#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1981-05-05

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another peek into the dazzling history of our beloved tutu!

This Tuesday, we're waltzing back to May 5th, 1981. It’s been a whirlwind week of tutus, darlings, filled with frothy tulle, sparkling performances, and endless cups of tea (with lots of milk and sugar, of course!) My latest trip back in time landed me smack-dab in the heart of New York City, just in time to catch a stunning production of ‘Giselle’ at the Metropolitan Opera House. Oh my goodness, it was divine! The costumes were a symphony of white tulle and shimmering gold, the dancers were simply magnificent, and the whole affair had me utterly enthralled!

Speaking of enthralled, darlings, we mustn't forget the impact our glorious tutus had on fashion in 1981. Just the other day I was browsing a vintage boutique – full of velvet and lace and darling frills, you know the type – and stumbled across a stunning silk gown. It was all shimmering silk and billowing layers, like a tutu in the most divine dress form. The owner told me it was “inspired” by ballet, a fact I knew instantly just by looking! Clearly, the tutu wasn't just for the stage, even back then. It’s fascinating to see how this timeless, enchanting garment seeped into everyday fashion, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the streets!

Now, 1981 may have been all about disco, power shoulders, and bright, bold colors, but the tutu still held a special place in the hearts of dance lovers everywhere. Think of the elegance and graceful movement they symbolise - truly, they embody the spirit of dance. Just imagine, all that frothy, swirling fabric and intricate layers, all made to showcase the stunning beauty of every plié and grand jeté. Simply captivating, my dears, absolutely captivating!

To honour this incredible piece of dance history, we'll delve into what the year 1981 had to offer. And you know, I just love exploring the historical side of fashion. Every design has a story, a journey to tell.

You wouldn’t believe how much the world has changed since 1981. You might not know, but back then the only way to communicate with someone far away was by sending them a telegram! Just imagine, you’d have to go to the Post Office, sit and wait patiently, then pay to send a very brief message. We take communication for granted now. I’ve still got the same portable telephone that I took with me from my Derbyshire cottage when I began my time travelling adventures but my family just wouldn’t let me part with the antique telephone they found for me in an antique shop a while ago - even if I have a mobile telephone. They even kept the old rotary telephone! My brothers wouldn't give me any peace about letting it go. They think they're doing a great favour, but my travels really have put their little hearts at rest!

This was the year, darling, that the internet, you know, what we use to run my little blog, had been developed at CERN - the European Organization for Nuclear Research - by physicist Tim Berners-Lee. Imagine having your entire world accessible to you through your living room. Who knew the year 1981 would set the scene for what we have today?!

Speaking of the year 1981, it was also the year that a dear friend of mine - she runs a ballet school in Birmingham - received her Royal Academy of Dancing Teaching Diploma - you know, they offer great examinations! Her students just adore her, you should see her little ballerinas in their perfect tutus - I'm getting emotional just thinking about it! Oh, darling, wouldn’t it be grand to go back in time and congratulate her on such a fantastic achievement?!

And that’s how things were in the world of tutus in 1981. But my loves, I want to know what you’re wearing today! I absolutely love reading all the beautiful pictures and tales you send in for my #TutuTuesday blog! Don’t forget to use the hashtag on all social media to let me see what you’ve been wearing. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to get the best tutus - even though, honestly, the ones in my Derbyshire cottage are still absolutely perfect and never wear out - I have to mention my favourite shop - you might just find me browsing through it one day, but it’s not in any city I can share - just tell me your postcode or even which region of the UK you're in, and I'll let you know which store I would suggest you pop into!

You know, darling, even after all my time traveling, there’s nothing quite like the joy of a beautifully crafted tutu! Remember, there’s a reason tutus are still just as captivating today as they were in 1981 - it’s because of their exquisite beauty and graceful elegance.

Until next week, my loves!

Always wear pink and stay twirling,

Emma 🌸💖🩰