Hey there, lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another blast from the past for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday history! Today we're stepping back to 13th October, 1981 - buckle up for a whirlwind tour of tutu-tastic trends!
As you know, I love nothing more than exploring the history of dance fashion and, believe me, the world of tutus is always changing! This week's trip landed me right in the middle of a fab era - tutus were getting a serious makeover and a new, energetic flair!
Let's Dance Back to 1981!
1981 saw a fascinating mix of styles coming together - the classic tutus were still reigning supreme in professional ballet, but the world of street dance was starting to really take off. Think about it: it's a period bursting with energy and new ideas! It was a time when tutus weren't just for ballet anymore. It's where we really see the start of what we now call the 'balletcore' movement!
(Before we get into the fun stuff, I need to explain how I make this whole time travel thing work, right? You might be wondering, how does she afford all these fabulous journeys? Well, my dears, I make a good living performing. Not just ballet - a bit of musical theatre here and there, a bit of tap - I have a little talent, see? And then of course, it wouldn't be right without sharing those amazing stories with you! I hope my journeys are inspiring!)
Okay, back to 1981! My main aim? Get my tutu-lovin' heart to London, where I hear the fashion is electric! But, because we are here to celebrate ballet history, let's start in the theatre. The Royal Opera House was putting on Swan Lake - it was packed with eager onlookers! And I have to admit - they knew their tutus! These were classic tutus - the perfectly flowing romantic style, so much tulle. The pointe shoes, all beautifully hand-stitched with pink satin ribbons... ahhh, you just know the performance must have been magical!
I can tell you, my own little pink tutu and I stood out a little among the black and white theatre attire in that era! I couldn’t help but flash my brightest, most fabulous smile, just to bring a little cheer.
Back to London and The Tutu-Revolution
Then I ventured out of the Opera House to check out the rest of the city. You know, sometimes, the best tutu inspiration doesn't come from the grand theatre! Remember, 1981 is about experimentation, about finding new ways to use tulle! In fact, fashion houses were starting to take notice and we were starting to see tutus taking a more prominent place in clothing for everyone! Think about it - a ballerina's tutus, a dancer's moves - that’s inspiring for anyone wanting to move and dance in style!
Oh my, London was electric! On Carnaby Street - the hottest street for the young and fashionable - I spotted a young woman with her skirt draped and flowing... guess what? She'd turned a tutu into a super cool and effortlessly fashionable skirt! It’s all about repurposing - tutus didn't have to be just for dancing!
The high street was exploding with inspiration! I saw a trend toward tutus that were structured. You know, big, puffy styles! The fabrics were incredible: from silks to velvets, and they were going for the super, extra-sized style! Think about this for a minute: It’s a revolutionary trend - embracing the fullness and movement of tutus but making them something that wasn’t just for ballerinas!
Then, at a record shop, I bumped into the ultimate street-dance star of that time! That’s right, it was Boy George! Wearing a fabulous blue tutu of his own - his was the perfect embodiment of this new street style that incorporated tutu fashion into its swaggering moves!
That night I caught a performance at the Electric Ballroom and guess what I found? Tutu-inspired designs weren't just a fashion trend - it had also hit the world of pop music! Musicians had started incorporating the tulle element into their outfits, just as dancers did.
Finding Tutu Inspiration on the Trains!
And who would have thought it - it wasn’t just the city where you'd spot the tutu-revolution happening! I hopped on a train (who doesn't love a British train journey, especially to experience some of that iconic British fashion?), and while gazing out of the window, there I spotted a group of teenagers - the girls were all wearing tulle-like tutus under their skirts. It was a nod to ballet, yes, but also the street-wear inspiration! These girls totally got that ballet, fashion and street style were no longer different! They had created a unique and truly inspired blend, just like I did on the dancefloor!
So, whether it’s street dance or professional ballet, one thing was for certain: 1981 was about celebrating all aspects of fashion! And if there is anything better than seeing people celebrate movement and expression, let me know, I'm sure I can travel to that era too!
(One of the lovely things about travel, whether by train or across time, is seeing just how many amazing and inspiring styles there are to try. Every new city, every era - it is full of different people and that is something to cherish, embrace, and let inspire you!)
The Tutu’s Enduring Charm
The charm of the tutu is truly timeless, isn’t it? From 1981 right up to today, people are still falling in love with the idea of embracing the tutus magic in their wardrobes. What we're seeing now, in this new balletcore fashion, is a natural progression of how people have embraced tutus throughout the years.
You see, every decade has its own special tutu moments!
(What do you think? Should we go back and visit another decade for tutu inspiration? Let me know! Comment below with what you would love to see!)
Remember to stay connected on our www.pink-tutu.com website - your one-stop destination for everything tutu-tastic!
Oh, and be sure to look out for our next #TutuTuesday, when I'm going to take you to another fascinating moment in ballet history. It will be an inspiring look at how fashion and dance are forever intertwined, and I think it’s going to make you really want to try on a tutu of your own!
Till then, keep your spirits high and your tutu dreams soaring, darlings! #PinkTutuLove
