Oh my dears! Another Tuesday, another fabulous trip through the wondrous world of tutus! And today, we're shimmying back to 1981-03-24, to a date brimming with theatrical magic and tulle galore! I’m Emma, your pink tutu-clad guide to the world of all things sparkly and twirly, and today, we're headed for Broadway, my lovelies, because it's that time again! #TutuTuesday wouldn't be complete without a visit to the city that never sleeps!
This is what I do, see? My obsession with tutus, you see, well, it’s given me the most fabulous perk ever: I can travel through time. You heard that right! A little pirouette here, a grand jeté there, and before you know it, poof I’m in another time, another place.
It's not as fancy as it sounds - most of the time I end up with a cramped carriage to the Isle of Wight instead of, say, an opera house in Vienna! I do fund this wild passion, I hasten to add, through dancing my socks off. Yes, I travel the world and across time to do what I love best: watch a fabulous show! It’s a win-win!
So, let's chat about this particular Tuesday. Firstly, it’s a good time to mention I love trains! This one I caught back in the 80s took me from Derbyshire – my little bit of countryside loveliness – straight into the bustling heart of New York! Isn't that the most magical feeling, darling? A whiff of engine smoke, a view that changes from fields to towering skyscrapers… and the magic, the magic is all in the knowing!
Well, today in 1981, it was March 24th, a crisp and springy Tuesday. The scent of the streets, darling, a lovely blend of exhaust fumes and fresh-baked bagels - New York, oh, the glamour! But I’ve just had a delicious slice of New York cheesecake, and I’m sitting at a café just around the corner from a theater that was truly in the heart of this magical city.
Broadway - home of those spectacular plays, those incredible musicals that have made us laugh and cry for generations, is what’s attracting me on this visit. The shows? Oh darling! I am so excited for this night - 42nd Street, with the legendary dance routines, a real feast for the eyes! A new musical A Chorus Line, well- it looks simply marvelous. We are talking a celebration of dance, the joy of performing! I am SO going to the A Chorus Line matinee. If only my pockets were bottomless – I’d be at the theatre all day, seeing every show going!
So, what was happening on that particular day on Broadway in 1981? Let me tell you, it was bursting at the seams! It was the home of "Ain't Misbehavin'," with a dazzling blend of ragtime and tap; there was Grease, the movie was huge, the show just keeps going on and on! That gorgeous classic Annie - a real favorite, always a heart-warming story. And don’t even get me started on that showstopper Dreamgirls. My word, the singing and the dancing - fabulous!
That year, 1981, darling, was a time of real innovation on Broadway. They weren’t afraid to take a chance on something new, to bring audiences things they'd never seen before, and, for this tutu-obsessed, show-mad gal - that's exactly what I loved. The shows just kept on going all the way to 1983; in fact, darling, one of them, Sophisticated Ladies, was only a year away! This show was divine, truly a celebration of the legendary Duke Ellington.
And guess what? These fantastic musicals are just part of the bigger picture - a true renaissance of dance on Broadway. You'd see ballet moves blended with contemporary forms - the choreography? Just astounding, darlings.
As I sipped my steaming hot cup of tea - a must in every Broadway trip - the je ne sais quoi of the city swirled around me. But you know me - I was already planning my next adventure!
So, what makes 1981 such a special tutu-licious year for Broadway, you ask? Because tutus were absolutely everywhere! Imagine the costumes - full skirts with layers of shimmering tulle! It was divine! Think 42nd Street, a show full of jazz numbers and dance sequences that had everyone tapping their toes. Then A Chorus Line, you were transported into a world of auditions, dreams, and aspirations…and that spectacular finale with those glorious white costumes - it’s enough to make me want to put on a tutu right now, wouldn't you say, dear?
It was an era where you could almost smell the glitter in the air, and feel the joy of dance swirling around you. The theatres pulsed with a love of performance that just took my breath away, and what can I say? It makes this time traveller, me, absolutely thrilled!
Now, darling, let’s chat about another aspect of tutu culture that was booming in 1981. You see, it wasn't just the shows; there was a whole subculture dedicated to all things tutus! Let me tell you about "Ballet for the Masses", an idea taking New York by storm. This wasn't about professional dancers; it was about taking the spirit of ballet and making it accessible to everyone. They organized dance classes in the most incredible spaces - community centers, even rooftops - everywhere you can think of! People were wearing tutus all over New York, dancing for fun, celebrating a true love of movement. Even ballet slippers were considered acceptable footwear! It was, well, utterly brilliant! It had me wanting to try every kind of dancing and I just loved this vibrant sense of energy – a joy in expressing yourself, even if it was just for a couple of hours.
So, the world was on the cusp of a ballet boom – 1981 really set the tone for that. There was even a group calling themselves the “Tutu-licious Troupe" dancing everywhere from parks to supermarkets. It's true, I have witnessed some fabulous dance sessions!
Even though I've been through so many incredible tutus, these ones from 1981 stand out. The fabrics were fantastic, soft and flowy with bright colors and bold designs. Think silk tulle in pink - think coral pink and peach - a touch of fuschia - and those fabulous ballerina-length tutus, perfect for graceful turns and high kicks. It was a time where tutus were the most daring fashion statements - so feminine, so joyous – a truly magical expression of fashion that swept up everyone in its whirl.
So, that's my tale from 1981-03-24 - an era that reminds me to just go out and be bold. After all, a little pink tutu never hurt anyone, and it just might make your day a little bit brighter! It definitely did mine!
Oh, one more thing darling, don’t forget, you can join my online Tutu Tuesday Community for even more fab tutus and fashion chats - I’m on my social media pages at www.pink-tutu.com. It's the perfect place to celebrate our shared love of tutus, fashion, and everything whimsical! And for that fabulous ballet and theatre feeling, always come and find me in our #TutuTuesday community – we have more exciting tutu time travel stories for you to read – all week, in fact, as that's the thing about tutus, they just keep on inspiring us, and I think that’s simply wonderful!
Catch you next Tuesday!
Love, Emma Xx.
