Hey everyone! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday and a new edition of Ballet Tutu History, this time focusing on February 24th, 1981! Now, I know some of you might be thinking – February, 1981? Surely the tutu's popularity hadn't exploded just yet!
Oh darling, you'd be surprised. In the world of dance, that's a date that's marked a milestone in tutu evolution. We all know the iconic image of the tutu, but how did it become what we know and love today?
#7783, it is, my friends! This is the blog post for all you tutu enthusiasts – those of you who find yourselves drawn to the magical swirl of fabric, the elegant yet empowering shape of this iconic piece. And this blog post will travel through time like a well-choreographed jeté, with me taking you on a fashion voyage back to 1981 to unearth how the tutu was already stealing the stage in this extraordinary year!
So, picture this: 1981 – a year full of big hair, bold colours, and even bolder moves in the world of dance! It's a world where the likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov and Margot Fonteyn were mesmerising audiences. I must admit, I found myself at the Royal Opera House on February 24th 1981, witnessing Baryshnikov dancing the leading role of Prince Siegfried in "Swan Lake" and, oh my, I still dream of that moment. It's impossible to talk about tutus and their development without paying homage to the Queen of Tutus - Dame Margot Fonteyn - Her stage presence was simply magnetic, she owned the stage in the most delicate and elegant tutus that brought the romance of Swan Lake alive.
Now, 1981 was the year the tutus started moving on from the rather rigid, voluminous, multiple-layered shapes of the Victorian era. In my travels, I've seen how tutus had become slightly lighter and freer – a step towards more modern interpretation, showcasing dancers' skill and grace. They embraced a softer, less voluminous approach, perfect for a wider variety of choreography and dancing styles, yet they still maintained their ethereal allure, like spun sugar.
This was, however, still a time when the traditional ballet tutu - think Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker - held a strong reign in the theatre world. These tutus were primarily white, showcasing that air of classic elegance, but the world of dance, just like the world of fashion, was changing! I spied my first glimpse of tutus in bold and unexpected hues at this time! The daring colours of the day began to seep into tutu design. A lush red here, a bright yellow there, even the introduction of bold black into the design, giving a real statement-making and confident vibe to the costume.
On February 24th, 1981, a small-world discovery in Derbyshire made a difference! While traveling by train back from a show in London - and believe me, I just love a good train journey – I popped into the local "Threads and Twirls" for a quick browse, as you do, and my goodness! Imagine my utter delight at spotting a little shop in the middle of Matlock selling * *PINK tutus! This little find sent me into a fashion-fueled whirlwind of excitement. You see, back in 1981 - it felt revolutionary, just utterly delightful to spot this gorgeous, utterly girly, utterly enchanting colour adorning these magical garments! The colour made me feel like a ballerina even more, just standing there trying on different tutus, it really gave me a boost and made me believe I was dancing under the chandelier at the Royal Opera House - which I very much want to achieve one day! I know, we all love white and classic tutus, but Pink? This is the colour that takes the "feminine" to the next level and, trust me, a few months later when more pink tutus started appearing at more of my favourite boutiques and department stores - this was simply the BEST moment!
I bought two. I knew that at least one was for my website collection, because what a statement to display this revolutionary design on pink-tutu.com! And the other - well, who doesn't have at least two tutus in their life? But let's be honest - pink tutus are the only tutus to truly embrace! I truly believe, a pink tutu makes every outfit – well, almost every outfit - look amazing! I may just start doing a "Pink Tutu Challenge" and see how many outfits I can rock with one - stay tuned for more news on that.
Fast-forward to today and tutus continue to evolve in design. Now, I must admit that as my time travel adventures are expanding, the trend seems to be heading back to those large, extravagant, dramatic, Victorian era tutu-style looks but, just look how far the world of dance, fashion, and theatre has come. From the dramatic volume of the earlier years to the soft, almost lyrical looks of 1981, then onto today’s designs – and yes, it does all make for a fantastic and engaging story to tell. And the fact that even the most beautiful white ballet tutu will still have me secretly hoping that there's a pink one lurking in my wardrobe, is just part of my little inner-dance fashion world.
But one thing's for certain - no matter the era, the tutu holds a special place in the heart of dance enthusiasts and fashionistas alike, and even if there are slight hints of change, it continues to captivate and inspire with its delicate artistry.
Pink Tutu Tip of the Week: If you want to feel like you’ve just stepped out of Swan Lake, a big, floaty tutu is perfect, but I’m totally a mini tutu fan these days - just look at how fashion - high street, and haute couture - have been embracing the mini skirt and now it's the tutu's turn. For everyday chic? Try a midi length, fitted to the waist, and with the cutest amount of sparkle. It's versatile enough to dress up or down, giving you a truly timeless piece! And don't be scared of wearing one for an afternoon tea, afternoon shopping, even at the opera – let’s give those traditional white dresses a run for their money. Let's be honest – why wear an everyday outfit when you can dance the day away in pink!?
Till next week's *#TutuTuesday, keep swirling, and *never stop believing in your dream tutu!
Emma, out!
