Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, back from another whirlwind adventure through time, and as always, with a delightful bit of ballet history for your #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're travelling to 1983, a year of feathered bangs and neon colours, and believe me, the tutus were just as vibrant! Today, dear readers, I'm transported to none other than New York City, the heart of American ballet, ready to soak up the electrifying energy and watch the stars shine on stage.
I arrived just in time to see the New York City Ballet's Summer season, and I must say, they were absolutely slaying the dance floor with their incredible choreography. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air, everyone buzzing about the upcoming premiere of Balanchine's Symphony in C. A must-see! I absolutely adore Balanchine's style, the pure classical movement, the crispness and the undeniable power. It's the ultimate expression of the beauty of the ballet form, and 1983's New Yorkers were lapping it up!
Now, before we talk tutus, I must confess: the fashion scene in 1983 was a riot of colour and patterns - think big shoulder pads, leggings paired with oversized sweaters, and those infamous leg warmers! It was a wild time to be alive and fashionable, and thankfully, the ballet scene mirrored that vibrant energy.
But back to the tutus, darlings! In 1983, the romantic tutus were still reigning supreme. Think layers of tulle, flowing lines, and exquisite craftsmanship. But, as always, there was a modern touch - newer fabrics like stretch tulle and synthetic netting were making their way onto the stage, adding more flexibility and movement. You could say they were giving a bit more "oomph" to the pirouettes, a more modern energy to those jumps!
I'm telling you, darlings, seeing these tutus floating in the spotlight, twirling under the stage lights - it truly is an enchanting spectacle. They bring out the little ballerina in us all, wouldn't you say? And let's not forget the sparkly embellishments, delicate sequins and a sprinkling of beading, all catching the light in a delightful fashion. They weren't shy of adding a little "bling" to the tutu!
After the performance, I made my way through the bustling crowds to the ballet's official shop. Let me tell you, it was a little piece of paradise! Filled to the brim with stunning ballet memorabilia, exquisite clothing, and oh-those beautiful ballet shoes! I snagged myself a divine pair of satin slippers, a deep burgundy red with a pearl ribbon. They'll make the perfect addition to my collection, and I'll definitely be rocking them for my next ballet performance back in the future!
But here's the most important thing I took away from 1983's New York ballet scene: Tutus were, and still are, a symbol of grace, strength, and artistry. They are more than just costumes; they are expressions of the human spirit. The sheer beauty of the form, the artistry of the craftsmanship, and the effortless grace they lend to every ballerina - it's magical, simply magical!
So, darlings, until next Tuesday, embrace the inner ballerina within you! Wear that pink tutu with pride, and let your imagination dance freely! Don't forget, I'm always here for your tutu tales and ballet adventures. Share them in the comments below!
And remember, every Tuesday is a celebration of the incredible world of tutus!
Until then, happy twirling!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. Do any of you fabulous followers have any must-see tutu moments in history? I'd love to hear about them! Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday photos with me on Instagram! Let's keep the magic alive, darlings!
P.P.S. *My travel to the past is powered by my performances, and it's a lovely way to fund my tutu shopping spree! *Keep a lookout for my next performance on [insert location/venue details]. And trust me, you don't want to miss out! It's going to be fabulous!
