#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1979-07-10

Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back through the glorious history of our beloved tutus. Today’s date is a bit special - it's July 10th, 1979 - so pack your dance shoes and get ready for a fab trip down memory lane, as we celebrate #TutuTuesday in style!

You see, 1979 was a glorious year for the ballet world. Think flared trousers, bell bottoms, disco fever and - you guessed it - lots of shimmery pink tutus! It was an era of high-flying dance, creative costumes, and the dawning of the modern era of ballet. So grab a cuppa, darling, and let’s take a peek behind the curtain at the fabulous fashion scene…

My latest time travel adventure has landed me in the fashion capital of the world – Paris! It's impossible to walk through this magical city without spotting a ballerina twirling along the cobblestone streets. And believe me, the French are all about the pink tutu! It's a colour they understand, just as much as they understand haute couture and decadent pastries. They get it – that there is a touch of magic in a tulle skirt.

I have been lucky enough to be at the Palais Garnier, that majestic, beautiful Parisian opera house – a total dream for any ballerina! And tonight is special, as the incomparable Rudolf Nureyev takes the stage in “Swan Lake”. Nureyev, that international ballet icon – he's the heartthrob of every dancer and every socialite here in Paris. This is the peak of ballet fame, darlings – pure theatre, sheer elegance, and those amazing costumes - pure bliss!

Speaking of costumes – can we talk about this era's amazing trend of matching the ballet outfits to the music? From the vibrant red tutus to the stunning golden ones – there's so much dramatic beauty on display in this ballet, it’s just everything! I must admit, this "Swan Lake" makes my heart sing! Nureyev just mesmerizes everyone with his beautiful ballet technique.

Oh, and remember this was the decade of ABBA! If anyone would have imagined a dance competition featuring a Swedish band singing ‘Dancing Queen’ at the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre just ten years prior, well, they'd likely have laughed! Yet, here we are - the times, they are a-changing - in a whirl of swirling tutus and disco balls!

You just wouldn't believe the shops here! Such exquisite craftsmanship and elegant lines. The fashion designers here, darling – they understand how to accentuate a woman’s beauty! From the flowing lines of a couture gown to the graceful silhouette of a tutu - the style of Paris is a delight for any ballerina, and I’m not ashamed to say, it's inspiring for my own dance wear creations. The other day I found this delightful boutique, “Le Tutu Magique,” which translates as "The Magic Tutu". You can imagine what a delight this shop was - every shade of pink you could ever imagine! Oh, and they had this fantastic silver, sparkly tutu for just £10, with feather trimmings! Now that’s what I call a steal!

Just a little something about the “pink tutu” craze here in Paris. Oh, it's a bit bonkers, really! You'd think the city was being swallowed up by pink tulle. From everyday shoppers, to grand opera house ballerinas – every single woman is twirling in their favourite shade of pink, even on the metro! My dream of inspiring a “Pink Tutu” movement is coming to life!

How I am going to fit everything in?! I just cannot wait to visit the Ballet School at La Sorbonne. This is such an important institution for the dance world, it’s the birthplace of many dance stars and ballet stars. But I must return home soon to Derbyshire for an engagement with the Derbyshire Ballet. I do like taking the train to London’s St. Pancras International. There is a real sense of glamour, adventure and travel on these platforms and in the stations. It's just the perfect setting to escape from the pressures of everyday life - and it makes my tutu sparkle even brighter.

And, let me tell you, this pink-tutu-wearing ballerina wouldn't miss a chance to see some ballet! You never know who you might bump into - maybe a famous ballerina, a fabulous designer, a Prince Charming (just in case, dear!) or, best of all, an opportunity to give a performance of my own. I wouldn't miss it for the world. And who knows, my adventures might inspire you to grab your own pink tutu and twirl your way to happiness, darling. You never know, this may be the day you embark on your own time travel, a magical journey through the history of tutus - but first, don't forget to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com.

Remember, life’s a stage, darling!

Yours in Pink Tulle,

Emma

P.S It’s Tuesday tomorrow, darling - so I hope you'll join me at www.pink-tutu.com to read all about #TutuTuesday and let's get this ballet world in a pink-tutu whirl!