Hey darlings, it’s Emma from your favourite pink tutu wearing ballet blog, www.pink-tutu.com, where it’s always Tutu Tuesday! 🩰💖
Today, we’re taking a time-traveling trip back to 18th May, 1982. I popped over on the Orient Express for a spot of vintage ballet viewing, and boy, let me tell you, this era had its own unique brand of fabulous!
This week’s trip was especially interesting, as this day saw the Royal Ballet perform a classic “Giselle”, which, rumour has it, is what I was born to watch! 💖 (Sorry mum!) It took place at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - now there’s a place that never gets old!
Let's talk about those costumes! In the early 1980s, tutus were taking a definite step towards a more fluid, sculpted look. They weren’t as bulky and cumbersome as the ones in the 1960s and 1970s - think a more natural movement with less structured fabric! You might even find a splash of bright colours and patterns sneaking their way into the tutu scene - not all traditional white like today, that’s for sure! You could say it was an age of bold experimentation when it came to ballerinas’ stagewear, and it was certainly très chic.
What made this “Giselle” particularly interesting were the* vibrant costumes. The romantic tutus for the Act I *“Wilis”, in a symphony of light pastel pinks and blues, evoked a truly magical feel. And, wouldn't you know it, a bit of shimmer, as if the stage itself were dusting the costumes with stardust. Those Wilis were the true embodiment of grace and beauty, twirling on stage in that dreamy fashion! The stage had a definite “soft but dramatic” air - definitely something I would happily wear myself. 💖
Beyond Ballet:
My trip back to the 1980s wouldn't be complete without a detour through the fashion scene! 💅👠 You all know I'm a huge fan of vintage styles, and the early 80s had its own particular flare! Big hair, bright colours, and a love for all things frilly made for a totally different fashion scene! Remember leg warmers? (They made a comeback for a reason!) I could get used to that whole decade aesthetic in a heartbeat!
If you’re looking for some fashion inspo, look no further than your own home! Just dig through your attic - I bet you'll find something fantastic that could easily be turned into a chic outfit. After all, some of the best style statements come from a touch of retro! 💖
I had to pop into the* "Biba"* department store! Now that's a blast from the past! If you remember that name, then you were lucky to shop there in those heady days of 1960s fashion and design. Biba went on to sell fashion with an edgy flair throughout the decade and even ventured into the more theatrical world of theatrical costumes with a splash of 1970s extravagance and design. That was their speciality!
The Travel and The Tutu
And what’s a trip back in time without a little travel talk? It might not be in a flying DeLorean, but let's talk about train journeys. I boarded the Orient Express and travelled through those winding countryside routes that always give me a delightful twirl! The plush leather seats and the rattle of the carriage were simply magical, just the setting I needed to daydream about past and future dance performances! I even brought a few sketches along for the journey, and maybe, just maybe, a little something for the upcoming pink-tutu line. Who knows? I might be releasing some vintage style tutus for my #pinktutu fashion line... keep an eye out for my next blog. It might involve more pink-tutu-inspired vintage fashion! 💖
Speaking of journeys, don’t forget your own, to a ballet performance this week! Make sure you go in full pink tutu mode. This way, you're celebrating dance - whether on stage or simply watching from the audience! You are part of the magic. Because, let's face it, ballet isn't just a show; it's an emotion! 💕
Don’t forget, ladies (and gents, we know you're out there!), keep your #TutuTuesday photos coming in! Let me see you twirling your way through this week with your own version of the pink-tutu spirit! I can't wait to see what your tutu-fabulous ensembles look like! Keep twirling! 💖
With a swish and a twirl,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
