Bonjour, my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! Itās Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another #TutuTuesday for you. This week, weāre doing a little time travel, skipping back to the 1980s, a decade dripping in glamour and glitz, perfect for a little tutu inspiration, don't you think?
I hopped onto the 2.30 from Derby to London, so excited to see the grand performances that the 1980s had to offer. My pink tulle twirled with every step I took! Arriving at the station, I couldnāt resist popping into Liberty, a truly enchanting department store. Honestly, the fabrics there were utterly heavenly. There was this beautiful pale pink silk I just had to touch, and it gave me such fabulous inspiration for my own tutu creation. Maybe I should add a touch of silk to my next creation - oh, the possibilities!
A Glimpse of the 1980s Ballet Scene
The year is 1980. Itās a Wednesday, and it seems like the whole of London is buzzing with excitement for the Royal Opera House's production of "La Fille Mal GardĆ©e," a delightful and playful ballet by Frederick Ashton. This ballet is the perfect example of how even the classical ballet world can be incredibly playful and joyous - just like we should be when we wear our tutus!
Stepping into the grand hall of the Royal Opera House, I felt a wave of sheer wonder. The plush velvet seats, the magnificent chandelierā¦ it all screamed āballet blissā. I was utterly enthralled as I watched the ballet unfold, the grace of the dancers and the stunning costumes leaving me mesmerized. And, just imagine, Margot Fonteyn was still gracing the stage in the 1980s! Such a legendary figure for ballet - it truly is an inspiration to us all.
The Rise of the Tutu, Continuedā¦
As I soaked in the beautiful ballet world of the 1980s, I couldn't help but think about how much the tutu had evolved over the years. The romanticism of the 18th and 19th centuries was still present, but it was infused with the powerful athleticism of the 20th century. The tutus I saw on the Royal Ballet dancers were crafted with precision and were breathtakingly beautiful - so light, flowing and utterly ethereal.
Of course, tutus weren't just confined to the ballet world. A real cultural moment arrived in 1984 when a young dancer from the London Royal Ballet donned a magnificent tutu while leaping from a speeding double-decker bus, to help promote a fundraising event! That tutu caught my eye and, my word, was it not fabulous! Honestly, how many people can claim to have leapt from a double-decker bus wearing a tutu, I ask you? This tutu-clad leap into fame brought a real wave of "tutu mania" with it. Even the Queen must have caught wind of this stunt as in the same year she unveiled her own collection of "Tutu Dresses" at an official fashion show! Can you imagine how sensational these would have been?! We need a 21st century, 2020's remake, for sure!
The Everyday Tutu
Speaking of real life, I also discovered a few places where everyday tutus were making a splash in the 1980s. I stumbled upon an enchanting little boutique on Carnaby Street called āWhimsy,ā brimming with bold prints and colours, and, most importantly, the cutest tutus you ever did see. The little ones twirling in them with such joy made my heart burst with happiness!
However, letās not forget, fashion is cyclical. I am quite certain I spotted a few ātutu dresses,ā those amazing cocktail-ready numbers that swept the nation in the 1980s, on the street. Think shoulder pads and bold coloursā¦ a fantastic time for some truly eye-catching fashion statements.
A Tutu-ful Tip for Today
Remember, darling, tutus are for every occasion, every body shape and every style. You don't have to be a ballerina to twirl in a tutu. In fact, I'm pretty sure the biggest benefit of wearing a tutu is the pure, unadulterated joy that it brings. Just like I feel when Iām at the theatre or shopping for vintage clothesā¦ pure joy! So, go ahead, grab a pink one, a glittery one, a vintage one, and just go for it! You are an absolute stunner and the world needs to see that!
Donāt forget to come back next week for more ballet history, tutu inspiration and, of course, even more pink.
See you next #TutuTuesday, lovelies!
*Yours in tulle, *
Emma
P.S. Keep an eye out for more fabulous travel tales and tutu creations on my Instagram @pinktutu. I'd love to hear from you and see your incredible outfits, so please share them! Don't forget, the more tutus, the better! And remember, wearing a tutu can change your life! So go out there, twirl, and sparkle!
