Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things tutu are celebrated! It's #TutuTuesday and that means it's time to take a whirl through time with your favourite pink-clad historian. This week, we're zipping back to 1983 â get your leg warmers and neon leggins ready!
This Tuesday is a particularly exciting one for us because August 30th 1983 marked the opening night of a legendary ballet, âThe Nutcrackerâ at the New York City Ballet! Can you believe it? I've seen that production many times, even danced a bit of Clara myself once (though itâs fair to say my brother had a bit more stage presence, bless him!) It really is something magical. But I know some of you are thinking, "Emma, how are we celebrating 1983 with The Nutcracker? Doesn't that go way back?"
Well, you see, darling, whilst The Nutcracker had its first performance back in 1892, it really hit its stride in the 80s. It was like ballet's equivalent of a chart-topper! Think âThrillerâ or "Bohemian Rhapsody" â iconic! This year, the New York City Ballet was bursting with talented ballerinas like the incredible Kay Mazzo, showcasing the artistry of the legendary choreographer, George Balanchine, whose influence on dance remains huge today. George's choreography was fresh and playful, like a summer breeze, and that's why, despite being a classic, âThe Nutcrackerâ continues to enchant audiences â and even inspire our tutus today!
Now, talking of tutus⊠1983 wasn't just a year for breathtaking ballet. It was the decade where the tutu became an everyday outfit! From Madonna with her bold choices to the colourful leggings and headbands of the aerobics craze, it seemed everyone was taking inspiration from the graceful elegance of the dance. This, darling, was the decade that truly made tutus popular in our culture. No longer confined to the stage, the tutu became an expression of freedom, individuality, and pure, unadulterated fun. I mean, who can deny the charm of a swirling, romantic pink tutu under a sunny sky?
And this brings us to another reason to adore 1983. The tutu of this era was daringly different! The classic Romantic ballerina tutus we're used to, the fluffy ones, were definitely still around. But there was a new breed on the scene â think a splash of colour, more structure, a little less frills and a lot more "look-at-me." These tutus were often boldly layered with fabric, adorned with sequins, or sporting those fabulous asymmetrical designs that *made heads turn! It was an explosion of creativity, my dears, a dance floor of colour and form and oh how I adored them all!
Think Catherine Zeta-Jones in Chicago but 10 years earlier! Think Princess Diana, that woman was the queen of royal pink tulle! Imagine her in a swirling tutu - simply divine! Or maybe you think of Flashdance, and the irresistible energy that swept the world back then. 1983, and those fantastic tutus were at the heart of it all!
Speaking of irresistible energy, don't you just feel electric when you step into a vintage tutu? They carry with them the whispers of stories told and memories made. When you wear them, itâs as though you step into another time. A time when a tutu didnât just make you look divine but made you feel it too â daring, expressive, bold and absolutely utterly yourself!
Now, it's no secret that my life's work is to get the whole world wearing a pink tutu! Well, perhaps that is just a tad ambitious, darling, but my dream is for you to wear a tutu and feel empowered - that is all! So as we continue to travel through time together on our tutu adventures, keep that 80s inspiration close. Dare to be bold! Be free, embrace colour, dance your heart out, and let that tutu be the canvas for your individual creativity. Because, just as with the tutus of the 80s, a tutu is not just a garment. It is an expression. A symbol. And ultimately, a statement.
What was your favourite thing about this post? Is there a tutu that made you think of 1983? Do share your memories in the comments below. Until next Tuesday, when we go exploring the wonders of another decade, donât forget to put on a pink tutu and rock the world. And if you havenât been to my shop Pink Tutu Emporium then please go visit. We have tutus galore to fulfil all your twirling needs!
See you next Tuesday, and remember⊠Embrace the pink!
Yours in tutus,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #80sfashion #TutusOfTheWorld #TheNutcracker
