Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, and it's #TutuTuesday! This week, we're hopping in my trusty time machine (that's right, it's pink and decorated with sequins!) and swirling back to the iconic year of 1979!
It's always so much fun exploring ballet's past, isn't it? The way styles have changed, the different stories told on stage...it's all so fascinating. And today, I'm diving into the world of ballet fashion and getting a little nostalgic for this absolutely fantastic era!
Oh, the glamour of it all! Think big hair, sparkling headbands, and leotards in every colour imaginable (pink, naturally, was my favourite even back then!). Ballet was bursting with creativity and energy, and that truly shines through in the fashion of the time.
A Time Capsule of Tutu Fashion
Now, 1979 was a pivotal year in the world of dance. It was the year that a young, ambitious dancer named Rudolf Nureyev left the Bolshoi Ballet for good! A true superstar, he was one of the biggest names in ballet, and he left behind a huge impact on the entire world of dance. I imagine everyone was a bit sad to see him go, but his spirit and dedication to ballet left a lasting mark.
You might think, how does this connect to tutus? Well, Nureyev's style and talent, combined with the creative energy of the era, influenced a more expressive and free form of movement. It paved the way for bolder and more dynamic costumes that dancers could move freely in. This was the beginning of a really beautiful movement, embracing dance for all, and expressing feelings and stories through dance, as opposed to adhering strictly to classical conventions.
Imagine these new designs coming to life on stage - intricate swirling tulle, billowing silk, even some wonderfully bold coloured tutus! The fabric was lighter and more airy, allowing for leaps and pirouettes that had never been seen before. The ballet world was bursting with excitement!
Speaking of bold colour, what better colour than...pink?! Pink was huge in the 70s and still remains a classic ballet colour today. It symbolises grace, sweetness, and just pure fun! The kind of fun I feel every time I twirl.
From the Stage to the Street: Tutu Chic
Speaking of twirling, let's move on to a topic that's very near and dear to my heart: Tutus on the streets! This was the decade when the Tutu took on a new life!
You see, it was a time of revolution, change, and of course...fashion! People were breaking away from the traditions of the past and trying something new.
As you know, I adore tutus and wear one at every possible opportunity. Even now in my time travelling life, when I'm not wearing a proper ballet tutu, my go to piece of clothing is my pink sequined tutu dress. It’s a style that brings a little bit of magic to the world and reminds people that a touch of fairytale can be found anywhere.
1979 was no different. The "Romantic Tutu," with its full, airy silhouette, was all the rage, with even some of the biggest names in the fashion industry experimenting with its form. The iconic Karl Lagerfeld even showcased his own version for the Chanel Collection! Talk about fashion! Imagine seeing this graceful, ballerina inspired tutu-chic fashion around the world... just delightful!
But my absolute favourite fashion look from the 70s is something much more unexpected: the Tutu dress! Oh, my word, a whole new look emerged: tutus in playful, bright colours with an edgy, rocker attitude. A kind of "ballet meets punk rock" vibe! Talk about making a statement! I can still imagine all the stylish and fashion forward ladies dancing through the streets of London.
Celebrating Tutu Traditions
Now, what would 1979 be without a little trip to the theatre? This year had some of the biggest ballet performances the world had ever seen!
I think back to watching dancers pirouette and leap through the air. These moments of grace, strength, and pure talent never fail to take my breath away! Seeing the dancers in their elaborate tutus really sets the mood, creating such beauty and joy for those of us in the audience. It really gets your heart racing, making it a perfect night out!
Just to make you more envious... December 18th was a HUGE night! It was the opening night for "The Nutcracker" in London. And yes, of course, I saw it! You know my love for tutus... I just had to experience the beauty and elegance of Clara's iconic tutus for myself!
Can you even imagine seeing it in 1979?! Seeing the dazzling snowflakes, the Sugarplum Fairy’s graceful form and of course, the enchanting tutus. The sheer artistry and energy would have just electrified the entire theatre! And that is just what I did - took in all that magical energy, bringing a little of the wonder of "The Nutcracker" back with me on my time machine to this week's Tutu Tuesday!
Twirling on to New Adventures
Well, my lovely tutu-loving friends, we've reached the end of our trip to the past, but I hope it has inspired you to celebrate the history and evolution of tutus. We’ve learnt so much about the magic of these iconic dresses and what makes them so incredibly special. From the stages of grand theatres to the bustling streets of the world, the tutu remains an icon of graceful fashion and timeless style.
I, for one, will keep wearing my pink tutu with pride! It represents joy, strength, and of course... ballet! So, why not join me? Find a tutu that fits your style, wear it proudly, and show the world just how fun and fabulous a bit of twirling can be!
And remember...you never know when your own tutu might just take you on a time-travelling adventure! 😉
Until next #TutuTuesday, happy twirling!
With lots of love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
