Hiya darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time, and oh my, you wouldn't believe the tutu-tastic adventures I've had this time. This week we're zipping back to 17th June 1980, a date brimming with both glamour and historical significance in the world of dance.
You know, I always find that history holds such fascinating clues to how our favourite things have evolved. This time around, it was a real treat to discover just how different ballet tutus were back then. Imagine a world where tutus weren't all about wispy layers of tulle and intricate embroidery! It sounds bonkers, doesn't it? Well, I can assure you it was totally the case!
My journey started in New York City - the beating heart of dance in those days. I arrived, you guessed it, by train! Such a romantic and picturesque way to travel, I think. All those plush seats and expansive windows perfect for people watching, oh, and of course, spotting some glorious tutu-worthy inspiration for my own wardrobe. I'd spotted this rather fabulous fuchsia pink vintage lace number at a fabulous antique shop back in my own time and just knew it would be perfect for the occasion. It practically cried out to be worn amongst the bustling streets of Manhattan, just like a ballerina fresh out of a show!
Now, to really capture the magic of 1980s ballet, I took myself straight to the New York City Ballet for a performance. Oh my! It was utterly spellbinding. I mean, don't get me wrong, the ballerinas were still utterly divine, with movements so graceful and elegant, like feathers floating on the breeze. However, what really stood out were their tutus - very different to the billowing tulle masterpieces of today!
Back then, it was all about the "romantic" style tutus - much shorter and tighter, giving those ballerina legs so much more space to move and twirl, and it's those captivating little movements, my dears, that truly captivated me! There were absolutely gorgeous embroideries and exquisite hand-stitched detailing. It really emphasized the feminine silhouette and allowed those perfectly toned limbs to truly steal the show. Oh, how I longed to pirouette in one myself!
Of course, no trip through time would be complete without a visit to the local ballet shop, you see. The shop windows were a dream! They showcased all the latest in ballerina accessories – leotards in dazzling jewel tones, pink tights with an incredible amount of sequins, and all the right shoes for both classical ballet and the exciting new “ballet barre” trend which seemed to be sweeping the globe, taking ballet inspired designs out onto the streets, my dear.
But my absolute favourite discovery was in the vintage section, a treasure trove of hand-painted tulle tutus, all just begging for a second life on a stage. The detail! The vibrancy! Oh, my heart almost stopped when I spied a delicate pink ballerina in mid-pose - a tiny ballet shoe with a sparkling silver crystal dangling on the toe. It was love at first sight, I just had to have it.
Talking of toe-tapping wonders, you simply can't talk about ballet in 1980 without mentioning Mikhail Baryshnikov. He was a legend! An absolute legend. This man was quite possibly the greatest dancer the world had ever seen! With each movement, he commanded the stage like a king, his every step dripping with grace and power. The sheer excitement around his performances in that era is truly unforgettable. If you ever get the chance, I do urge you to watch him, but beware! You will find it almost impossible not to be utterly captivated by his talents!
I do love it when history tells a story of passion, of hard work and creativity, doesn’t it, darlings? In those days, dancing was more than just a hobby – it was an art form, and for so many aspiring dancers, it was their very way of life! I remember feeling this exact feeling of utter inspiration, this strong connection, as I made my way through the streets of New York, tutu swirling just as gloriously as a professional dancer. I really believe the world would be a much better, brighter place if everyone, absolutely everyone, wore a pink tutu once in a while. Don’t you?
And that, my lovelies, brings us to the end of another wonderful journey into the world of #TutuTuesday. If you're looking for a little extra dose of tutus this week, why not pop down to your local theatre and see a ballet? Or perhaps take a dance class, anything to keep that pink tutu spirit flowing.
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous blog posts, inspiring fashion, and everything in-between. I'll be back next week with another dazzling trip into tutu history. Until then, remember, you can always wear a pink tutu – even in everyday life.
See you soon!
Emma x
