Hello my lovely tututistas!
Welcome to another wonderful #TutuTuesday post! This week, I’m travelling back in time to 5th February, 1980. Imagine the world – no internet (gasp!), everyone wearing leg warmers and shoulder pads, and the hottest band in the world was Blondie (still fab, I know!)! Now, picture that and add some swirling tulle… that’s our ballet tutu scene for this week!
But before I begin, I just have to tell you – I’ve found the most stunning pink tutu in Paris! Oh my, it’s like a fluffy dream in the most gorgeous shade of bubblegum. It’s a little shorter than I’m used to, just above the knee, with a fitted bodice that makes it look like a princess’s gown! I am literally bursting to show you, but you'll have to wait for next week's #TutuTuesday. I'll be sporting it, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a showstopper!
So back to the history of the tutu in 1980! For those of you who are new to the #PinkTutu world, this little blog is all about exploring the fabulous evolution of the tutu - that symbol of grace, movement, and, well, let's be honest, the pure magic of ballet!
Now, imagine the year 1980. Disco is fading out, but the shimmery, glamorous energy remains. Imagine that on the ballet stage – and that’s exactly the kind of tutus we're seeing! Think of sparkling, almost transparent layers of tulle, that billowed around dancers as they leaped, twirled and soared. It was truly a sight to behold!
But the history of the tutu doesn't stop there! Back in the 1800s, ballet tutus were all about the long romantic tutu! They were literally long, full-length gowns that swirled like a magical cloud around the dancers! Imagine the drama of it! So dramatic, so beautiful… Think, "Giselle," "Sleeping Beauty" - the sheer, almost mythical romanticism. It's amazing that the tutu could embody that sense of romance, just through the sheer shape and design!
Now, in 1980, those long tutus had already transitioned to those classic “waisted tutus”, which became synonymous with classic ballet performances. It was the tutu that helped revolutionize ballet! Short and bouncy, it let those incredible ballerinas show off their agility and speed, even allowing them to leap like graceful gazelles!
1980 saw a big moment in the evolution of the tutu - the emergence of neo-classical tutus. A revolution in their own right! A slightly shorter waist-length version of the romantic tutu, these allowed for fluidity, yet still kept the romantic, ethereal quality, showing the delicate beauty of the dancers’ movements. I must say, I absolutely adore the sheer poetry of the neoclassical style,
And speaking of poetry, 1980 was also the year that the film "The Turning Point", starring Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine hit the screens. And it featured gorgeous ballet sequences that totally captured the heart of ballet. Even for those of us who weren’t ballet lovers, it drew you in, a visual feast for the eyes! And, the most striking scene was the intense, elegant portrayal of a world of demanding competition between professional dancers - that incredible competition, and how beautifully the costumes and choreography perfectly captured their inner turmoil. If you’re ever curious about the beauty of ballet, give this movie a watch.
In fact, the beauty and style of ballet in 1980 wasn't just about the ballet, it was a full blown cultural movement! Imagine it: leg warmers with tulle skirts, high-heeled slippers that were totally en vogue... The spirit of ballet had seeped its way into fashion itself!
I was absolutely delighted by all the incredible fashion that went with that period. Everything was so glamorous and sparkly. Think sequined dresses, glitter-covered tops, big hair, bold makeup and, of course, those quintessential 1980s leg warmers! The combination of it all with ballet was just amazing - I have to admit, those fashion choices, and the grace and artistry of ballet, make the world of 1980 utterly fabulous!
For this particular date, I wanted to focus on something rather special! February 5th, 1980 was the Royal Ballet's opening night of 'Giselle'. Oh my word! 'Giselle' is, without a doubt, a ballet for every age - a love story set in the beauty of the forest. And for a ballerina like me, seeing it, knowing its significance in the world of dance, is simply divine. It’s an extraordinary experience that transporting you into the magic of the Romantic ballet period. So powerful, yet incredibly tender - it really embodies everything I love about ballet.
However, 'Giselle' isn’t the only performance that’s happening in February, 1980. Ballet companies all over the world are bringing the magic to the stage, including London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre! The stage was just buzzing with the exciting, captivating performances - each one with the iconic tutu as a central focus. So grab your ballet shoes, put on your favourite pink tutu, and prepare for some unforgettable entertainment!
It's not all about the performances either - it's about exploring the tutu and fashion itself. It's amazing how the evolution of the tutu tells the story of ballet's history, it's the embodiment of the changing landscape of fashion.
Well, tututistas, I’m off on another adventure through time! Next time, we’ll dive even deeper into the magical history of ballet - I’ve got so much more to share about tutus, trends and even some personal musings! And don’t forget to keep posting about your favourite pink tutu moments!
Remember, let’s spread the love and sparkle! Every day is a #TutuTuesday. And make sure to come visit us next week at www.pink-tutu.com for the next blog post. Don't forget to leave me a comment below and tell me about your #TutuTuesday fashion! I can't wait to hear from you.
See you soon! Emma, your #PinkTutu time-traveling blogger.
