Hiya darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another #TutuTuesday adventure.
I've just popped back from a whirlwind trip to the glamorous New York City in 1981. Now, I know you're all thinking: 1981?! That's way before the likes of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker even hit the big stage! But believe me, my darling tutu-philes, even back in the 1980s, ballet was still a very much adored art form. And believe me, the tutus in that era? Absolutely divine!
I landed on September 8th, 1981, in the heart of New York. Picture this: the hustle and bustle of the city, a soundtrack of honking taxi cabs and the murmur of thousands of New Yorkers going about their daily routines, a world away from the serene atmosphere of a dance studio. I, of course, was in my most glamorous pink tutu, just hoping no one noticed a Derbyshire lass in the Big Apple! I popped into a nearby newsstand for a gossip mag and a coffee - just to blend in, darling.
My first stop was a dance studio, a little gem tucked away on Broadway. You wouldn't believe the styles back then, oh my! Ballet tutus, in the 1980s, were quite different. Not so much about the romantic, whimsical styles we see today. No, this was all about practicality and sharp lines! Imagine a sleek, fitted, very specific style that was almost like a uniform, almost like a leotard and skirt combo. Think elegant yet streamlined - more black swan than sugar plum fairy.
There was an abundance of black and white colours, paired with bold, graphic patterns and vibrant fabrics that you could practically hear, my dears! The tutus in that era were more about showcasing the dancer's movements, highlighting each extension and pirouette with precision and elegance. They didn't distract, but they were undoubtedly impactful. I must admit, even I had to stop and stare! I even purchased a fab vintage, black leotard-tutu with neon pink trim! A must for my wardrobe, darling.
This period, believe it or not, was actually a significant one for the development of the tutus we love today. Many ballerinas and costume designers were starting to play with colour, shape and new fabrics, moving away from the classic rigid look of earlier years.
Oh, and what’s happening in New York this particular date? The legendary choreographer George Balanchine and the New York City Ballet were set to take the stage at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center. He was a genius when it came to using tutus in his ballets. Remember that 'modern ballet' look? Oh, he was the master of it. I was determined to be in the audience!
Before the show, I treated myself to some retail therapy. My mission was simple: find some really unique vintage pieces. And find them I did. Imagine my delight at the discovery of a fabulous 1980s dance shop hidden away in Greenwich Village. Vintage fabrics, some lovely leotard tops with floral patterns, colourful dancewear and - you guessed it - tutus, a whole shelf of tutus!
And those tutus were the absolute best. Think billowing chiffon with some seriously intricate hand-stitching. It wasn't a style that you'd find on every street corner; this was special, my dears. This was a time of experimentation, and there were tutus in every colour imaginable! From vibrant magenta to turquoise blues, bright yellow to lime green. I’d never seen such diversity, darling, but oh, it was glorious.
As I'd perused the shelves, a lady came in wearing a spectacular red sequined leotard and matching skirt. Just perfect. And she looked radiant! But the most dazzling part of her attire? Oh, a beautiful red tutu, just the colour of an exotic bird's feathers. I was mesmerized.
After shopping and all the New York glamour, the evening was spent enjoying a stunning performance of Balanchine’s masterpiece. The tutus were so different from what I am used to. The lines were simple, with intricate movement. Every twirl and plié felt perfectly embodied in the sheer beauty of those modern designs.
One can always rely on New York to keep it real! Even in 1981, my darlings, this was a hotbed for talent and creativity. It's certainly true to say that tutu history was, and always will be, a fabulous, flamboyant, fun, and ever-evolving journey, one filled with creativity, innovation, and yes, some downright beautiful dancewear. And as for my love for tutus? Oh, well, you know, my tutu journey is as vast as the cosmos. I'll see you back here next Tuesday for more tutu history fun!
