Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog! It’s your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another fantastic journey through ballet history! 💖
Today’s trip is a special one, folks. We're going to shimmy back to February 15th, 1983 – a year when leg warmers were as much a part of the outfit as a tutu, and big hair was truly everything. Imagine it! Big, bright colours, shimmering sequins, and the kind of energy that only the 80s could bring! 💫
Now, I have a confession. For all my love of the glorious tutus of yesteryear, 1983 was a bit of a "before my time" kind of year! But that’s the beauty of time travel – even the dates before my time come alive with the stories behind those fantastic tutus.
So, what’s so special about February 15th, 1983? Well, let me tell you – it was a whirlwind of ballerinas, fashion, and an epic event at the Royal Opera House, no less! 👑
Picture this: a magical evening at Covent Garden, where the Royal Ballet is about to unleash a showstopper of a performance. The air crackles with anticipation! Tonight is the premiere of The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by the legendary Frederick Ashton – think graceful leaps, shimmering sets, and enough pink to rival my favourite tutu collection! 💖
For a true ballet enthusiast like me, this performance is like finding the most fabulous vintage tutu in a hidden Parisian attic! I mean, who could resist seeing such a timeless classic come alive on stage?
Of course, what’s a #TutuTuesday post without some juicy details about the actual costumes? Well, let’s just say, The Sleeping Beauty of 1983 was a sartorial masterpiece. 🧵 Think exquisitely crafted tutus in flowing fabrics, embellished with breathtaking detail. The costumes for the Lilac Fairy, played by the divine Lesley Collier, were the stuff of tutu-wearing dreams – the perfect blend of delicate floral motifs, dreamy lavender shades, and enough glitter to light up the entire stage! ✨
Speaking of the 80s, let's not forget those iconic leg warmers, shall we? Paired with the tutus and pointe shoes, they gave the dancers an added touch of vibrant style. I may have to add a pair to my wardrobe.
I have a little confession: when I’m not time-traveling (and I promise you, it's a constant battle between me and my overstuffed suitcase!), I find myself drawn to the tutus of this era. The romanticism of them, the way they flutter and flow, and the way they transport me to a bygone era… it's truly magic! 🪄
Now, here's a little something to spark your curiosity about this time. On that very same day, in 1983, there was also a performance of the timeless ballet Swan Lake! Now, I don't need to tell you about Swan Lake – it’s practically a ballet institution! Imagine, having the choice between The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake in the same night? A tutu lover's dream, right?! ✨
Did you know, I actually snagged a vintage Swan Lake tutu a while back? The whole tulle thing is a little worn, and the fabric has that unique softness you only find with years of loving care, but it still transports me back to that time and I just have to keep it tucked away in my collection. 🥰
To finish off our trip back to 1983, let's talk a little about how I found out all this information – a lovely bit of detective work that requires me to channel my inner Sherlock Holmes (with a pink tutu, of course!). My trusty guide for today was a trip to the wonderful archive of the Royal Opera House, filled with precious details on the performers, performances, and all those beautiful costumes.
The good thing about those wonderful archives is, if I do find a costume piece that calls to me, I can even go and try it on! Now wouldn’t that make for some fantastic #TutuTuesday material? Imagine! Emma, in a 1983 Sleeping Beauty tutu – maybe I’ll find time to make that happen in the future!
Before I go, I must say a special hello to all you fellow ballet lovers who are taking their own tutu-inspired journeys through time! It fills my heart with such joy knowing I’m not alone in my obsession with this wonderful world of tutus. 💖
So, if you’re looking for more fabulous ballet history to share with your family or to make your friends green with envy (but, not before sharing a few of my gorgeous tutus with them!), feel free to share this post or your own favourite memories on my blog’s comment section!
That's all for this week! Stay beautiful and keep dancing! 💃
Yours in pink, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
