Hey tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back with another fab-tastic Tutu Tuesday post from your favourite time-travelling ballerina! Today, I'm stepping back to 29th December 1981, a date etched in my heart for the most magical ballet performance I've ever witnessed!
I'm currently parked in New York City, a city practically bursting with energy and glamour! I've been attending ballet classes at the School of American Ballet and the atmosphere is electrifying! You see, in the '80s, ballet was truly hitting its peak in popularity! People were obsessed! You couldn't walk down the street without seeing a shop window featuring the latest tutus and pointe shoes. It's a magical time, believe me!
But before we dive into the dance, let's take a look at what makes this time so special for the world of the tutu. You see, the 80's brought a whole new energy to the classic ballet tutu. Gone were the simple, rigid lines of earlier decades; in came big, voluminous designs that echoed the exuberance of the time. Picture large, feathered headdresses, brightly coloured tutus, and more sequins than you could shake a stick at!
This bold shift in style wasn't just on stage; it permeated everyday life, with young girls wanting to channel their inner ballerinas with their very own sparkly, pink tutus! Now, we may not have had TikTok or Instagram to show us how the pros did it, but that just meant there was even more room for creativity.
You wouldn't believe the amazing tutus I found in vintage stores, a riot of colour and glitter! Some are even in my collection, awaiting a perfect opportunity for their big stage return. It's a joy to see how these designs, crafted by incredibly skilled seamstresses, can truly be considered pieces of wearable art!
But back to my 29th December experience. The show I attended was none other than "The Nutcracker" at the New York City Ballet! Imagine my delight - a festive ballet that oozed with joy and magic! It was simply enchanting! From the swirling snowflakes to the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy, the entire performance left me absolutely spellbound. And the costumes - they were truly dazzling! The delicate snow-white tutus with their shimmering crystals perfectly captured the magic of the season!
Of course, I spent the rest of my trip trying to emulate the Sugar Plum Fairy's style! I treated myself to a dazzling new tutu in a fabulous pink colour! A blush-toned confection that wouldn't look out of place at a high-society soirée! And what's a ballet outfit without the perfect accessory? Why, a head-turning feathered headband, naturally!
My stay in New York City wouldn't be complete without a bit of retail therapy. A walk through the streets of Manhattan was a whirlwind of exciting new fashion! I discovered boutiques crammed full of exquisite tutus, dazzling fabrics, and shimmering sequins, enough to set my creative mind in overdrive!
Remember, tutus are not just for ballerinas. The spirit of the tutu, of joy, creativity and free-flowing movement, is something that we can all embrace! Whether you're at a ballet performance, having a girly afternoon tea, or simply twirling in your bedroom, don't be afraid to let your inner ballerina shine! Embrace the whimsy, the wonder, and most importantly, the FUN!
Speaking of fun, I have a wonderful idea for you! Let's bring the '80s tutu spirit to our lives with a "Pink Tutu Party"! Imagine a gathering filled with friends, colourful drinks, and fabulous pink tutus. We could dance, laugh, and share our love for this wonderful piece of dancewear! I know it would be a smashing time!
So, tell me, dear tutu-lovers! Have you ever experienced the magic of a vintage tutu? Share your stories with me, and let's continue to spread the joy of this incredible dance garment!
Stay fabulous, stay pink, and keep twirling!
Until next week!
Love, Emma x
P.S: Don't forget to join our "Pink Tutu Club" on www.pink-tutu.com! We have exciting events and activities planned, so join in the fun and spread the love for tutus!
