, let’s keep this TutuTuesday magic going. You can always send me your thoughts on this #TutuTuesday journey to my
(This post is number 7682.)
