Hello fellow ballet-lovers! Welcome back to another adventure on www.pink-tutu.com. Itās Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another exciting trip through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg. Today weāre heading to 2nd February, 1986 - get ready for a fabulous time!
You see, when Iām not twirling in the studio, perfecting my fouettĆ© turns, or gracing the stage in a flurry of pink tulle, Iām lost in the wonderful world of ballet history. Itās such a rich and inspiring story ā from the regal French courts to the dazzling stages of today, the evolution of ballet is truly enchanting.
As always, Iām ready to share my love for this incredible art form, and that means diving headfirst into a particular date. This month, Iām thrilled to be stepping back in time to 1986 - the era of bold hairstyles, power ballads and yes, leg warmers.
You canāt mention the 1980s without bringing up those iconic leg warmers, could you? Honestly, what was it with all that leg-warming? As a dancer myself, I understand the importance of keeping muscles warm and supple, but really, letās not go overboard with that fashion, shall we? My advice? Just say ānoā to the neon-hued leg warmers and letās stick to pink tutus! (Please donāt get me started on those shiny, leggings-like things they wore with leotards... shivers).
But anyway, Iām getting sidetracked, like a mischievous ballet sprite. Back to 1986 ā a vibrant, bustling era full of dance excitement! It was a golden time for contemporary ballet, and we find a world brimming with fresh talent. So, letās pull on our pink tutus (with nary a leg warmer in sight!), mount Magic Meg, and get ready to experience February 1986 - ballet style!
From Derbyshire to the Worldās Stages: A Ballet Blast from the Past!
As you know, my lovely readers, Iām from Derbyshire - a beautiful corner of England with a heart that beats to the rhythm of the dance. Youāll find no shortage of talented ballet schools and theatres, and we have an enthusiastic appreciation for all things dance. From small, intimate performances to the grandeur of Londonās West End, the magic of ballet flourishes everywhere I go. But even I can admit, travelling the world, visiting the famous ballet academies, and delving into balletās rich history is truly special. This is where Magic Meg really comes in handy - you couldn't travel around the globe in such style otherwise!
In 1986, the ballet scene was buzzing with excitement, with major dance companies, choreographers and dancers reaching new heights. It was also the year when a truly innovative ballet company came to the forefront - the Martha Graham Dance Company. It was a powerful moment in the history of modern dance as the company celebrated their 50th anniversary. A testament to their legacy, a dance studio at their home base in New York City was officially named āThe Martha Graham Dance Studio" on 2 February 1986, just a little something to make you all realise the amazing talent on display at that time.
As always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed and ready for a collection of fascinating finds from this trip. This month's bounty includes a rare programme from a Martha Graham Dance Company performance (my lucky day! I nearly gasped when I saw it - it's a true collectorās item!) plus a hand-written note from the choreographer herself about the impact sheās had on ballet dancers.
Martha Graham - An Icon of Movement:
To get into the spirit of 1986 and the Martha Graham Dance Company, letās explore a bit of history, shall we? Martha Graham was not only a visionary choreographer but also a pioneer of American modern dance.
Before I carry on with my historical explorations, letās make a trip into the world of ballet fashion, because 1986 was quite the year! Now, let's just acknowledge the fact that ballet has never been about shy, subdued colours - it always welcomes the theatrical. But in 1986, a splash of colour was positively welcomed. Think rich crimson reds, bold blues and sunny yellows. Leotards had interesting designs and tights were made from a more stretchy, brighter fabric. And yes, I do acknowledge the popularity of leg warmers, even though my pink tutu look doesn't allow room for such additions.
As a huge fan of all things pink and fabulous, I feel inspired! To channel my 1986 ballet fashion spirit, Iām incorporating vibrant touches into my tutu wardrobe: a hot pink velvet bow on the front of my tutu, a splash of ruby red on my pointe shoes (which I would never ever wear in public! Just saying! Pointe shoes are strictly for the dance studio, my lovelies).
Back to Our 1986 Timeline:
Back to the story, and Martha Graham, the powerhouse that is. Graham's ballet pieces pushed the boundaries, and thatās something I deeply admire. Her powerful movements challenged traditional ideas about how the human body expresses emotion.
A highlight from this yearās company season was āDeaths and Entrancesā (1943) , with a performance in early February. The piece, exploring love and loss through powerful choreography is a deeply moving ballet with emotional depth. This choreography showcased Graham's brilliance ā each movement speaks a story with breathtaking power and precision.
Graham, Ballet Fashion & Me:
You see, as a passionate ballet enthusiast, I have to mention the outfits used in āDeaths and Entrancesā. Graham challenged the norm and didn't go with traditional ballet costumes ā the dancers wore more contemporary clothes, including gowns, sweaters, and a whole lot of dramatic fabric, a statement she made against traditional tutu and bodice styles. This, dear reader, was bold fashion!
Now, as an advocate for all things pink tutu, it's tempting to try and squeeze a pink tutu into a Martha Graham dance, but it just wouldnāt be in keeping with the theme, and we must be respectful of history. That said, you could wear a pink tutu with a touch of ā80s style by pairing it with a neon pink halter top (not with leg warmers! ). Thatās a style combo that will truly stand out on any ballet dance floor (perhaps at a themed costume party?) .
My Pink Tutu Inspirations from 1986:
What's been truly inspiring about this time-travel journey is seeing how dance continues to evolve and innovate while paying homage to tradition. Grahamās use of everyday garments in āDeaths and Entrances" really got me thinking about how I could use my love for all things pink to create an innovative costume.
You see, for all my tutu enthusiasm, it is still about the art and expression of dance. The ballet fashion inspiration I drew from this period is to combine the sophisticated look of a classic tutu with an edge of modernity, like adding a statement cape or flowing fabric, using interesting fabrics like chiffon and tulle. You could create a statement piece to wear at a ballet show, a dress up party or even at the local farmersā market (for all you ballet fashion extravagant readers)!
That's it, for now, my lovelies! Until our next time-travel adventure, I wish you happy twirls, a touch of sparkle and endless inspiration. Remember to share your favourite pink tutu looks with me and tell me what you think about the amazing world of 1986 ballet fashion - comment below and let's start a fashion conversation!
* Until next month from www.pink-tutu.com. š©°āØ*
