Helloooo fellow tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things pink and twirly! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado, and I'm delighted to welcome you to post number 7920 of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week we're whisking ourselves back in time, my dears, all the way to the 11th of October 1983! Now grab your favourite cuppa, put on your most comfortable pair of ballet shoes, and settle in for a little trip down memory lane with me!
Today's date, you see, holds a very special place in my heart. It was the day that the legendary ballet company, The Royal Ballet, opened its doors to the world of The Sleeping Beauty. And that, my lovelies, was a spectacle like no other!
You know how much I adore the theatre. The air is electric, the anticipation crackles, the costumes...well, the costumes are practically another character on stage. But this night in particular? The beauty of The Sleeping Beauty left me breathless. Princess Aurora's tutu, crafted with a delicate netting and exquisite embroidery, literally floated across the stage, a dream brought to life. You could just feel the enchantment, the fairy dust settling on the audience, everyone under a spell. It was simply magical.
The show was held at the glorious Royal Opera House, right here in London. The perfect place for such a grand affair. The red plush seats, the twinkling chandeliers, the buzz of excitement - all contributing to a magnificent ballet experience. I confess, I had to stop myself from sneaking backstage to marvel at the tutus close up! But honestly, they were so breathtaking I didn't need to!
Speaking of The Sleeping Beauty and The Royal Ballet, we must give a shout-out to the phenomenal Rudolf Nureyev. The man, the myth, the legend! He'd just joined the company back in 1983 and was dancing as Prince Florimund - absolutely electrifying! I swear I felt my heart flutter with every pirouette. You see, ladies, some things just don't age, do they? The magic of ballet is as timeless as it gets!
Now, of course, we can't forget about the fashion! The early '80s, my dears, were a time of vibrant colours and bold looks. In those days, ballet didn't just stop at the stage. Off-stage, it was a whole other scene. It was all about classic pieces like A-line dresses in a rainbow of colours. I recall a particularly striking shade of lavender that was simply irresistible! Of course, a touch of sequins here, a sprinkle of feathers there, all combined with the inevitable tights for a touch of ballerina magic. The '80s were a decade for expressing yourself, and it was absolutely infectious!
Now, wouldn't it be lovely to rewind the clock and see what fashion magazines were showcasing back then? I bet we'd find articles about the latest tutu designs, ballet-inspired clothing lines, and maybe even an interview with a budding young ballerina!
My adventures in time travel mean I'm lucky enough to experience fashion history up close. This week I've been scouring the vintage shops for those oh-so glamourous 80s pieces! Remember Laura Ashley? Their floral prints were all the rage back then. So whimsical and charming. Now, a puff-sleeved floral dress with a matching pink tutu - that would be the perfect outfit for a stroll in the park, don't you think? It's all about bringing back the vintage magic and mixing it with our own modern-day flair.
Speaking of modern magic, my friends, let's not forget how exciting this week is! It's not just The Sleeping Beauty, we have ballet events all over the globe! There are performances, workshops, and even gala events to celebrate the art of ballet. You can feel the passion and energy buzzing in the air, wouldn't you say?
And that brings us back to my dearest wish: for all of you to join the tutu revolution! Pick out a pretty pink one, grab your dancing shoes, and embrace the magic. Let's spread the love for ballet wherever we go! And don't forget to share your photos with me, using #PinkTutu I just adore seeing you lovely lot in your tutus.
Until next time, remember: "To dance is to live!"
Your loving, twirling, Pink Tutu blogger, Emma 🩰💕
