Hello, my fellow Tutu Twirlers! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time again for another dazzling dive into the world of the most magical garment known to mankind: the tutu. Today, we’re twirling back to June 2nd, 1981, a date that holds a rather special place in tutu history…
We’re in New York City, the city that never sleeps, but today it seems like the whole place is getting ready to snooze. Because just yesterday, a certain, rather famous royal wedding happened! While the royal family had their eyes firmly fixed on a beautiful ivory gown, our attention was drawn to the dazzling tutu spectacle at the New York City Ballet, and boy was it spectacular.
The program on this day is a rather diverse affair. The iconic Jerome Robbins' masterpiece "Dances at a Gathering" was presented, which always brings its own touch of tutu-tastic charm. But wait, there's more! "Agon" by Balanchine, a thrilling piece full of complex steps, definitely made me wish I was dancing onstage with those fabulous ballerinas. And let's not forget "Symphony in C" - pure tutuing joy, and full of elegant and expressive movements.
The highlight, for me, was seeing “Stars and Stripes” – a quintessentially American work. It had the most delightful tutus! It is the first time I'd seen these beautiful American-flag coloured skirts in the show! Can't say that I am quite ready to swap my beloved pink for red, white and blue just yet though...
There is a certain excitement around the theatre scene in New York right now, and not just about the royal wedding. It's more than that, it's a buzz around the art of ballet that’s spreading far and wide. We've been lucky enough to see this same kind of feeling across Europe too – France, Italy, and even good old Derbyshire! Everyone is going wild for ballet and you can just feel the energy everywhere you go.
Now, back in 1981, the tutu, that graceful icon, is already taking center stage – the undisputed queen of the ballet world. The classic romantic tutus we know and love are all the rage. Imagine those frothy layers of tulle, creating a soft and beautiful halo around the dancer. I bet you can picture it – it just oozes feminine charm and elegance, doesn’t it? And while you might see some modern experimental pieces, the romantic tutu reigned supreme in those days.
Back at my local ballet school in Derbyshire, it seems everyone was gripped with tutumania, especially when the dance teacher announced that we were all to learn a piece based on "Stars and Stripes!" She said something like, "This iconic work perfectly embodies American strength, joy, and energy!". I think the teachers are starting to use more and more dramatic language for their lessons now - and that makes me very excited about future choreography, I tell you!
But don’t think that the romantic tutu has any competition in 1981. Think about the costumes of Gelsey Kirkland – that's who! An incredibly popular ballet dancer, known for her dynamic performance and elegant movement. I don’t know anyone who hasn't been to a ballet class or show just to watch her in a beautiful romantic tutu! Gelsey, a ballet icon, was definitely a big inspiration to a lot of dancers around the globe back then. Her graceful moves are everything! She shows the power and the tenderness of the dance in those ethereal romantic tutus. I don’t think anything has come close.
In fact, tutus aren’t just a dancefloor thing in 1981. You can find them popping up everywhere! On magazine covers, TV shows and yes, even in the windows of our favourite boutiques! It feels like everyone is wearing a tutu now – though I don't know how they’re finding room in their wardrobes with all those 80’s leg warmers!
I know you may be asking yourselves “What will the next 20 years hold for the tutu?" Well, let me tell you, that is just bursting with excitement. If anything, tutus will only get more daring and more playful! The modern dance world is beginning to open up to exciting new ways of movement – and we will see more and more incredible innovations that will bring even more magic to this beloved ballet garment.
Just remember this, my lovelies – in 1981 the tutu wasn't just a stage garment. It was a symbol of freedom, of expression, and a beacon for the dance-loving world to rally around. And just you wait until next week’s #TutuTuesday. I’m going to reveal the little detail about the 1981 tutus that almost took my breath away! You just wait for it, and in the meantime, get twirling in your pinkest, poofiest tutus! And be sure to check back in next week on my blog at www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next time,
Emma
#*P.S. * It may have been 1981 but my pink-loving heart hasn’t gone out of style! Pink has always been, and will always be, the perfect tutu color – it brings so much charm and fun to every dance move! Let's not forget: tutuing is a timeless act, it brings a sparkle to any moment. It reminds us to dance with joy, even on Tuesdays. Just remember my fellow Tutu Twirlers, spread the tutuing love!
*P.P.S. * Oh and before you leave, do you remember "Dancing Queen" by Abba? That iconic song? I hear they played it a LOT in 1981 – and it's totally going to be part of my next "Pink Tutu Time Travel Train Trip!" That's a top secret mission! I'll keep you posted...
