Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring blogger, Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday! Today, we're stepping back in time â literally!
I've always been fascinated by the history of the tutu, especially how it evolved from its humble beginnings to the magnificent masterpieces we see on stage today. This week, my time machine took me all the way back to 27th May 1980. And what a time to be alive!
Imagine this: It's a balmy Spring day, the sun is shining, and the scent of blooming lilacs fills the air. London is buzzing with excitement. Why? Because today marks the opening of The Royal Balletâs production of âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©e!â Now, this production was considered something special in 1980. The Royal Balletâs director at the time, the legendary Sir Frederick Ashton, took inspiration from the original 19th-century ballet and put his own special spin on it. The choreography was utterly captivating, a joyous celebration of love, laughter and lively folk traditions!
Youâd be right to think my mind immediately raced to the gorgeous tutus these amazing ballerinas would be wearing. Theyâre what I live for, what makes my heart sing. You know me, darling! Iâve done my research, and let me tell you, these costumes were something else! There was an abundance of soft, flowing fabrics - think billowing tulle and swathes of satin - which emphasized the natural movement of the dancers. This style, my lovelies, reflected the general fashion trend of the 80s, the era of romanticism and bold experimentation.
Think voluminous skirts, statement blouses, and vibrant colors. But for me, nothing beats the timeless elegance of a tutu, a symbol of feminine grace and freedom! Itâs an ethereal expression of artistry, the ultimate feminine symbol that can turn even the most ordinary day into a magical experience!
Now, darling, since youâre probably as eager as I am to hear more about the tutus themselves, I'm going to indulge in my favourite past time: a bit of fashion history. Letâs dive deeper into this fabulously flamboyant fashion moment, shall we?
First things first: The tutus in âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©eâ had this wonderful "puffy" feel - something like a fluffy cloud! It made the ballerinas look so ethereal and graceful! These weren't the structured, rigid tutus of yore - they allowed the dancers so much freedom to move! Think a lovely ballet skirt, like a ballerina dream. You just wanted to wear it all the time.
Oh, and did I mention the colors? The shades of pink, blush and lilac were simply heavenly! The costumes showcased the delicate floral patterns that were super trendy during the era! Honestly, my dear dears, it was a pure delight to see the intricate beading and embroidery!
One of my personal favourite things was the beautiful headdress each ballerina wore - it was the ultimate touch of glamour. It was like something youâd see on a princess from a fairytale, you know? All those delicate feathers and sequins made it a visual masterpiece. You see, my loves, there was a real focus on femininity and beauty. The tutus became not just a stage costume, but a piece of art that enhanced the emotional power of the performance!
Talking about performance, letâs not forget the magnificent shoes! Ballerina slippers, always an iconic piece of fashion history, had to match the magic of the tutus. And let me tell you, they did! Satin and satin ribbons in the prettiest blush pinks! Just the look of a ballerina taking those graceful steps made you believe you were seeing a fairytale come to life, right in front of your eyes!
And for me, the excitement isnât just about seeing the tutus and the show! Itâs about the joyful feeling it all brings! And you know, I'm so excited that we're still embracing the magical world of ballet! I mean, how wonderful that even today, we still celebrate the joy and beauty that a tutu evokes, just like they did back in 1980!
You see, tutus arenât just for the stage; theyâre for every woman! It's about embracing that playful, whimsical side of our femininity. So, why not embrace your inner ballerina, channel that feeling, and wear a pink tutu today, darling? It might just be the spark of magic your life needs!
For all the tutu enthusiasts out there - donât forget to tune in next Tuesday for another dose of #TutuTuesday history! Remember, every Tuesday I'll take you on a journey through time, discovering the enchanting story of the ballet tutu, and how it shaped and continues to inspire our fashion world. Until then, wear your tutus proudly, darlings!
Yours in tutus, Emma
P.S. Did you know that 27th May 1980 was a Tuesday, just like today? And on that date, âThe Last Flight of the Concorde" film, starring Robert Wagner and Claudia Cardinale was released. Isnât that just lovely!
Remember, every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #TutuLove
