Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, and welcome back to another whirl through time for our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're taking a little trip back to 1981 - a decade of shoulder pads, big hair, and yes, of course, beautiful ballet! Get ready to put on your best pink tutu (it's always Tuesday, remember!), grab a cuppa, and let's go for a spin in the time machine!
Now, 1981 - this year saw the world watching in awe as Mikhail Baryshnikov, the king of ballet himself, wowed audiences with his incredible skill and athleticism. He was dancing for the American Ballet Theatre, so the focus was very much on the United States, but we Brits were keeping our eyes peeled too. You couldn't miss him!
Speaking of things you couldn't miss, 1981 was all about the "look." Think bright colours, big hairstyles, and of course, lots of sequins! Fashion was taking its cue from the stars of the silver screen, with leggings, ripped jeans and bold jackets taking centre stage. It was an exciting time to be alive, full of bold expression, and let me tell you, this reflected on the stage too. Tutus in 1981 were bolder than ever, with more colours, textures, and of course, more tulle than ever before! Imagine, darling, layers and layers of glorious, soft tulle billowing about! It was a beautiful and bold statement on the dance floor, just like the fashions on the streets.
Of course, no mention of 1981 is complete without mentioning the one and only, Princess Diana! This lovely lady was a fashion icon even before her fairy tale wedding in 1981. Her grace and style was admired by women all over the world, and let's face it, she had a special way of wearing a dress (tutus included, imagine that!) and looking utterly breathtaking!
My darling girls, 1981 is a real time warp in terms of fashion. Just like the fashion on the streets, the world of ballet costumes saw some exciting innovations. While some stayed true to the classic tutu silhouette, the emphasis on drama and excitement meant we saw many ballerinas twirling around in brand new colours and styles. We even saw tutus with bold and modern patterns – a daring move for that time, but darling, think how chic and revolutionary it was!
Oh, I mustn't forget the music! This is the era that gave us hits like "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John and "Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind & Fire - perfect for a graceful arabesque or a dazzling pirouette! You can picture it: Imagine, lovelies, swirling and swaying to a soulful beat!
Remember darling, as much as fashion evolves and styles change, the love of the ballet is a constant. The beauty and artistry of ballet remain timeless, and every single year, from 1981 right through to today, dancers put on stunning performances, transporting audiences to magical realms with every twirl and leap!
Don't forget to catch my next #TutuTuesday, where we'll continue our voyage through the history of tutus! I’ve got more adventures lined up - who knows where our time machine will take us next?!
Now darling, you've been so wonderfully dedicated and lovely to join me today - let me know your thoughts on the fashions of the 1980s. If you fancy trying out the look for a ballet performance or even a special night out, be sure to tag me with #TutuTuesday. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next star of ballet history!
And as always, lovelies, keep your heads held high, your smiles bright, and wear your pink tutus with pride! See you next week!
Yours in ballet and pink tutus,
Emma xx
*P.S. * Don't forget to check out my fab new website, www.pink-tutu.com. It's filled with gorgeous outfits and everything pink you could ever imagine! It's perfect for those who, like myself, simply love the thrill of being on stage, and embracing life in pink, tutus and all. Happy shopping, and remember, you're never too old to dream! 💖
