Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another thrilling tale from the annals of ballet history. Today we're heading back to June 1986, a date bursting with exciting ballets and exciting news, a truly vintage, vintage time for a true tutu lover like myself. Buckle up, lovelies, this journey is sure to be a real whirlwind!
As always, Magic Meg is already prepped and primed for our jaunt through time - just a touch of rosewater and a spritz of sparkle spray, and she's ready to leap us through centuries! Itās hard to resist patting her gleaming white mane. You can't miss Magic Meg, she's as fabulous and pink as her rider, a magnificent shire horse with gold hooves and the most shimmering, sparkly pink coat!
This time, my leather rucksack is ready to be stuffed with fascinating tidbits of the balletic world in 1986, from old programmes to gossipy tidbits gleaned from backstage.
Before I launch into the exciting world of ballet in June 1986, I just have to mention my outfit! Imagine, if you will, a tutu of the most exquisite, swirling pink tulle, layered and puffed for that truly whimsical, princess look. It's all tied together with a wide, glittery sash that I adore. It adds a touch of elegance, a perfect finishing touch for a timeless ballerina. My ballet shoes, of course, are cherry red, as red as the roses I always carry in my hand. You can see the whole ensemble, including my latest time travelling bag, on the Pink Tutu website - all 7,000 outfits documented!
Now, back to our exciting jaunt.
A World on Pointe: What Was Going On In the World of Ballet?
The ballet world was bubbling with excitement back in June 1986, darling!
Just over the Channel in France, the Paris Opera Ballet was having a gala on the 5th of June celebrating the work of the extraordinary Rudolf Nureyev. Now, if anyone had charisma, it was Rudolf, with his amazing stage presence, his flawless technique, and his powerful, compelling performances! Itās rumoured he even taught the audience how to do a ballet turn, quite a treat for those in the audience, I'm sure.
Here in England, on the 6th of June, the Royal Ballet held an astounding "Giselle" performance. "Giselle" is one of my absolute favourites ā thereās the stunning heartbreak and emotion of Giselle, and then the incredible virtuosity of Albrecht! I can practically see the stage set: the woodland, the ghostly Wilis, the beautiful costumes! A pure, utter delight. Itās said that this āGiselleā had a particularly special performance, as one of the principals was celebrated for their powerful leaps!
Later that same month, The Bolshoi Ballet was on a tour, a real treat for those who had the opportunity to see these brilliant ballerinas and dancers! The Bolshoi Ballet, darling, has such a strong presence, their ballets are so technically perfect - you always feel so overwhelmed with the skill and the elegance of every movement!
But don't think this was just about classical ballets, dear readers! Back in the early 1980s, Contemporary Ballet was really coming into its own, and on the 18th of June, the American Ballet Theatre was staging a beautiful production of āThe Seasonsā choreographed by the inimitable Twyla Tharp, with original music by Philip Glass. Sheās always so wonderfully innovative and challenging the traditions of classical ballet, and āThe Seasons" is a perfect example of her skill! The music, oh darling, it is hauntingly beautiful and dramatic. Imagine dancing in the studio, completely inspired by the flow of the music - absolutely enchanting!
And speaking of "haunting" ... back in the 80s, a ballet craze began ā there was so much excitement around contemporary dance, that "Thriller," Michael Jackson's music video, became a true, ballet moment, almost becoming its own ballet in its own right, inspiring many new forms of dance expression! It was truly inspiring and influential for all sorts of styles and dance routines, particularly at that time in the ballet world, donāt you think?
I do so hope you can imagine all of these performances, these fabulous sets and costumes! And whatās more, just the stories that go with each, every little tidbit you can gather up and stuff into your own handbag!
The Magic of The Ballet Stage
One of the great joys of traveling through time, my lovelies, is experiencing the theatrical magic of the era, how ballets were viewed by the audiences of the time.
Remember back to 1986? There were so many different kinds of productions. Classical ballet still held a prominent place, but people were really opening up to the different styles emerging and that exciting feeling of creative expression. For example, backstage, they used lighting techniques that I just donāt have the equipment for now - imagine! Lighting wasn't simply light anymore, it was designed as part of the overall effect and artistic intent - it wasnāt simply there to just see the ballet! It would create a sense of atmosphere, add depth and drama. The light could be soft and ethereal or it could be sharp and vibrant, enhancing every movement, every facial expression - everything became just a part of the whole ballet, beautiful.
In 1986, you would have experienced ballets presented on stages with the most breathtaking scenery. And then there were those gorgeous costumes, crafted from silks, satins, and lace, so delicately crafted. Backstage in 1986, they even had costumes with feathers, oh darling, the work! And you simply must experience the glitter - the glitter they used back then - like shimmering jewels on the most fabulous stage dresses. Imagine, imagine!
Even if we're just experiencing this ballet past in imagination, darling, can you just picture that shimmering tulle, the carefully placed jewels, and all the sequins? The sheer artistic joy, the skill involved to create those designs. Back in 1986, these costumes were not only eye-catching, they became a crucial part of the theatrical story, the costumes would often embody a characterās feelings, their inner story. Imagine those little hints - little details, the textures, colours, the symbolism all interwoven with the story! Just brilliant!
And how they performed back then! In those theatres, it wasnāt about being flashy, but being as natural as a butterfly in flight. Everything flowed - their movement was effortless and elegant. Ballet back then was just pure artistry! Itās said that audiences in those theatres were enthralled!
If I could only visit those theatres just for a short while. Just imagine the backstage, the quiet backstage world with all the magic. The backstage atmosphere must have been fascinating. Imagine being so close to such talent and artistry - truly inspiring, the feeling of backstage theatre magic! Perhaps I will time-travel to June 1986, back to The Bolshoi in my latest pink tutu to truly experience the joy and magic of live ballet again. Now, wouldn't that be just heavenly...?
And Finally ... A Few Words on Ballet Fashion in June 1986Oh, my dear darling fashionistas, what a time! 1986 was the beginning of a new era of fashion that you have to love. Look back in the history books - all those layers of leg warmers, bold patterns, the dramatic puffed sleeves ā just amazing. I particularly love those little tutu skirts!
Can you just imagine that fabulous ballet look, my darlings - bright colours, neon pink and electric blues and some wild patterns. Everything was a real statement - the leggings, the hair, everything, even the dance shoes, oh my! Backstage, it was a fashion explosion!
Back in 1986, women even loved to wear tulle skirts. Remember when we used to have to buy them at fancy dress shops, and then carefully create our own tutus - oh the effort! In the mid-80s, there were actual tutus in every shade imaginable, so beautiful, such wonderful colours and fabrics and that softest tulle. They were affordable, wearable, even in real life - I can practically hear those clackity-clack sounds now as all the ballerinas strutted their stuff around town!
Oh darling, it was such a wonderfully creative time to be in the world, not only on stage but in fashion as well!
So, there you have it, my lovelies. The world of ballet in June 1986, brimming with brilliant performances, a time when innovation was taking the stage, and a decade with fashion flair and artistic vibrancy. It is said, back in 1986, it truly was an exhilarating time to be in ballet and fashion!
Of course, all this has filled up my ballet satchel to the brim. This June 1986 trip to the past was overflowing with inspiration, my dears, and all the fun and joy. You just never know what incredible adventures are waiting just around the corner in ballet history!
Until next time, lovelies!
Your Tutu-tastic time-traveling bestie,
Emma.
Don't forget, visit the www.pink-tutu.com website for all my past travels, outfits, and for exciting news!
