Hello my gorgeous tutus! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, here with another instalment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog!
Today, we're whisking ourselves back to May 15th, 1979! Grab your teacup, your pinkest cardigan (because a girl can never have too many cardigans, don't you agree?) and let's twirl ourselves back in time!
This particular date holds a special place in my ballerina heart, as it's the day The Turning Point, starring the iconic Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft, opened in cinemas across the US.
The Film That Made Tutu's "In"
Now, imagine a movie featuring not just stunning dance sequences, but also intensely relatable themes of rivalry and passion within the world of ballet. Can you picture it? Well, that's exactly what The Turning Point gave us! The film was a huge success, capturing the imagination of audiences all over the globe. It sparked a renewed interest in ballet, not just for the art form itself, but also for the way ballet dancers looked!
And this is where we get to the really exciting part. While the classic ballet tutu remained an integral part of dance performances, the style of the tutu began to permeate fashion. The film's glamorous outfits inspired a whole new look – think soft tulle skirts, ballet-inspired necklines, swishy fabrications, and a whole lot of feminine flair!
I know you're all dying to know about this incredible ballet-inspired trend, so let's delve a little deeper!
From the Stage to the Streets
Think of the most iconic fashion trends: The poodle skirt of the fifties, the mini-dress of the sixties, bell-bottoms in the seventies - each had its time in the limelight. And right there amongst them was the rise of the "ballet look" - thanks in no small part to The Turning Point!
Softly flowing skirts were all the rage. Romantic blouses and lightweight dresses took the spotlight. Even the iconic T-shirt, so commonplace now, found its way onto the ballet-inspired trend. I imagine them being styled with those beautifully embroidered sweaters that I simply adore. You could never go wrong with a little embroidered detailing, could you?
It Wasn't Just About the Clothes...
But the ballet look wasn't just about clothing! The entire attitude of the era embraced the grace and poise of ballerinas. We even saw makeup and hair styling take inspiration from ballet. The soft, romantic aesthetic, so synonymous with the classic ballet tutu, seeped into every aspect of fashion, giving us a truly enchanting new look.
It's not difficult to understand how this shift towards feminine grace resonated so powerfully in the late seventies. This era, following a turbulent decade, sought out beauty and artistry. And what could embody these qualities more perfectly than the graceful movements of a ballerina?
Taking a Tutu Trip to Paris
And where better to enjoy the culmination of this incredible trend than in Paris, the heart of fashion and elegance. Now, I understand that time travel might seem a bit wild, but hear me out. I fund these little trips back in time with my ballet performances! Every week, I choose a ballet performance, slip into my sparkly costume and dance my heart out. Not only do I get to live my ballet dream, but it also gives me the chance to see how the world reacted to our precious tutus throughout history.
So imagine it, a Parisian spring in 1979: The cobbled streets bustling with chic Parisians in their delicate outfits, inspired by the ballerinas of the day. My latest vintage find, a pale pink satin dress with billowing sleeves, is perfect for taking on the Parisian streets. A dash of makeup for that soft, romantic look, and a dainty floral headpiece - because every fashionable ballerina needs to wear a beautiful headpiece! - and I'm ready to embrace the allure of the seventies in all its elegance!
Time Travel Fun Facts:
- The first performance of Swan Lake, a ballet staple, was in 1877. Now that's a time travel adventure in itself! Imagine being there to witness it. Just picture that breathtaking swan costume, the elegant leaps... ah, to be a part of such a pivotal moment!
- Ballet shoes were designed in the late 1800s, replacing the old-style slippers that ballerinas wore. Can you believe it? A ballerina with modern-day pointe shoes is a vision, but those old-time slippers? Let's just say I'm grateful for this fashion invention!
Let's Embrace the Power of Tutu
The seventies may be over, but the grace, femininity and beauty that permeated its fashion era remain an inspiring force. Every time I see someone gracefully rocking a tutu - be it on stage, on the street, or in their own home - I get a little twirl of happiness.
So, let's take a leaf out of 1979! Embrace your feminine side, find those flowing skirts, and remember - tutus are not just for ballerinas, they're for every woman who wants to feel beautiful, confident, and ready to dance through life with grace!
Don't forget to share your own #TutuTuesday moments with me on our website www.pink-tutu.com ! I love seeing your amazing photos.
See you next week, lovely tutus!
With love, Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out the 1979 classic film The Turning Point – a tutu-tastic watch, I promise!
