#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1983-09-20

Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and the only thing more magical than a twirl is a trip through time. It's #TutuTuesday, and you know what that means – another fantastical journey through the captivating world of ballet tutus! This week, I’m taking us right back to September 20th, 1983. Buckle up, darlings, because we’re about to shimmy back to the 80s.

Now, if you’re wondering why this particular date, I’ll tell you! September 20th, 1983, was the day the world witnessed a glorious ballet performance in [Insert name of a well-known ballet company in a city that was known for its ballet in the 1980s, such as the Royal Ballet in London, New York City Ballet in New York, or a European ballet company]. Can you imagine? To think, I actually went back to that day, slipped on my fluffiest pink tutu and danced right alongside those incredible performers! Oh, how I longed to tell everyone to pop a pink tutu on and twirl with me. (Perhaps I can persuade them when I’m back in my own time – just imagine the spectacle!)

Speaking of pink tutus, did you know that in 1983, they weren't quite as prevalent as they are now? Don’t get me wrong, they were definitely around! Think bold hues like fuchsia, shocking pink, and bubblegum, perfect for showcasing the vibrancy and confidence of the 80s. And yes, of course, we had plenty of pastel pink too, with the elegant lines of a ballerina’s form perfectly emphasized in shades like blush and rose quartz. There’s truly nothing quite like a ballerina bathed in a warm light, her pink tutu shimmering. You could just feel the magic radiating! It's so funny to think of how far the pink tutu trend has come!

So, how did our beloved tutus reach the glorious state they're in today? Let’s embark on a mini history lesson!

The tutu's story starts centuries ago, evolving with fashion throughout history. Remember when women had so many layers? Imagine a time when ballerinas weren’t the sleek goddesses we see now, but were hidden under layers of petticoats, corseted into stiff gowns! Thank goodness we've come a long way, darlings!

From the mid-19th century onwards, the tutu transformed! It morphed into what we know today, a garment made for fluidity, grace, and showing off those gorgeous legs! This is all thanks to a very special someone - the innovative dancer and choreographer, Marius Petipa! Oh, what a trailblazer he was! He wanted ballerinas to move more freely, more naturally, and thus the traditional long, romantic tutu was transformed into the much shorter and practical version! Petipa, you really are a hero!

The ballet world’s fascination with the tutu only continued! Remember when tutu trends started to shift even more? I can almost smell the vintage perfumes of that era! It’s like when tutus, those wispy, floaty delights, started being made in various different lengths. Suddenly, we weren't just limited to the full-length, dreamy tutus! Remember the romantic style tutus - long, fluffy, and oh-so-dramatic, making the ballerina feel like she's floating on clouds? It’s a look we still adore today! Then there was the whimsical tutu. Think about it! It was made shorter, it was all about expressing the pure, joyful beauty of movement, highlighting those fabulous pirouettes and fouetté's! This type of tutu became a game changer. And of course, there’s also the sleek and structured tutu, designed for those graceful lines, elegant positions and perfect for those dazzling leaps and powerful extensions.

But we must continue! On my adventures, I’ve explored tutus through many eras! It was incredible to see the tutus from the Romantic period, like floating clouds in ethereal fabrics. They were beautiful, with their soft lines, so light and dreamy, and a ballerina wearing a romantic tutu was practically angelic! I’ve witnessed the transition to tutus in the early 1900s! Do you remember that beautiful French tutu style from that era? Made with multiple layers, with some added ornamentation and intricate lace, the tutus of the 1900s really looked fabulous. Oh, and speaking of trends, the famous tutu made by [Insert the name of a famous costume designer who is well known for tutus and who would have worked during the 1980s] – it's an absolute marvel! Just exquisite craftsmanship!

Don't forget those stunning and glamorous costumes! Imagine a ballerina waltzing in a lavish costume from the 1930s, made from velvet and silk! Think luxurious layers! It would just blow you away!

And then, of course, the 1940s! Think strong lines, flowing fabrics, bold colours and a little bit of flair in the form of strategically placed jewels. These designs really helped highlight a ballerina’s graceful form. But it's a style I really have to applaud because these costumes, while being oh so beautiful, really put the dancer at the center of attention - exactly where they should be!

We must acknowledge the amazing, bold, expressive designs of the 1960s! We’re talking abstract, revolutionary styles! Now, imagine, you have all these stunning costumes, paired with those amazing tutus and the ballet is more exciting than ever. A real treat! But even with this, there was a kind of return to simpler beauty in the 1970s – elegant designs with flowy movement. Just a little softer. It's wonderful to think that despite all of the changes, tutus have always reflected a ballet dancer’s strength and grace.

I can’t believe how many tutus and costumes I’ve seen over time! Oh, what a treat to discover just how these incredible designs evolved, changed with the trends, and yet always preserved a kind of core of elegance, grace and expressive beauty! I am so happy to be back home in Derbyshire, it's definitely been an adventure! And remember, darling, this is only the start! We still have a lot more history to discover in the years to come, tutus of all shapes and colours, all with fascinating stories to tell. Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s #TutuTuesday where we’ll be hopping to another magical date and discovering what incredible ballet history we’ll encounter. I’ll be off shopping, picking up the best pink tutu in the entire universe! And don't forget to join me next week – we've got a whole lot of tutus to uncover! Until then, darlings! Keep twirling and never forget – you look stunning in pink!

Yours always,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com