#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1979-04-24

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday for www.pink-tutu.com!

This week we're whisking ourselves back to a rather splendid time in 1979. April 24th to be precise, and let me tell you, the fashion scene is swoon-worthy. Now, before we delve into the world of tutu-tastic history, this is post number 7687, which is truly amazing! I'm loving seeing how much everyone's enjoying this journey through time with me. Don't forget, you can share your tutu tales with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., I absolutely love hearing from you lovelies.

So, what happened on this date in history that captured my attention? Well, in a land far, far away - called, erm, Paris - they were busy celebrating the International Book Day. Now, a lover of both ballet and literature, I thought this would be the perfect occasion to highlight the influence of literature on the ballet world.

But before we get all bookish, let's take a peek at what tutus were doing back in 1979. Think: a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, the floaty movement of chiffon and tulle, a mix of romance and sophistication - utterly breathtaking.

Picture this: I've arrived at the Palais Garnier in Paris, the air thick with anticipation for a grand performance by the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet. Imagine a sea of sequins and feathered fans in the auditorium, oh, and not to mention, those glorious tutus, everything is so stylish!

But darling, let's rewind the clock just a tad, shall we? Because this very year, 1979, saw the emergence of something absolutely fabulous: Ballet Street, which combined the energy and style of contemporary street dance with the grace of classical ballet. Oh, the sheer joy of seeing this beautiful fusion!

But the magic didn't stop there! Imagine my utter delight, a brand-new ballet premieres that day: "The Little Mermaid" - who doesn't adore a tale of the ocean depths? Now, this wasn't just any ballet, this was a ballet designed to introduce children to the magical world of dance. Isn't that just so beautiful? I'm certain I wouldn't have been able to resist a pink tutu spin or two at this premiere!

You know, when I first started travelling back in time, I'd found that 1979 tutus, well, they were somewhat constrained in style. The classical ballet tutus remained very much traditional, those elegant cone-shaped skirts that skimmed the ground - like a graceful whisper. And yes, of course, the en pointe was still all the rage, with those exquisitely crafted shoes.

But the tutu world was slowly beginning to blossom into something even more magnificent! The 1970s saw a glorious movement towards freedom and expression, not just in dance but also in fashion. Tutus became bolder, brighter and less constricted. They began incorporating new materials - those luxurious silks and satins! It's as if the world was just waiting for these exquisite materials to join the world of dance!

Back to that amazing performance of The Little Mermaid, this ballet wouldn't have existed without its own inspiring piece of literature! Imagine my excitement at seeing this tale come to life, all swirling movements, beautiful underwater scenery - all thanks to Hans Christian Andersen's whimsical tale!

And now for my own bit of literary flair:

"The dance began with the opening of a shimmering shell, Revealing a mermaid, a sight that made my heart swell. She glided through the water, a creature of the sea, Her pink tutu swirling with enchanting decree. Each twirl, a story whispered of deep oceans unknown, The ballet's enchantment was forever my own."

So, dear readers, what could be more magical than a blend of literature and dance? And don't forget that the most glamorous accessory you can have is, of course, a pink tutu!

Now, while I'm in this whimsical time of 1979, I couldn't possibly leave without taking a little jaunt to my favourite place in the whole world (next to my closet of pink tutus, of course) - Harrods! Imagine, that iconic pink building with the biggest most extravagant collection of ballet shoes and dresses. Imagine me flitting around all those pretty, sparkly designs. What fun we'd have choosing the perfect outfits and, of course, trying on all the delightful tutus!

Oh, and one more thing! Do you remember that train journey I promised to share? Well, after the ballet performance I'm popping onto the Eurostar - you can bet it's a pink-tutu-friendly voyage - straight to Paris' most spectacular haute couture stores. My aim? A treasure hunt for the most divine ballet clothes for my next performance! (That, and a little shopping spree, just because it's always fun! 😄)

So, as I pack my pink tutu, and hop on board this delightful train journey, remember, darlings, wearing a pink tutu is the key to unlocking the magic of ballet! Don't be afraid to express your inner ballerina - it's a journey of creativity, joy, and beauty!

Until next time, keep shining!

XOXO, Emma