Greetings, dear fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your time-travelling fashionista and tutu aficionado, reporting live from the heart of ballet-loving Britain! Today marks the return of my beloved #TutuTuesday series, and this week I'm stepping back in time to 6th July 1982 - a date ripe with tutu-licious happenings!
Now, while you're settling into your favourite comfy chair with a cuppa (perhaps adorned with a dainty tutu-shaped biscuit, eh?), allow me to whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of the fashion scene of this era.
Remember those wonderful, glamorous 80s? They were a period of vibrant colour, bold shapes, and oh-my-gosh-the-shoulder pads! But let's be honest, darling, the star of the show? It was, of course, the tutu!
1982 was the year that the world truly fell in love with the "Romantic" tutu, you see. Imagine shimmering silk tulle, flowing effortlessly and delicately, catching the light in an explosion of pink and blush hues - sheer elegance at its finest! It's a style that perfectly captured the spirit of the times, echoing the freedom and joy that danced through the air (pun intended, of course!) Think of Margot Fonteyn in her glory days, a true goddess in tulle, grace personified. Now that's my kind of inspiration, wouldn't you say?
Speaking of inspiration, I was simply mesmerized by the world premiere of "The Dream of the Red Chamber" on July 6th, 1982! This ballet adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, presented by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, was absolutely dazzling! Imagine an extravaganza of rich costumes, spectacular sets, and of course, absolutely stunning tutus, both in the classical and more contemporary style!
Of course, no trip back in time is complete without a delightful spot of shopping! Luckily, 1982 offered a whole plethora of fantastic options for the tutu enthusiast. "The Dancewear Company", nestled on London's Marylebone High Street, was the go-to spot for ballet supplies and, you guessed it, tutus! Their elegant designs in a symphony of pinks and peaches, with delicate embroidery and stunning lace trims, simply made my heart sing! It was like stepping into a ballerina's dream!
And, oh darling, can we talk about the Royal Ballet's performance of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House?! You see, the story goes that I simply had to pop down to see it! The beauty of the choreography, the powerful story of the Swan Queen, and of course, those breathtaking white tutus, spun like shimmering waves, just made my spirit soar. There is simply no better feeling than being caught up in the magic of a live performance!
Now, while we are all enthralled with these iconic tutus, let's not forget the practicalities! After all, every ballerina needs a little tutu magic in their daily routine, wouldn't you say? Thankfully, in 1982, several brands catered to the everyday ballerina. Capezio, with their "Fantasia" line of leotards and tutus, were a popular choice, offering beautiful colours, functional designs, and comfortable materials. They knew how to keep ballerinas happy and ready to dance!
As the sun sets on our trip back to 1982, I bid you farewell for this week, darlings! Remember, embracing your inner ballerina isn't just about dancing in the spotlight, it's about finding joy and elegance in every step of life. So, whether you're swirling in a romantic tulle skirt, sipping your afternoon tea, or simply enjoying the beauty of a perfectly worn pair of ballet shoes, always remember the power of the tutu - it's a reminder to embrace the beauty and wonder within. Until next week, keep your tutus twirling, my darlings!
Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu-licious adventures!
Lots of love, Emma
(PS: If you find yourself in Derbyshire, be sure to stop by my little tea shop for a slice of homemade cake - always with a side of tutu-tastic gossip, of course! )
