#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History: 1979-10-23 🩰💕
Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This is your fabulous, fuchsia-loving, tutus-obsessed blogger Emma, coming at you live from… well, I’ll let you in on a little secret… I’m actually writing this from a charming little Parisian café, sipping a divine espresso and eyeing up a rather delightful pink tutu in the window of the shop next door! 🤫
This week’s #TutuTuesday takes us on a whirl through history, all the way back to 1979, a time when the world was swirling in disco rhythms and the power of pink tutus was still rising! 🎉
But first, a little announcement! Did you know this week's post marks my 7713th post? Isn’t that simply divine? Just imagine, all these years of sharing my love of ballet and, of course, tutus with all of you lovely lot. 💖
Now, let’s get back to our history lesson. 1979, my darlings, was a time of amazing transformation for the tutu. Just like our fabulous feathered friends, they were embracing change, adapting to new trends, and blossoming into new shapes. ✨
You see, by 1979, the tutu was no longer the stiff, traditional garment we might think of in classical ballet. It had gone through quite the metamorphosis, taking on new forms, embracing new fabrics, and experimenting with new designs. And the world of ballet was loving it!
Take the “romantic” tutu, for example. Oh, how I adore those airy, billowing layers, whispering tales of fairytale dreams and innocent romances. This style was just gaining popularity in the late 1970s, and it added a beautiful new dimension to ballet, letting the dancers move with such incredible freedom and grace.
Remember our wonderful Margot Fonteyn? That darling, with her stunning talent, brought a new wave of romantic ballet into the spotlight with her graceful movements. Those airy tutus, in soft shades of blush and lavender, were perfect for showcasing her beautiful dancing.
And let’s not forget the contemporary dance scene, which was also playing a major role in how we saw the tutu. By 1979, the world was becoming enchanted by experimental new techniques, and, oh my, didn’t the tutu embrace that wholeheartedly! They were getting more daring, adopting modern fabrics and unconventional designs, and it was breathtaking!
Think of Twyla Tharp and her phenomenal choreography. She took the traditional tutu, flipped it on its head, and created something incredibly new and exhilarating! Her dancers were captivating audiences with their powerful energy, often wearing tutus made from different materials like leather and silk, playing with texture and structure, showing just how versatile this timeless piece of clothing really is.
Imagine it – a tutu made of shimmering sequins, a stark white tutu adorned with flowing ribbons, or even a bright, candy-coloured tutu with just a few strands of dazzling embroidery. That, my dears, was the beauty of the 1970s tutu! 🍭 ✨
Now, enough about our favourite dancewear, let’s chat a little bit about where I was in my travels when I was recording this bit of history. As I mentioned, I'm currently in the chicest part of Paris! What a vibrant place to soak up all the culture, art and, of course, fashion! 💖
Just yesterday, I watched a dazzling performance at the Palais Garnier, and my goodness, my eyes couldn't get enough! The dancers wore their tutus so beautifully. They floated across the stage like celestial beings, spinning and twirling, bringing the theatre to life with each breathtaking move. 🥰
Paris is always buzzing, with people dressed in all sorts of stylish looks, but trust me, when it comes to fashion, a girl can’t beat a well-crafted, expertly fitted tutu. The fabric drapes so perfectly, and the flow and movement, well, it’s simply magical. You just have to experience it for yourselves! 👗✨
But it’s not all tutus and ballets, darling! Of course, I’m taking in the sights and the local shopping scene, as I do wherever I travel. Parisian stores, like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, are havens of fabulous fashion. There's no better place for hunting down the most charming vintage finds and adding to my personal collection. Speaking of, my latest acquisition is a stunning, bright pink tulle tutu with an incredible feathered trim! I’m going to add it to my wardrobe.
You know, what really ties this entire journey together, making it all the more magical, is travelling by train. I absolutely adore that charming old-fashioned style of transport. 🚂
You see, nothing quite beats the rumble of the wheels, the soothing sway of the carriages, and the sheer romance of watching the countryside blur by. And all that while dressed in a fabulous pink tutu, of course! It’s the most delightful and freeing way to explore new destinations, I promise! ✨💖
As for the history of tutus, it’s truly a story of change and evolution. They started with simple forms, evolved through numerous innovations, and finally, landed on the stunning styles that are celebrated even today. Who knows what’s next for this magical dancewear? 💫
I, for one, can’t wait to find out. And remember, darling dears, keep your eyes peeled for your next #TutuTuesday installment here on Pink-Tutu.com. It’s going to be absolutely spectacular! 🎉
Until then, don’t forget to always let your inner ballerina shine. ✨
Love always,
Emma
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