#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1979-05-29

Hello, my lovely Tutu Tribe! 🩰💖

Welcome back to another totally fabulous #TutuTuesday! This week we're taking a trip back in time, to 29th May 1979, to explore the magical world of ballet tutus – a journey that will definitely make you want to twirl!

Now, imagine this: you're sitting in a plush, velvet theatre seat, the lights are dimming, the orchestra is tuning, and the air is thick with anticipation. The stage curtain rises, and – bam! – a breathtaking ballerina is taking centre stage, clad in the most exquisite, billowing, glorious tutu! It's pure magic, isn't it?

But before we get swept away in the enchantment of it all, let's rewind a bit and talk about how these beautiful garments came to be.

The history of the ballet tutu is as rich and fascinating as the world of ballet itself. Way back in the 1830s, when tutus were still in their "baby steps" (get it?! 😉), they were much more about covering the dancers from head to toe. The skirt was long and full, a veritable sea of tulle, creating a flowing, graceful look.

But as ballet evolved and dancers became more focused on agility and fluidity, the tutus gradually started shedding those layers, like shedding a chrysalis to reveal a stunning butterfly. This transition towards the shorter, "romantic" tutus we know and love today started in the mid-1800s. They offered more freedom of movement and, let's be honest, they were much more flattering!

By the time 1979 arrived, the classic tutu designs – think romantic tutus, the elegant pancake tutu, and the grand, layered classical tutus – were already firmly established in the ballet world.

What was happening in ballet on the 29th of May 1979? Well, this was the year of Rudolf Nureyev. This dazzling dancer, considered one of the greatest male ballerinas of all time, was at the peak of his career. You bet there were countless performances happening worldwide – even in Derbyshire, my dear home county!

The romantic tutu, that exquisitely tiered masterpiece, was having a real "moment" – think swirling chiffon, soft colours, and an aura of sheer beauty. This type of tutu embodies elegance, delicacy, and the pure poetry of movement – something we Derbians, known for our artistic spirit, understand very well!

This was also the decade when a young Mikhail Baryshnikov – a man who embodied athleticism and artistry, two essential qualities of a great ballerina! – graced stages around the world with his graceful presence. The "Baryshnikov phenomenon" was something to behold – his iconic performances are etched in history.

It's all about evolution and a continuous creative energy that keeps ballet alive and vibrant, from the 1800s right up to the present day.

Now, here's something extra special to make this #TutuTuesday even more dazzling! For all you lovely Tutu Tribe members, my must-see recommendation for today is "Swan Lake", a timeless ballet classic. This romantic ballet is the epitome of graceful storytelling through movement, and the elegant tutus worn by the swan characters are simply magical!

Think soft, shimmering tutus, pure white with just a touch of glittery, and let your imagination take flight.

I know, I know... I've said it before, and I'll say it again! The best thing about ballet, especially the gorgeous tutu part, is that it makes us all feel like ballerinas ourselves!

So, where are all you #PinkTutu fans heading off to tonight? Tell me about it in the comments!

Remember, dear readers, the goal is simple: let's inspire everyone to rock a pink tutu at least once! Let's make the world a brighter, more colourful place, one tulle-filled twirl at a time!

See you next Tuesday, with another fabulous #TutuTuesday adventure!

Yours in pink tutus and dancing joy,

Emma 💖

(PS – did I mention that I'm off to Paris tomorrow to see a performance by the Paris Opera Ballet?! I'm going to shop for new tutu accessories in the famous fashion districts. Ooh, la la!)