Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-enthusiast, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to March 4th, 1980, a time when the world of ballet was bustling with brilliance and the air was thick with excitement. Oh, the wonders of time travel!
You see, this week I've hopped into my vintage time-machine (a beautifully restored steam engine - I have a real weakness for vintage locomotives, it's true), and I've landed right in the heart of New York City, the epicenter of American dance. The Big Apple! The City that Never Sleeps! The Land of Dreams! Why? Well, because March 4th, 1980 saw the very first performance of the renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in their newly renovated home at The Metropolitan Opera House. Can you imagine?! A brand new venue, sparkling with the promise of magnificent dance performances - truly the stuff of dreams!
Now, picture this: the lights dim, the music begins to swell, and the stage comes alive with the grace and athleticism of some of the world's best dancers. I can just imagine the audience buzzing with anticipation, eager to be swept away on a wave of movement, emotion, and pure beauty. I'm certain the atmosphere must have been electric, with everyone dressed in their finest - just imagine the glorious sequins, shimmering silks, and, of course, an abundance of ballet shoes and beautiful tutus!
Oh, darling, the tutus! I've done a bit of digging through my collection of historical dance journals, and the designs of the 1980s were something else! Think bold and dramatic colours - rich ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green, and the iconic pink of course - paired with stunningly intricate fabrics, flowing like water in the dancers' movements. They really pushed the boundaries of the classical tutus we associate with ballet today, experimenting with layered textures and unconventional shapes. Just beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
Speaking of tutus, imagine my delight! This trip took me straight to a delightful antique boutique tucked away in a charming side street. I just had to pick up a beautiful, almost brand new, hand-stitched vintage tutu - the kind of piece that a ballerina dreams of finding. You know, one with all those beautiful, intricate layers of tulle, lovingly hand-pleated. Pure delight! And you know what? It’s perfectly pink, naturally.
Now, whilst the dance world was enthralled by this magnificent ABT debut, let's rewind the clock just a bit to the beginning of the year. It was January 1980, when I absolutely had to go and witness Rudolf Nureyev performing his final Swan Lake at London’s Royal Opera House. What an experience! Rudolf was the absolute epitome of elegance and passion. He could move like a dream, truly breathtaking. Of course, every performance of Swan Lake always makes my heart soar!
Remember, my darlings, it's all about embracing the passion for ballet, no matter the date. So whether it’s 1980, 2023, or beyond, there's no reason why we can't appreciate the exquisite art of ballet, the beauty of the dancers, the artistry of the costumes - including those magnificent tutus!
Remember to check out our website for exclusive pink tutu fashion inspiration! And let’s make 2023 the year everyone wears a pink tutu!
Until next week, remember: It's Tutu Tuesday, so twirl on!
Yours in pink,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to leave me a comment below with your favourite tutu memories! And don’t forget to share your Tutu Tuesday outfit pics on social media!
