Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your time travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you back in time for another delightful dose of Ballet Tutu History!
Today we're jetting back to 1981, and as I sit here sipping my chamomile tea, swirling in my brand new, blush-pink, layered tulle tutu (a little something I picked up in Paris last week), I'm simply brimming with excitement!
Now, imagine it's 6th October 1981. The world is still a little mesmerized by Princess Di's fairy-tale wedding, and people are dancing to the beat of "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John. And, in the wonderful world of ballet, tutus are starting to make some serious changes.
Think of the tutus we've seen on the stage. The majestic romantic tutus, soaring high like the clouds in "Giselle." Those billowing masterpieces that danced like clouds in "Swan Lake." Then there's the classic, slightly-more-practical tutu - perfect for flitting about and those graceful arabesques in "Sleeping Beauty". But hold on to your tulle, ladies, because things are about to get more, shall we say, adventurous!
1981 is the year that a new ballet sensation called neoclassical ballet is swirling into view. Think of it like ballet's answer to modern music - it's fresh, it's bold, and it’s completely changing how tutus look! It's about embracing movement in new ways, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the ballerina's body.
The neoclassical style throws those puffy, Romantic era tutus right out of the window! Now it's all about streamlined tutus, tight, with minimal layers of tulle - think of a mermaid silhouette for our ballet queens!
Think of how liberating this new style is! Now, the ballerinas aren't just soaring on a cloud of tulle - they're leaping and twirling, their bodies free and flowing! They're defying gravity, exploring a world where dance is no longer bound by traditions. This new movement makes tutus almost look like fashion statements - think of a dancer's body wrapped in the elegance of a whisper-thin ballet costume!
A Tutu's Journey: From Stage to Street
But the story doesn't end there, my dear darlings. You see, tutus are always finding ways to spill over from the stage and onto the streets, bringing their magic to fashion trends. And the 80s, well, let’s just say they were all about colour and bold statements. Imagine fluffy pink tutus making their grand entrance at a night out, swirling under neon lights!
I might even say there's a cheeky nod to this trend in some of today’s most fashionable tutu dresses! If you see someone twirling around in a flowing tulle masterpiece, they’ve got a tiny bit of that neoclassical energy flowing through them - a wink to ballet's revolutionary evolution.
I'll be honest - there are those who prefer the romance of those fluffy Romantic era tutus. There’s something magical about them, those vast skirts swirling through the air. They tell stories, whisper of bygone eras.
But the beauty of ballet, you see, is that it's always about evolution. Just like in fashion, in the world of tutus, there are endless ways to express yourself and explore new ideas. From billowing romance to streamlined elegance - tutus are a language, a dance, a whisper of magic that continues to enthrall us all!
But let’s rewind back to 1981. Picture a young me, still learning the intricacies of a plié and chassé, completely enchanted by these daring, new tutus. You see, even back then, I could already feel this new kind of freedom - the excitement of exploring movement and design in new ways! It's like stepping into a world of choreography where there are no limits to expression - no limit to the dance!
Tutu Treasures: Adventures in Time and Fashion
Now, enough of this chat about ballet! This blog's a celebration of life and fashion, and I simply can't let this week go by without revealing my newest discovery from the world of time travel:
I hopped on the Orient Express (can't resist those luxurious compartments and a vintage cup of tea, my dear darlings!) and found myself whisked away to Vienna. This gorgeous city's filled with opulence, the architecture is absolutely dreamy. It was a total must-visit to shop!
My little Parisian tutu came in quite handy! It’s become my signature look, and as I strolled down the cobblestone streets (and into Vienna’s finest boutiques), people stopped and gazed - they just adored my whimsical style. It really sparked those magical conversations that make my heart sing!
It wasn’t long before I landed in a beautiful little shop with shimmering lace dresses and gorgeous, flowing fabric. They had just the most exquisite handmade lace creations in the softest pink hues!
There’s no such thing as a bad day when you can wrap yourself up in a beautiful creation of soft lace, isn't it? The dress I chose was just perfect for twirling, you see! It even came with a lace headpiece - so feminine and elegant - my little tutu-loving heart was ready to burst! I have to admit - it's already become my most cherished treasure from the 1981 trip, right alongside a book of the most fabulous tutu designs I found in Vienna's elegant library.
I have the strongest feeling that a trip back to 1981 for another spree is well in the works! You can be sure that my Tutu Travels blog will be bursting with even more delights from my latest escapades - maybe even a few sneak peeks from my travels in 1981 Vienna.
Don't forget, darlings, every day's a chance to sprinkle a little tutu magic into your life. Embrace those bold colours, explore the endless ways you can dance through your day, and never be afraid to let your inner tutu shine! Until next week, happy twirling!
