#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1979-06-19

Hello, my darling tutu lovers! It’s your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and today’s #TutuTuesday is taking us back to June 19th, 1979, a date bursting with balletic brilliance, and an opportunity for me to whip up a pink, oh-so-pretty post, just for you. I must confess, as a true tutu aficionado, I found myself squealing with excitement when I time travelled to this specific date. Why, you ask? Because my dears, 1979 was a truly fabulous year for tutus! Let me spill the beans on just how fabulous this year was for our fluffy, tulle treasures…

You may not realise it, but our beloved tutu as we know it – short, puffy, and glorious – was still finding its footing in the 1970s. There was a time, back in the late 1800s, when ballerinas were whirling around in floor-length, bell-shaped tulle masterpieces. 🤯 While beautiful, can you imagine trying to do a pirouette in that? Not my cuppa tea, darlings!

1979, though, saw a real shift! The traditional “bell” tutu, while still adored, was losing its hold on the stage, making way for a new breed of tutus: the short, poufy ones we know and love today. They were lightweight, allowing for amazing jumps and twirls (oh, how I adore a good twirl!). And let’s be honest, they just look divine, like a whimsical cloud, just begging to be spun in! 💖

And who better to demonstrate the short, fluffy-cloud-tutu style than the amazing Rudolf Nureyev, who danced the “Black Swan” in Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” that very year! It was a showstopper! Nureyev’s performance in 1979 revolutionised the tutu game. Can you picture the excitement of the crowd? Tutus in the theatre were simply electrifying!

It wasn't just Nureyev who was turning heads! This year, there was another iconic tutu moment - the release of Baryshnikov on Broadway, where the legend danced to his heart’s content in a series of show-stopping tutus. It was a true explosion of artistry! Can’t wait to hop in the time machine to witness those dazzling performances myself!

But this was not all, dears! 1979 saw new tutu materials that were both lightweight and super strong, creating tutus that could handle even the most demanding choreography. Imagine – graceful movements with an air of effortless lightness and power. I’d happily don those tutus any day!

Of course, being a Derbyshire girl, I couldn’t resist mentioning the phenomenal talent coming out of the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, that year. Their ballet adaptations of “Giselle” and “The Sleeping Beauty”, in all their dazzling tutu-fied glory, captivated the audience!

And my oh my, the colour of tutus in 1979! Think delicate blush pinks, soft lavender blues, and creamy ivory. Absolutely divine! This was the dawn of a truly glorious age for tutus, my darlings. You simply had to wear a tutu, and everyone knew it!

While exploring the 1979 London ballet scene, I found a truly glamorous spot - the fashion boutique on Bruton Street, with the chicest collection of designer clothes! Just a peek inside and you'd see sleek evening dresses, dazzling sequins, and even, dare I say, some pretty fabulous tutus. 💅 Imagine! That evening dress paired with a playful pink tutu – a vision of Parisian chic!

And to complete this fabulous ensemble? A trip to Fortnum & Mason, my dear! I love browsing the luxurious grocery shops in any era – an absolute treat for the senses! They just smell divine – an enchanting blend of chocolates, spices, and elegant cakes! I can just picture myself waltzing into that gorgeous shop with my tutu twirling as I sip my afternoon tea. Just delightful! ☕

This year wasn’t just about fashion and dance, my dears! It was about a tutu revolution. They weren’t confined to the ballet stage - you'd spot them in street fashion, parades, even at the opera! The bold, expressive spirit of tutus was catching on like wildfire!

This, darling friends, is the beauty of tutus - they transcend the dance floor. A tutu can make you feel empowered, carefree, and whimsical. You just radiate joy and sparkle whenever you put one on!

1979 was a truly remarkable year for the world of dance and fashion. My advice to you? Let a dash of tutu magic infiltrate your life, whether it’s watching a ballet, browsing some chic boutiques, or simply taking a spin in a deliciously fluffy tulle dream!

As always, darlings, let me know what you think about this blast from the past, and don't forget to check back next #TutuTuesday for more adventures in ballet history!

Love and tutu twirls,

Emma 💖🩰

(This blog post is a fictional narrative and doesn't claim to represent factual historical events. Please use discretion when seeking information about ballet history.)

*This post number 7695 was published on www.pink-tutu.com - the home of tutu love, inspiring everyone to twirl their way through life. Join the tutu-tastic fun and spread the love for tutus everywhere! *