Bonjour, mon cheries!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things tutu are celebrated! Today, I’m whisked back in time, my pink tutu swirling around me, to the vibrant year of 1979! It's a period where tutus, oh, how they truly blossomed. The year 1979, darling, was like a tutu supernova – shimmering, breathtaking, and positively brimming with grace.
Imagine, darlings: I’m standing in the bustling centre of New York City, a whirlwind of glitter and glamour. The streets hum with energy, filled with a thrilling blend of sophistication and daring. It's the age of disco, of sleek silhouettes, of bold colour and, you guessed it, of **sparkly, magnificent tutus. This was the era when tutus transcended the world of the ballet and seeped into pop culture. Everyone, everyone darling, was captivated by this airy, feminine symbol.
Remember "Saturday Night Fever," the ultimate 1970s disco flick? It's a masterpiece that paints a vivid picture of this fabulous decade, showcasing a vibrant world of flamboyant clothes and captivating dance. But did you know, that one of the most memorable moments in this iconic film, features a tutu! The opening sequence, darling, starts with a shot of a red-tutu clad young woman, and John Travolta's character dancing to the electrifying rhythm of "Stayin' Alive". Can you even imagine, how iconic this moment is! This film helped launch the tutu into the cultural mainstream and solidify its role as a symbol of free-spirited rebellion and pure joy!
Now, take a peek into London's world of ballet and dance. The world of dance was brimming with new talent and revolutionary ideas. Rudolf Nureyev, that incredible Russian dancer, was still performing on stages all over the globe! Oh, his charisma and precision! A true inspiration to us all. Darlings, London, was also buzzing with excitement over a new ballet performance called "Giselle", a tale of tragic romance and ghostly revenge! It truly showcased tutus in all their beauty.
Even the world of theatre, darlings, embraced tutus! It's amazing to think, the era’s leading playwrights embraced tutu designs into their costume productions! One of the biggest theatre hits in 1979 was a play by Alan Ayckbourn about a young girl's fascination with ballerinas, and the costumes were positively delightful – overflowing with gorgeous pink tutus! It was an unforgettable night of ballet, beauty, and theatre.
But back to the tutu. Oh my, how I adored watching the incredible designs of tutus in 1979! You can see how designers, such as the world renowned Rudolf Nureyev,, experimented with form, colour, and length. Imagine, daring new designs like the "tutu-skirt" - a fusion of a tutu with a disco-ready skirt, and the “micro tutu” – a whimsical little number with tulle cascading just below the hips. Simply sensational! These playful innovations in design added new dimensions to the already charming world of the tutu.
So take a twirl through your imagination and visualize, dear readers. Think of the fashion trends of 1979 – platforms, bell bottoms, and of course, the incredible tutu! This magical year embraced the tutu not just for dance, but for expressing individuality, freedom, and boundless fun! This trend was catching on everywhere, it was as popular in the chic streets of Paris, as it was in the bustling city of Tokyo!
Let's talk pink darlings! Oh my, pink was THE power colour of 1979, a symbol of femininity, strength, and sheer exuberance! In 1979, the tutu embraced a wide array of hues, and I, for one, was simply thrilled with how the designers embraced pink as a perfect complement to this incredible garment. Imagine, my dear readers, a vibrant pink tutu swirling and dipping, an expression of boundless energy!
You know how I adore traveling by train, and on my latest adventure through the history of the tutu, I took the express from Derbyshire, England, my hometown, to New York City. The journey through 1979 was an experience in itself. I had to try on a pink tutu-skirt, a mix of the modern and the classic – I just had to! It perfectly reflected the bold spirit of the times! I travelled first class naturally, it’s the only way to do it, especially when you have a tutu to fuss with. The trains of this period, especially those traveling between New York, Boston and Washington were an exquisite experience of a golden era of opulence.
As I reflect upon this incredible era of tutus, music, and freedom, I must remind you that wearing a pink tutu is an adventure, darling, it’s about embracing a joy and celebrating the feminine. It’s about celebrating the playful, the unexpected and embracing life’s little delights!
Now, **don’t you worry darlings, this is only the first of many explorations of tutu history I have planned. I shall be journeying to all the iconic moments in the life of this gorgeous, whimsical garment, exploring all its fabulous interpretations throughout the ages. Next week, I’m whisked back in time, to the roaring 1920s.
Until next week, stay tutu-licious!
With love,
Emma
(Always ready to twirl)
www.pink-tutu.com
