Post #7716
Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things twirling and sparkly! It’s Tuesday, which means it's time to dive into our weekly journey through the fascinating history of the tutu! I've travelled all the way back to November 13th, 1979 - a year brimming with dance, glamour and a touch of rebellious chic.
Oh, my, how I loved stepping off the train into bustling London this week! 1979 felt like the whole world was caught in a swirling dance of vibrant energy and new beginnings. The streets pulsed with music and fashion - think punky leggings, shimmering jackets, and yes, even the odd bit of tutu peeking out from under an oversized jumper! The seventies had definitely embraced a bit of the ethereal and graceful in its sartorial journey!
Now, for our historical time warp - the world of ballet in 1979! It's fascinating, my dears. Think of the stage alive with legends. Rudolf Nureyev, a shining star, was captivating audiences worldwide with his powerful, dramatic performances. The great Mikhail Baryshnikov had just moved to New York, creating ripples of excitement across the globe. And closer to home, we had the extraordinary Dame Margot Fonteyn - the quintessential ballerina. All these luminaries were setting the stage on fire with their artistry, driving a growing love for the art form, and paving the way for ballet's golden age!
Even in our little village of Derby, back then, a love of ballet was beginning to blossom! Remember that local dance academy, "Twinkle Toes", where my Nan used to teach? That's where I first felt the magic! They had these magnificent tutus in their display, all frills and layers, that I just had to touch! It felt like magic, like I was touching a part of a fairytale world. Even my Nana, in her sweet grey dress, wore a hint of twinkle in her eye when talking about those tutus!
Now, what was happening on this very day back in 1979?
The world of theatre, my darlings, was buzzing! On November 13th, 1979, "The Elephant Man", a moving play starring David Bowie, opened on London's West End. It's a classic example of how the arts of dance, drama, and music often mingle together, creating a beautifully vibrant artistic scene. Speaking of music, you'll never guess what else was popular that week! Disco! A little shimmy and a bit of swirling? I guess that's not too dissimilar from a good tutu twirl, is it?!
Of course, my dears, you can’t talk about 1979 without acknowledging the iconic fashion of the era. It was all about personality and individuality! The ladies embraced power suits, wide-legged pants, and bright floral prints. They also took to embracing more comfortable, feminine clothing styles - the kind that lets you move freely, like the flowing skirts that were a staple. Think about it: that's exactly what a ballerina does too! We float, we glide, we spin in grace, and it all starts with the foundation of a lovely, light, feminine garment. That’s what draws us all to the tutus, isn't it? They stand for elegance and freedom - just like those fashion trends from 1979.
What was I doing in 1979, you ask? Well, it was the year I received my first proper tutu - a delicate lilac creation with little layers of tulle! I was 8 years old, and I remember the first time I twirled in that dreamy creation, I felt like I could fly! And this, my dears, is what it’s all about. Every tutu tells a story. It tells a story of artistry, of grace, of power, of confidence and a touch of sheer magic! It's that essence that drives me to discover the secrets behind the tutu!
My darlings, until next Tuesday, I hope this glimpse into the past inspired you to look at a tutu not just as a costume, but as a reflection of our past, a symbol of our future, and an emblem of feminine freedom!
Love,
Emma xoxo
TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #TimeTravelTutu #FashionHistory