Hiya darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller Emma, back with another dive into the fascinating history of the tutu! This week, we're whizzing back to June 24th, 1980, for a peek at the ballet world just before the glorious 80s fashion really kicked in. Oh, the leg warmers, the neon, the shoulder pads... it was an exciting time for dance and fashion!
I landed in London this week, the heart of ballet in those days. Imagine, just strolling through Covent Garden, a veritable haven for tutu-wearing ladies (and some rather dapper chaps in velvet jackets!). It was the height of classical ballet, with legends like Margot Fonteyn still captivating audiences. The tutus back then were pretty traditional - think classic, romantic tulle, often a soft blush pink or pristine white.
But hold onto your tiaras, my dears! Change was in the air! While the romantic tutu reigned supreme on the big stages, a little something else was bubbling beneath the surface, just waiting to break out. Can you guess what it was?
Let's rewind! What's happened in Tutu-Land?
Before we get to the big reveal, a little rewind, as it’s always great to have some historical context. Before 1980, tutus were evolving quite rapidly. Think back to the 1800s! Ballet was still taking shape, and the tutu was becoming the dancewear we recognise today. Imagine, gone were the bulky petticoats, and in came a whole lot more tulle. The romantic era saw flowing, light-as-air designs - perfect for those elegant, graceful movements.
The 1950s brought some more experimentation! A wave of bold, colourful tutus started appearing. A favourite among my time-traveling dance companions is a fab turquoise number! You wouldn’t catch me in it (pink is always the right choice, naturally!) but it certainly was a statement piece.
The 1960s, my dears, saw a surge in more minimalist, sleek tutus. Think streamlined shapes, shorter hemlines and perhaps a dash of black. Not a traditional choice for my kind, but the experimentation was exhilarating. It was an era that embraced individuality and breaking free from norms. That spirit carried over into the 1970s, where there was a bit of a return to the romantics, with longer, flowy skirts, but with some intriguing design touches – imagine those dramatic pleats and subtle metallic accents.
And so, we finally arrive back in our chosen moment, June 24th, 1980! Now, back to that "little something bubbling" I mentioned! Brace yourselves for the big reveal...
Welcome to the New Wave:
Remember those classic tutus I mentioned? Well, they were still there, gracing stages, but alongside them, a new wave of expression was brewing! It wasn't a sudden change, more a gradual shift that culminated in a beautiful burst of creative energy. The tutu, our beloved, frilly symbol of graceful dance, started taking on new dimensions, responding to the shifting moods of fashion.
From that June 24th onwards, we start to see a sprinkle of modern design elements – hints of structure, maybe a bold use of colour. I mean, those amazing 80s leotards alone could make a ballerina feel like a superhero! I’m thinking a bit of neon pink would be delightful… It was an era for self-expression, a rebellion against the overly prim and proper image of the ballerina, which to be honest, was in dire need of a makeover!
Now for the Ballet on this Date:
Since I love exploring London, I wanted to know what ballet events graced this specific date! Well, to my delight, Covent Garden hosted The Royal Ballet’s production of "The Sleeping Beauty." I'm practically itching to see it! "The Sleeping Beauty," for those who aren't familiar, is a classic romantic ballet full of magic and spectacle, with a story we all know and adore – Princess Aurora, the evil fairy Carabosse, the handsome Prince Desire… what more could a tutu enthusiast desire?
To me, it was clear why I had to travel to this particular date – because it felt like a pivot point. The foundations of ballet were firmly established. The "romantic tutu" was the reigning queen. And as we stepped into the late 1980s and 1990s, things would really start getting interesting – bold, daring, and entirely delightful. And as someone who dreams of a world where everyone dances in pink tutus, it is with much excitement I’ll watch ballet take those first daring steps into the future!
Now for some Time Traveller Treats:
The first thing on my list is, of course, a trip to Covent Garden, the legendary heart of the ballet world! My dears, you wouldn’t believe the stunning tutu shops around the Royal Opera House. We’re talking a cornucopia of feather boas, sparkly fabrics, and everything a dancing girl could ever desire! It’s my happy place for sure. I even nabbed a charming little tea shop right around the corner – I just love to sip some afternoon tea, nibbling on delicate finger sandwiches while gazing at all the fashionable ballerinas and the people around them! And let’s not forget the vintage clothing shops I'll be hitting up for all those incredible 80s pieces to complete my wardrobe. Remember, pink is always in fashion, but the eighties had some fab styles!
Now, don't forget my little lovelies, you can keep up with my adventures every Tuesday! Share your favourite tutu stories, tell me your dream ballet performances, or simply let me know your pink tutu plans! My aim is to get everyone dancing and feeling fabulous in their own tutus. That’s right, a whole world of tutus! Imagine a London bus filled with tutus! Or everyone at a music concert rocking a tutu – now that’s a scene I could get behind!
Until next week, keep twirling and be dazzling!
Yours truly,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to follow me on social media and join me for my next tutu journey. Let's get this tutu party going!
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