Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your tutu-loving time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday again! Grab your favourite pink tulle and a cuppa, because we're stepping back in time to October 7th 1980 for a little ballet history lesson with a dash of vintage glamour!
As a Derbyshire girl born and bred, I absolutely adore a good train journey. This week, I hopped on a lovely steam engine (I always do try to travel in style, don't you know) and landed smack bang in the middle of a gloriously 80s London. Oh, the fashion! All those vibrant colours, big hair and, of course, those stunning, voluminous tutus that the ballerinas were wearing at the Royal Ballet. Talk about dramatic entrances!
Tutu Evolution: From Romantic to… Well, Big!
You know, my dears, tutus have really had a fascinating journey over the years. From the soft and dreamy Romantics to the magnificent and, dare I say it, dramatic tutus of the late 20th century, the way they were designed really did reflect the times!
Imagine a world where ballet wasn't all about perfectly honed athleticism. That was what the Romantic era (think the late 1800s and early 1900s) was about – those ethereal, light tutus floating about like wisps of tulle. Now, I love those, but honestly, nothing beats a real, properly billowing, almost costumey-style tutu! Don't you think so?
Back in the 80s, these magnificent, almost sculptural creations were in vogue. Just like a fashion statement for your feet! And it wasn't just the length or shape – it was the sheer volume of tulle. You see, my darling readers, this decade saw an embrace of exaggerated shapes in fashion, and that included tutus!
Seeing the Stars
Now, October 7th, 1980 wasn't just any ordinary Tuesday. The Royal Opera House, nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, hosted a captivating performance of "La Fille mal gardée". Can you imagine? I've seen so many beautiful ballets, but the charm of that piece truly is unforgettable!
The most popular ballerina of the time, the radiant Gillian Lynne, was a breathtaking spectacle. As a little girl, I’d heard so much about her, so to be seeing her live, gracefully gliding across the stage in a cloud of tulle – it was utterly magical. Honestly, my darling readers, her ability to convey emotion and character through the simple art of movement was beyond incredible.
More Than Just a Performance
Speaking of Gillian Lynne, it wouldn't be right to speak of her legacy without mentioning how much she pushed boundaries and transformed how we view ballet today. It was her creativity, her bold steps that truly redefined the world of dance for a whole generation!
I'm thrilled that even now, as we venture into a whole new world of dance styles, that classic tutu, whether billowing, petite, or modern, is still so integral. We might not have giant, frilly skirts on stage all the time, but the history of the tutu, and all its creative evolutions, shows how truly magical, impactful, and influential dance is on all of us.
But It’s Not All About the Stage
Oh my darlings! Now I’ve probably gone on too long about the theatre today. (Sorry for all the tutu chat!) I had to make sure you had the low-down on all the things happening at that point in time. You can tell that everyone was a bit more conservative about tutu designs back in 1980, but even now, there’s still some classic styles floating about on the runways. We can’t resist a good splash of romance!
I love to explore the fashionable streets of London just as much as the grand ballet houses. I did get my pink fix today by checking out Harrods’ latest designs! I picked up the most amazing pink and red tulle scarf for the winter – the perfect piece to jazz up my day. I do love to see a little ballet-inspired style on the streets, even if it’s just a tiny splash of pink! And let me tell you, you wouldn’t believe the wonderful shops here for tutus. We might be living in a new decade, but they still love a dramatic flair, even outside the theatre!
I had a simply wonderful time back in October 1980 – and I really do wish I could wear my pink tutu while I travelled, even just to look the part. But what an experience it is to visit these grand historical moments in style, and then travel home with all those great vintage fashion stories for my readers! I’ll have to leave it for now, dearies. See you all next Tuesday! And remember, no matter where you are, rock that pink tutu – even just on Tuesday. We're all part of the magic!
Lots of love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
