#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1983-09-06

Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-clad time traveler, here to take you on another journey through the history of ballet and its wonderful world of tutus. This week, we’re whizzing back to September 6th, 1983.

My trip started as usual with a delicious cream tea in Derbyshire before boarding a steam train - they just ooze elegance, don’t they? A bit like a ballet performance itself.

When I landed in London, it felt positively electric! You see, 1983 was a time when big hair and shoulder pads ruled the fashion scene, and this particular Tuesday felt buzzing with a whole other kind of energy: the magic of the ballet!

Now, 1983 saw a big movement in ballet – something that had its roots in the past but was evolving and really blossoming – the creation of “contemporary ballet”.

I remember stepping out into London’s buzzing heart, the scent of lavender perfume wafting in the air and the sound of city chatter like a melodic symphony.

Right across town, tucked away in Covent Garden, was the Royal Opera House. It was there I spotted the captivating posters advertising "The Nutcracker," an enduring favourite even today. That evening, a production of "The Rite of Spring" by Pina Bausch, an incredibly influential contemporary dancer, choreographer, and director, was on the stage.

Bausch, with her revolutionary approach, revolutionised how we see and understand the art form of dance. She blended elements of traditional ballet with other disciplines, like theater, dance, and visual arts. Imagine the magic of ballet combined with the expressive depth of theatre, all culminating in a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Now that's a powerful dance combo!

Bausch’s "The Rite of Spring" showcased just how far contemporary dance could go. The costumes for that show, designed by Bausch, featured the most wonderfully unique blend of elegance and contemporary designs. Think bold colours, dynamic textures, and flowing silhouettes – a complete departure from the traditional tutu. While tutus were the focus for the evening in the "The Nutcracker" with their graceful, billowing layers and charming adornments.

Stepping inside the grand opera house, I was awash with the sheer magic of ballet: the flickering chandeliers casting a shimmering glow, the anticipation buzzing in the air. It was a breathtaking scene! The ballet was a whirlwind of passion and expression, and each dancer seemed to dance with a fierceness, beauty, and emotion unlike anything I’d ever seen. It made me realise that in 1983, contemporary ballet was entering its golden age!

Bausch and her style weren't the only revolution taking the dance world by storm. I went on to see another fantastic production that night - “Dangerous Liaisons,” inspired by the French novel and 1988 film of the same name. Now that was an impressive production! The sets, costumes, and choreography were simply stunning, and the performances were exquisite, filled with sensuality and drama. Talk about passionate!

It really struck me how far ballet was evolving – incorporating modern music, dramatic storytelling, and bold expressions of emotion into every graceful step and passionate gesture.

The evening culminated in a dazzling night at the theatre and ended with a grand feast, enjoying some fabulous London nightlife and soaking up the electrifying atmosphere of this historical landmark year for ballet! I truly loved exploring all the diverse fashion that was buzzing through London. I mean, I just HAD to visit Liberty! And Harrods of course, and find all the new looks, try them on, and enjoy the feeling of a classic Parisian café and the excitement of seeing vintage clothes I'd never seen before!

Back at the London Underground station, I could see that this year marked a pivotal time for ballet! It wasn't just about the graceful leaps and pirouettes. It was about pushing boundaries, experimenting with styles, and telling incredible stories through dance. Ballet in 1983 wasn’t just art - it was an entire universe unfolding before my very eyes.

If there’s one thing I took away from this trip, it's this – never underestimate the power of dance to transcend the boundaries of time, place, and style! As I bid farewell to this 1980s era of daring dance, I was buzzing with a renewed sense of passion for this elegant art form, more confident in my pink tutu than ever!

And speaking of tutus, did you know that ballet is considered an incredibly impactful and positive art form for girls, encouraging not just strength and beauty but fostering their passion for life and creativity?! Every single graceful turn and twirl, every leaps, bounds, and dramatic pose sends the message that there's so much out there waiting for girls to discover and accomplish. This really is something to be inspired by, and as always I say, don't be shy! It’s all about getting into that lovely twirling mood, putting on that fabulous pink tutu, and showing the world the amazing power of ballet! Let's spread the love of tutus and twirls, shall we? Don’t forget, I'm Emma from the website www.pink-tutu.com. Join me every Tuesday, as we journey through time, revealing the most captivating stories about ballet tutus, their history and, above all, their amazing magic!

Let me know your favourite part of the blog post, lovely ladies, and be sure to visit us next week on www.pink-tutu.com for a captivating peek into more ballet tutu history! Remember: Pink tutus rock and ballet makes the world go round!