#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1982-11-23

Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another dip into the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! I've just popped back from a quick jaunt in the time machine – and let me tell you, the 1980s are pretty fantastic for a tutu-lover! The vibrant energy, the big hair, the colourful fashions – it's simply divine.

Today we're stepping back to November 23rd, 1982. A time when leg warmers were practically a uniform, Madonna was queen, and Grease was still fresh in everyone's mind. It's a time where the tutu continued its dazzling evolution, pushing the boundaries of what was possible – just as my lovely little pink tutu always does for me! 😉

Remember those big, frilly tutus from the romantic ballets? They were definitely having their moment in the sun. Imagine, for example, the ethereal tulle swirling and billowing as the famous ballerina Margot Fonteyn took the stage. Simply divine! And Natalia Makarova, oh she was a true firecracker on the dance floor in a classic tutu – she moved like a bird in flight, such elegant freedom!

However, it wasn’t all about those classical tutus, darling! 1982 saw a move towards more innovative styles and designs. You see, ballets were being challenged in this era – it was a time of experimental ideas. And, well, who can argue with experimenting when tutus are involved?! Some tutus became a statement piece in themselves. They played with textures, with layering, even incorporated colour and prints, breaking free from the tradition, all while keeping that beautiful, feminine elegance!

Remember my earlier rambles about the gloriousness of the 80s? Well, I had to visit a wonderful vintage shop today – tucked away on a side street in New York City, of course!

This shop was a vintage paradise, and I stumbled upon something absolutely splendid: a tutu made from brightly coloured ribbon – it would look sensational in a photo! I simply had to grab a few pictures of it with my trusty camera – the shop assistant actually gasped when I spun in my little pink tutu – she must have realised my passion! 😉

Of course, we have to give credit where credit's due – those fashion icons of the time certainly knew how to create a statement! Think Madonna in a glorious tutu, or Cyndi Lauper in a bright pink, ultra-layered concoction, or even Debbie Harry in her effortless cool-girl tutu ensemble! These beauties took tutus from the stage to the streets – and that’s what makes it so incredibly fabulous. It just proves the magic of the tutu isn't limited to a dance stage, dear reader! It's versatile and bold and, well, truly inspiring!

As you know, I’m a Derbyshire girl through and through, and although we're in a new era here in 1982, Derbyshire is as charming as ever. You can find some amazing antique shops hidden in little alleyways that would make a tutu-lover’s heart flutter! I found the most charming shop just yesterday – the owner had this gorgeous collection of antique photographs – and some of them actually featured ballets, which made my heart skip a beat. One even featured the beautiful ballerina Anna Pavlova - what a true icon! It’s simply incredible how far we’ve come, seeing how far tutu history reaches!

Speaking of reaching, remember the thrilling journey of travelling by train in the 1980s?! I am just loving the vintage train rides! The clickety-clack of the train, the cosy warmth of the carriage, the beautiful view as I glide past quaint countryside, the soft chatter around me. All of these elements combine to make it the most delightful travel experience! It’s a little slower paced, which allows me time to really appreciate the journey. It's simply so much more poetic than whizzing through time on the modern trains!

And, my lovelies, you simply cannot ignore the fabulous fashion I've spotted in Derbyshire! Think of these chic shops nestled in charming towns with colourful shops boasting everything from tweed jackets to a new-era 80s look – full of vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and eye-catching silhouettes! Just last week, I spotted a lovely store with this beautiful collection of scarves - some of them with vibrant polka dots - I snagged a beautiful floral one! The shop owner was a darling and she gave me a tip about the perfect place to get my tutu re-stitched! Just you wait and see, I will be rocking my tutu to every local tea party!

Alright, I have to ask, have you put on your own fabulous tutu today, dear reader? Don't be shy! Embrace the fun and froth!

Remember, it’s not about whether you’re a professional dancer, or have danced a day in your life, it's about that feeling – that little twinkle in your eyes when you spin in a fluffy, magical tutu! Because it doesn't just make you feel like you’re on stage; it lets you channel the magic, the joy, and the freedom of a world that’s so beautifully whimsical, just like me in my own lovely pink tutu!

So, here’s to you! Put on your own favourite tutu and go for a whirl around your neighbourhood. Maybe a little spin under the autumn sun while singing a catchy tune! Because we deserve a little touch of whimsy every day, don’t you think? 😉

Stay beautiful, and remember – Tutu Tuesday will be back next week, with more history, fashion and oh, yes, some delightful pictures too! 💖

Yours in tutu,

Emma x

www.pink-tutu.com