Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another dose of Tutu Tuesday! 🩰 This week, we're taking a time-travelling trip right back to the shimmering, glamorous, and oh-so-fabulous world of 1981!
Remember how I told you about my little time travel adventures funded by my ballet performances? Well, this week I hopped on the train - my favourite way to travel, of course! The rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks always puts me in the mood for some serious tutuing. 🚂
Anyway, 17th November 1981, a date forever etched in my memory (mostly for its absolutely fantastic fashion) - we're stepping into a world where tutus were twirling and shining with vibrant, exciting energy.
Picture it: leg warmers galore, vibrant colours that would make a rainbow blush, and big, bouncy hair. Everything about 1981 screamed "fun, freedom, and expressive movement," which, of course, translates into "tutus everywhere!" 🎉
Now, the first thing I want to tell you about is the sheer delight of seeing the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov in "Giselle" that week. Goodness, that performance was a masterclass in grace and elegance. The choreography was like a story unfolding, and Baryshnikov's artistry left me breathless. I mean, it's Baryshnikov - how could it not be phenomenal? 😉 And of course, it just reminded me how ballet is about more than just beautiful dresses, although we all love those too!
Speaking of dresses, have I mentioned that the tutus in 1981 were absolutely fabulous? I'm talking about voluminous layers of tulle, shimmering sequins, and an explosion of colour. I spotted a ballerina in a shocking pink tutu with emerald green accents during one of my shopping sprees. It was absolute perfection! I swear I heard a few "ooh la las" whispered around the dressing room at Harrods as I shimmied around in the most glorious lilac and silver tutu. 💖
It's also important to acknowledge that, during this period, women were actively challenging traditional gender norms, and ballet became a platform for expressing that freedom. More and more female choreographers were breaking through the ceiling and creating daring new works that empowered women. That feeling of fearless individuality truly shines through in 1981's ballet world. It was an era where everyone embraced being bold and daring!
I remember reading an interview with the amazing Margot Fonteyn, and she said something so profound about the power of ballet. "Ballet is a beautiful expression of joy," she said, "and that joy is something everyone deserves to experience." Well said, Margot! 😊
So, as we wrap up our trip back to 1981, let me leave you with this thought: Don't be afraid to twirl and embrace your inner ballerina, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Let your spirit shine, wear your most vibrant tutu, and don't be afraid to get a little sparkle in your eye! ✨
Until next time, happy tutuing! And don't forget, dear readers, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, so come back and join me for another delightful time-travelling journey into the world of ballet! 💕
