Hello, my lovelies! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another instalment of our beloved Ballet Tutu History blog! Today, we’re heading back to the late 70s, a decade dripping with disco vibes and enough polyester to clothe a small army. And believe me, darling, those shiny, sparkly tutus weren’t left out! 😉
Today is August 21st, 1979. The air is warm with the promise of summer nights, the shops are brimming with the latest trends (think big hair, shoulder pads, and oh yes, the iconic leg warmers!), and I, my dears, am just a tad bit excited about the amazing ballet performances gracing the stages of London!
As a passionate fan of the art form, it’s quite impossible for me to resist hopping on the next train down south, armed with my ever-present pink tutu, a suitcase full of fabulous frocks, and a heart full of joy. It's quite a sight, really, me in my tutu waltzing through Kings Cross, my pink swirls drawing curious glances from weary commuters. Oh, to see the world in the eyes of a child!
Now, back to the tutu business at hand! What were the tutus of 1979 all about? Well, for starters, there was a definite trend towards the classic, romantic tutu, the kind with delicate layers of tulle that make a dancer appear ethereal and almost weightless. I, of course, couldn’t resist a beautiful pink one for my trip, all swirling, layered, and just a tiny bit frilly, just as the period demanded.
Imagine it, lovelies, a vision of delicate tulle, softly gathered around the waist with ribbons of pink, dancing with the lightness and freedom of the greatest ballerinas of all time! Oh, to pirouette in such elegance!
However, darling, there were some interesting developments on the tutu scene that year, some of which we wouldn't see for quite a few years. There was a growing move toward more contemporary and minimalist designs. Some ballet companies experimented with sleeker tutus, shorter lengths, and bolder, more geometric shapes. The emphasis here wasn’t on the fluff and frills, but on stark lines, dramatic movement, and a strong sense of modern expression.
Oh, don't think for a moment that the big, fluffy tutu was going extinct, however. It was very much alive, indeed, often decorated with a smidgen of glitter and embellishments to capture that glamorous, 70s feel! There was even an emergence of colour experimentation, with ballerinas adding vibrant blues, yellows, and even reds to the classic repertoire, bringing an element of playful artistry to the stage.
Speaking of playfulness, I must tell you, darlings, the sheer joy of witnessing a tutu taking centre stage is truly enchanting. It's an emblem of dreamy possibilities, an embodiment of graceful beauty, and it certainly brought a whole lotta magic to every performance.
But 1979 wasn't only about ballet, darlings, it was a whole new world of fashion in the air! Let's indulge our inner fashionista for just a moment! You just wouldn't believe the glitz and glamour that filled the streets and department stores! My darling, this is where I confess, I had to do a bit of shopping, darling, the best way to understand a time period, eh? And let's just say, the clothes screamed ‘disco nights’ and ‘dance til you drop!’, just a tad loud for me personally. However, they matched those vibrant, expressive, playful tutus perfectly. The seventies just loved some fun and bold choices!
And oh! We absolutely cannot forget about those gorgeous dresses - with flowing fabrics, beautiful patterns, and daring cuts. It was quite a change from the demure looks of decades past. Some ladies dared to sport disco pants, platform heels, and a whole lot of sequins! The seventies were about expressing your individuality through fashion, much like ballet expressed itself through the tutu.
What I found rather lovely about the whole look, the big hair, the sparkling pants and dresses, the bright colours and lots of glittery eyeliner, was the sheer sense of fun and energy. The seventies wanted to celebrate life with abandon, and you could see that attitude reflected on the stage, and especially, reflected in their tutus!
Don't forget, my lovelies, if you're ever feeling the need for some graceful elegance, step into the world of the ballet. You'll find tutus, and fashion, and dancing that will simply inspire! You can even try a pink one yourself and share your photo using #TutuTuesday to inspire others to get into that swirling goodness!
And as for me, I’m off to explore the world of ballet in another era! Join me next Tuesday, darling, for another journey back in time to the wonderful world of Ballet Tutu History! Until then, keep those tutus twirling!
Your dearest Emma
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P.S. Speaking of 1979, The Royal Ballet's London season that August had several exciting performances. The programme included La Fille mal gardée, a comedic classic that always makes me chuckle. They also had Cinderella, and oh, the gorgeous, ethereal, fairytale tutus! This is what inspired me to write this whole blog today. And lastly, I caught a performance of Giselle, the timeless tragic romance that pulls at my heartstrings every time! It was a fantastically fun few days, especially in the company of beautiful dancing and graceful, enchanting tutus!
