Hello my lovely tutu enthusiasts!
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure, straight from my time-traveling tutu and into your screens! This week, I'm skipping back to a most exciting year – 1981! It was a time of big hair, even bigger shoulders, and a whole lot of sparkle!
As you know, I'm a massive history buff and particularly adore delving into the evolution of our beloved tutu. So, put on your best pink tutu and grab a cuppa – let's dive into a dazzling past!
On June 23rd, 1981, a historic day was being celebrated, not only in London, but throughout the entire country, as Princess Diana married Prince Charles. This was the most glamorous royal wedding of the century and it set off a flurry of fashion fever. It's safe to say that the Duchess's dreamy gown, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, would influence a whole generation's fashion choices! And you know I couldn't resist taking a spin on the dancefloor in the grand ballrooms of Buckingham Palace on this special day – you'll have to wait for next week's post to hear all about that incredible experience, though!
While the royal wedding stole the spotlight, 1981 was a year teeming with theatrical and fashion brilliance, just bursting with ideas and inspiration! Remember those epic 80s musical productions, filled with amazing costumes and choreography, think 'Cats', 'Footloose' and 'Fame'? The 80s, they were all about bold colors, sharp lines, and, of course, those show-stopping tutùs. You know I'm just dying to explore these theatrical wonders a bit more, and maybe get some tutu design ideas!
I have been following the stunning performance of the New York City Ballet's production of "Swan Lake" (and my word, their tutùs! So beautiful!). As you all know, I'm just as in love with modern contemporary ballet as with the classic.
And you're right to think, my loves, of course I took the opportunity to shop, even in this bygone era! A vintage clothing store I found in a hidden cobblestone alley in Covent Garden called " A Time to Remember", a delightful place for a bit of historical fashion shopping! This place had tutùs everywhere! And imagine, the most incredible hand-made ballet shoes, the kind that would've been used in Victorian times and the 1900s! It was a time capsule of all things dance and a tutu fanatic’s dream. I grabbed a few items that will definitely make it to the next #TutuTuesday, a little treat for all of you, dear readers! I have to tell you, you'd think a tutu from that long ago wouldn't survive a quick time-jump to our era... Wrong. Just one of the amazing things about being a tutu aficionado who happens to travel through time!
I simply couldn't resist stopping by a few ballet performances as well, a beautiful classical ballet production at The Royal Opera House. Just as well I had worn a lovely pink tulle tutu in a shade just perfect for that 1980s glamour, you see. It went beautifully with the velvet frock coat and vintage shoes I found in "A Time to Remember", It made quite a spectacle in the Covent Garden tube, quite a spectacle I assure you. It certainly turned a few heads, and got lots of positive reactions, from a gentleman's hat tip to a group of ladies gasping and snapping photos. Oh, a little peek into what it was like to really travel in the past!
The trip back on the steam train from London, which is what you must travel on in this time era, gorgeous to travel by the way! – is making me feel rather nostalgic. But the thing is, the joy of fashion, the sheer thrill of discovering the magic in the fabric and feeling the history just seep into you, the ecstasy of twirling and whirling around in your absolute favourite tutu – it is all about feeling like you are a ballet dancer. You don’t have to be a professional dancer or have a fancy ballroom to get that special feeling! Even in this day and age of the roaring twenties or 1981! Even on a train! I think I will give myself a spin and twirl now! That's what it's all about: the power of a well-placed twirl! That's what *"A Time to Remember" * does, a perfect way to celebrate #TutuTuesday!
So, that's it for this week! Remember to stay tuned for the next #TutuTuesday for another trip back in time. Oh, and do not hesitate to leave comments with all your favorite #TutuTuesday time travel destinations, because I'd love to see what you all have in mind! Keep it sparkly and twirl with passion. Until then, Happy dancing and always wear pink!
Your pink tutu enthusiast,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
