Helloooo darlings! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, this is post number 7717. Did you know that on this very day back in 1979, some of the most amazing ballet performances were taking place all over the world? As I'm zipping around time, I love spotting what tutu-rific things were going on. This time, my time machine landed me right in the heart of…Paris! Now, what's more fabulous than that? Let's dive into the magical world of tutus in the late 1970s, shall we?
1979 - The year of tutus
You know me, I simply adore the vintage tutu designs from this period. This was a time of great change in the ballet world. In 1979, there was a bit of a shift from the classical, grand tutu designs that we’re so used to seeing, towards a more contemporary and experimental style. Imagine longer, flowing skirts made of tulle with delicate lace accents and soft romantic colours – beautiful! They still evoked the magical spirit of the classic ballerina, but they had this wonderfully modern twist. Some say they represented the spirit of the times, a time of social change and expression, and that feeling of artistic liberation definitely resonated within the world of ballet.
The most fabulous part of all? The 1970s gave birth to what is now my absolute favourite ballet company, the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris. Isn't that divine? Imagine being able to twirl onstage in those incredible Parisian theatres, beneath a stunning chandelier, the audience murmuring in awe of your tutu… that’s just dreamy! I always feel so incredibly lucky to have a peek into these different periods of ballet history.
*The Pink Tutu *
Now, what about our favourite topic? Pink, of course! The colour of tutus, happiness, and everything pretty and wonderful! 💖 It’s almost ironic that 1979, was a time when ballet took a dive into new creative and artistic directions, because this meant a huge rise in pink tutus. Ballet was starting to explore and push the boundaries. We had Sylvie Guillem, the legendary ballerina who danced on the stage of the Paris Opera in 1979, rocking pink like a true star, she embodied the spirit of that new age tutu design with such effortless elegance.
London Calling… for a Pink Tutu
Before I went whizzing back through time to get back to you all, I was back in London at Covent Garden, just before the clock chimed midnight. Of course I popped into a vintage boutique – a ballet dancer can’t ever pass up a vintage store! They had the most fantastic collection of 1970s vintage dance dresses, and even some incredible-looking tutus, all ready for their new life as chic fashion pieces! Can you imagine owning a vintage tutu that might have once adorned the stage of the Paris Opera? It's like wearing a little piece of ballet history, and it looks perfectly fabulous! You can also bet your bottom dollar I had a delicious slice of cake at a lovely vintage tea shop right after, it felt so romantic and delightful.
A Journey to Remember
Every time I travel through time and go to these amazing events, it reminds me how important ballet and its tutus are. There’s just something magical about seeing a tutu take flight on a grand stage. I can’t wait to see what the future of ballet fashion will hold! And for those of you who might not have the privilege of time-travel (yet!) I encourage you to wear your own fabulous pink tutu! Maybe you can even perform in it at your local ballet class! Every tutu makes the world a more beautiful place!
Don't forget, I'll be back next Tuesday with a new dose of tutu-rific history. Until then, keep twirling and never forget – wear a pink tutu whenever you get the chance! 🩰 💖
Your tutu-obsessed pal,
*Emma *
www.pink-tutu.com
*PS: * Do you love tutus as much as I do? Share your tutu stories and pictures with me! Let’s get everyone to join the pink tutu revolution. The more the merrier!
*PPS: * Keep an eye on your local theatre and opera house! You might see something totally inspiring - like a dazzling ballet performance where you're practically transported through time to a 1970s ballet. Don't miss out on the magical ballet world!
