Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things pink and tutu-tastic! It's a glorious Tuesday, which means it's time for another dive into the fascinating history of ballet's most iconic garment - the tutu!
Today, my lovely readers, I'm taking us back to a decade dripping in glamour and a little bit of glitter: the 1980s! Picture big hair, shoulder pads that could launch a rocket, and tutus so voluminous they could rival a cloud! This was a time of fierce creativity and a love for pushing the boundaries, even in the ballet world.
I just love travelling to this period. The 80s in London were a wild and wonderful experience! This past week, I watched the most spectacular show at the Royal Opera House! A production of 'Swan Lake', choreographed by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev. My, my, the tutus! We're talking feathers, silk, and even a splash of colour here and there - a far cry from the stark, almost austere white tutus we saw in earlier decades. This production embraced movement and emotion in such a thrilling way, the dancers looked absolutely majestic!
It's hard not to talk about the influence of that American choreographer, Mikhail Baryshnikov, in the 80s! He was like a whirlwind of genius, revolutionising ballet with his captivating athleticism and bringing a new wave of sensuality and freedom to the art form. The costumes, and especially the tutus, reflected that bold new direction! They weren't just pretty, they were pieces of art, helping to tell the stories on stage.
Speaking of art, I can't help but think about fashion, can I? While I was strolling down Oxford Street earlier this week, I noticed how 80s fashion is definitely making a comeback! It’s so exciting seeing oversized shoulders, bright colours, and the most fabulous leg warmers. I had to grab a pair of these myself for my next visit to the ballet! But here's the fun fact, my dears, all these trends started in the world of dance. Those gorgeous leggings and the dazzling Lycra that we love so much? They were originally designed for ballet dancers to give them freedom of movement, but quickly made their way into everyday wardrobes! The ballet has always been a major influence on fashion, inspiring designers and giving them those incredible bursts of creativity!
Let's travel back to April 7th, 1981. Imagine, London is buzzing with the excitement of new beginnings. Queen Elizabeth, bless her heart, is just one month into a brand new decade. Everyone is thinking about the future, dreaming big, and ready for the incredible decade ahead. The 1980s was an era that embraced both strength and grace, making ballet a shining star! I just adore it.
It seems almost impossible to resist getting caught up in the joy of this era, especially when you are surrounded by tutus, dancers, and all that gorgeous colour! Of course, if you are truly in need of a 1980s fix, don't hesitate to pop by your favourite local store or, even better, dive into the vibrant world of ballet. The artform itself is a timeless masterpiece and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers, artists, and us, my dears, us everyday dreamers who find joy in a little twirl and a whole lot of pink.
I always encourage you to keep exploring the wonders of the past, to appreciate the heritage of the tutu, and to, of course, wear it proudly whenever the chance presents itself!
And with that, my lovely readers, I bid you adieu! Until next week, remember to stay pink, stay tutu-tastic, and may your life always be filled with dance!
With love and twirls,
Emma
P.S. Did I mention that the National Theatre is hosting a wonderful "Twelfth Night" performance on April 7th, 1981? If you find yourself in London during that time, definitely try and grab a ticket! And wear a pink tutu, of course! 💋
