#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1981-01-27

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things tutus! 💖✨ Today, we're going to waltz right back to the shimmering year of 1981! Now, I can hear you all whispering - 1981?! Yes, you heard right, my dears! Even though I normally focus on those fabulous Victorian tutus and the glittering belle époque era, 1981 had some major tutu-moments happening that you wouldn't believe!

Think leg warmers, bright pink leotards and HUGE hair. This was a time when, if you weren't sporting a shoulder pad the size of a dinner plate, well, frankly darling, you weren't living!

Now, I wouldn't say the 80s were necessarily a high point in ballet costume design - it wasn't exactly about elegant, flowing lines! More like a 'grab as many feathers and sequins as you can and *chuck them onto a tutu* kind of vibe! But, darling, you know what they say, "the more the merrier!" And if there was one thing the 80s knew, it was how to go big!

Right, darling, I know you're dying to hear about the ballet performance I've got planned today! Today we're venturing to the heart of the tutu universe, the Royal Opera House in London! I just love travelling by train, darling. Something about the clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks makes me feel so incredibly glamorous, you wouldn't believe! I'm wearing a delightful pink tutu with sparkling pink ostrich feathers – it practically glows! You all know I have a penchant for pink, darling, you just can't go wrong! And, of course, my sparkly heels are an absolute must-have for any day trip to the Royal Opera House! 💖

What will I be seeing? Oh, my dears, the Royal Ballet is performing Cinderella, an absolute classic! Can you imagine how dazzling the costumes are going to be? With a full orchestra and those famous ballerina gowns... I can hardly contain myself! I've also managed to get myself a coveted seat right at the front, the closest to the stage! How fantastic, darling?

Speaking of costumes! The world of ballet fashion was absolutely wild in 1981! Remember that iconic video for Thriller with Michael Jackson, featuring the unforgettable tutus worn by the dancers? Now, you can't get more glamorous and groundbreaking than that!

Oh, and then there was Madonna! Do you remember that stunning white "Vogue" era look? She was the epitome of fashion in the 80s and her look definitely featured some major tutu vibes! 💖 She practically invented the whole, "Let's wear a tutu even if we're not dancing!" style.

We're so fortunate to be living in a time when ballet has had a serious fashion makeover. Back in 1981, it was definitely more "let's wear something that makes us move well and can actually hold up for a performance". But, darling, that doesn't mean we couldn't have a little bit of fun with it. Don't get me wrong, I loved all those dramatic, swirling tutus. I mean, come on! Just look at the iconic, extravagant tutus created by Rudolf Nureyev, that would never go out of style! He practically revolutionised ballet fashion back in his time and, even today, his designs still inspire and fascinate!

Let's be real, darlings. *Tutus are iconic. * They're timeless. They're basically an instant style upgrade, no matter the decade! It's not just a ballet garment - a tutu makes you feel utterly fabulous, instantly adding an air of charm, sophistication, and just a dash of pure, unapologetic femininity! Honestly, I reckon every single woman should own at least one pink tutu in their wardrobe! What do you say? Are you with me?

Now, tell me! Have you worn a tutu out and about? Where do you like to wear yours? Tell me everything in the comments below! 💖✨

Stay tutu-licious!

Love, Emma xox