Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back again with another dip into the fascinating history of the tutu!
Today we're heading back to May 20th, 1980, and as usual, I'm feeling fabulous in my bubblegum pink tutu. This particular number is just perfect for a Parisian adventure, and we're definitely going to soak up the atmosphere of the City of Lights. Oh, the shopping! The fashion! The ballet! Swoon I just love a good trip on the Eurostar, a glass of chilled French wine and a delicious croissant to start the day. It's a proper life, don't you think?
Now, onto today's ballet history lesson! The year 1980 was a fascinating time for ballet, and itâs always such fun to get lost in the details. Imagine, dancing alongside Rudolf Nureyev in a âLa Bayadèreâ performance - wouldnât that be just heavenly?
On this particular day in 1980, I hear that that "Nutcracker" ballet at the Bolshoi was going strong in Moscow! What a lovely treat for all those attending, I simply adore the "Nutcracker."
Now, while you were all watching your tellies back in 1980, what were ballet stars doing? It was the year of incredible talent - we've got names like Natalia Makarova, Gelsey Kirkland and the fabulous Margot Fonteyn - truly remarkable dancers, every one! I could talk about their skill all day, darling.
And it wouldnât be a real ballet day without a sprinkle of new choreographic brilliance. Now, in the late seventies and early eighties, there was quite the movement around in the dance world. A wonderful flurry of innovation - we were starting to see the new choreography and interpretations really making their mark, especially outside of the classical style. It's exciting to be part of a world thatâs always evolving and always ready to explore new paths.
So, let's have a little chat about those beautiful tutus. 1980 saw an absolute explosion of romantic, airy designs. Ballet dresses were light as air, all flowing and whimsical. The emphasis was all on elegance and movement, and a delicate, feminine style that had dancers just swirling like fairy tales! Now, I can't imagine a ballerina in a more magical and romantic dress. Don't you just feel like twirling the moment you see those light, fluffy layers? I do, my love!
There was also a fascinating evolution happening with costume design. The traditional tutu was still going strong, but there was a new energy and a real emphasis on expression. It's no wonder, with the fabulous dancers around at the time, that their artistry seemed to infuse the costumes, turning each dancer into an absolute work of art! It's all in the details! The colours! The fabrics!
The tutu, my dear, is more than just a garment. It's a story, an expression, a celebration! Itâs the feeling of dancing like the stars.
So, on this glorious #TutuTuesday, my dear, Iâm whisking you away to the most beautiful ballets, fashion moments, and adventures the past can offer! I promise, even though the past isnât always filled with pink tutus (although there were many), itâs still wonderfully magical, just as our own days should be! Donât forget to leave your thoughts and questions in the comments!
Now, until next time, go on, darlings, dance like nobodyâs watching⌠and then dance a bit more.
Your time-travelling ballerina, Emma xx
P.S. If you are wanting to explore a bit of ballet, I am hosting a special Tutu Tour of London on the 24th of June! You can see it advertised on the Pink Tutu page and if you are in Derbyshire and want to learn ballet or want some help with some dance moves or to get to a show please let me know, I can arrange something special just for you! Donât forget to come back here every Tuesday for more ballet and tutu adventures!
