Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, tutu lovers! Today is Tuesday, which means it's #TutuTuesday, and it's time for a blast from the past, travelling back to 1984-01-03 to explore the world of ballet tutus. I’m Emma, your very own time-travelling tutu enthusiast, bringing you all the latest (or should I say "oldest") news from the fabulous world of dance! And guess what? I just know you're going to love this one. It's a journey of neon brights, leg warmers, and...wait for it... shoulder pads! Yep, it's time to delve into the fab 80s! 💅
Remember to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com - you can catch my latest adventures and maybe even find a little inspiration for your own pink tutu wardrobe! This blog is post number 7932. Can you believe it?! I've been posting since, well, before you were born. It’s amazing!
But I digress… let’s get back to 1984 and those glorious 80s tutus! I know what you’re thinking: weren't 80s fashion and dance pretty crazy? And the answer, my lovely dancers, is a resounding YES! The 80s were all about bold statements, vibrant colours, and, of course, lots and lots of sparkle! Let's face it, even the tutus were not shy to show off their glamour.
Today I found myself waltzing through the streets of… (Where am I, you ask?) Paris! Oh la la! How chic, wouldn't you agree? It seems to me that in the early 1980s, Paris was definitely the place to be! All the major fashion designers were strutting their stuff and there was such a buzz in the air, not just in fashion but in the world of dance, too. What a treat to catch the ballet.
Speaking of ballets, did you know that 1984-01-03 saw a revival of “The Sleeping Beauty" by Rudolf Nureyev, with the London Festival Ballet performing in Covent Garden?. Can you imagine?! It was pure enchantment! It’s probably not as iconic as Swan Lake or Giselle, but, my dears, just try not to get swept away by the romantic storyline of this gorgeous tale, which sees the magical awakening of Princess Aurora, after being cursed into an endless slumber by the wicked fairy, Carabosse! The costumes! I’d love to get my hands on one of those beautiful, diaphanous tutus. Just gorgeous. And you know I've always been a bit of a sucker for dramatic storytelling – that whole princess thing… sigh!
Speaking of dreamy and ethereal, can we talk tutus? Remember those layered, billowing tutus from the 70s, designed for balletic fluidity and graceful leaps? Well, 1984 was all about giving those beauties a fresh new spin! Designers took a page out of the glam-rock book, adding bold neon colours, sparkling fabrics, and maybe just a touch more tulle than before. And the result? Tutus that literally danced under the stage lights! Imagine yourself, shimmering in your bright pink tutu (because pink is simply always the best, darling!), spinning across the stage under a spotlight that catches every sparkling detail. That’s the dream, right?!
But let’s not forget the other essential element of an 80s ballet dancer's look. You simply can't have an 80s tutu moment without some leg warmers. I’ve tried to resist this one, trust me! But I’m going to confess: even I have succumbed to the siren song of those furry, fluffy leg warmers. Why? Well, who could resist that hint of vintage chic they bring?
As you probably know, back in the day, leg warmers were about practicality too – keeping dancers warm between rehearsals and performances. And as we enter the season for crisp winter days and even colder nights, even my little Derbyshire heart understands that a little bit of practicality is never a bad thing, even for the most stylish tutu wearer. But don't think for a minute that they don't work just as well on a warm stage!
Then, of course, let's talk about shoulder pads. Okay, I have to admit, I am not a shoulder pad aficionado. There are just some things we don't need to bring back, lovelies. They certainly were huge, even on the ballet dancers! But remember this: 1984, was, of course, the era of "Dynasty" and big, big hair! Everything, and I mean everything, needed to be as BIG and bold as possible!
Of course, the ballet wasn’t always a bright neon and fluffy explosion. We also had elegant and classically inspired costumes. That’s a big part of what made the 80s so unique: it was an amazing combination of a deep love for traditional classical ballet but also this crazy desire for vibrant and outlandish clothing. You see? It’s the mix and match! And it’s the blend of elegance and wildness that make the 80s a *fabulous time.*
You know, it makes me wonder: where can I get my hands on one of these fantastic tutus? Maybe they’re lurking around in vintage shops, waiting for the perfect tutu aficionado to scoop them up.
And, oh! Did I tell you that I actually got to go to the opera house here in Paris! (Okay, not to see the ballet but to hear some lovely Puccini... "La Bohème" actually!) Now you see, I love all the performance arts – but don’t we all?! It’s in our very being! Anyway, the costumes there were beautiful too!
Now you know why 1984 was a fantastic year to be in love with dance! So, for those of you rocking out in your 80s-inspired tutu today, keep those leg warmers close, rock out that neon pink tutu, and have a dance party! And remember to stay true to your inner tutu girl. Every day is a new day for a dazzling new ballet performance and a beautiful new costume. 💖🩰
Oh, before I forget… Do check out www.pink-tutu.com! I can’t wait to share my next amazing travel story and dance experience! I know just the perfect way to wear a tutu to that next big ballet! Now that’s what I’d call fabulous! Don’t you agree?!
Until next Tuesday… xx 💖🩰
