Hiya darlings!
It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday delve into the fascinating history of our beloved tutus! Today we're going all the way back to 1980 – a time of shoulder pads, leg warmers, and oh-so-much leg! It was the era of big hair, bold colours, and some absolutely incredible ballet. I even managed to score a train ticket to New York for a glimpse of the legend himself, Mikhail Baryshnikov, dancing at the Metropolitan Opera House!
I was in complete awe. It’s a real treat seeing these legendary ballerinas move across the stage, each and every turn telling a story – pure artistry!
Speaking of artistry, let's talk tutus! Back in the 80s, tutus were still firmly in the romantic era, big and fluffy, like a giant cloud of tulle. Just picture a huge, swirling cloud of loveliness that makes you feel like you could float away on the lightest breeze – pure magic!
They were just so different from the contemporary ballet styles of today! And I don't mean just in terms of movement – the costumes too. Imagine a beautiful, graceful ballerina, swirling and twirling across the stage in a fluffy tutu, paired with an incredibly chic, flowing silk costume - just picture it! Imagine those shimmering colours of lilac, ruby, and turquoise that were so popular in that era. They really did know how to dress up back in those days. Even the costumes they wore in street shows and musicals – just stunning.
My research in the dusty, antique bookshops of New York took me to some incredible sources, and oh my goodness – the prices! Vintage ballet books and dance programmes? Imagine a rare copy of Nijinsky’s "The Rite of Spring," now that's a collectible for you. And those beautiful old ballet posters – priceless!
While the fashion and performances were wonderful, one thing about the 80s that wasn't so rosy was the social situation. Things felt more… separated, especially in terms of race. It just didn't feel quite as open and diverse as things feel today. It makes me want to hop on a train and travel to New York today to compare and contrast the feeling of the place!
One thing’s for sure – those ballet classes! They were a mix of tradition and experimentation – much like the tutu style itself!
I even managed to score myself a pink, vintage tutu for my collection! And you bet I was spinning in my new find on the train ride back home, right by the window! It was just too pretty to resist! And it brought back those feelings of lightness and wonder that dancing evokes, especially in a tutu!
So there you have it, darlings, a glimpse into the glorious tutus and dances of the 1980s. Remember, if you find yourselves exploring a vintage shop, look out for any forgotten treasures from this era - and if you do, be sure to share it on our Pink Tutu forum.
Oh, and if you have the chance to see a ballet performance by Mikhail Baryshnikov, I wouldn’t hesitate. I have never been so swept away.
Till next time, remember to spread the pink tutu love! 💖
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
