Bonjour, my lovely tutu-loving friends!
It’s me, Emma, your time-traveling tutu aficionado, back from another whirl through history. And guess what? This week we’re going back to 1984. Now, you might be thinking "1984? Wasn't that the year that we had terrible hair? Leg warmers? Shoulder pads?"
And you'd be right!
But guess what else was HUGE? That's right, TUTUS! And not just your classic, romantic ballerina tutus. We're talking about everything from fluffy, multi-layered tulle explosions to sleek, single-layer dancewear.
This decade saw tutus become truly mainstream, with every shop and high street clothing store overflowing with tutu-inspired outfits. Who remembers those iconic pink, blue, or even black, puffy skirts that all the girls wanted to wear?
But let's rewind a bit...
Let's talk about the history of the tutu. Did you know…
The original tutus, born in the early 1800s, were actually quite practical. They replaced the heavy, flowing skirts of the Romantic ballet era. The first tutus were short, almost like skirts, but made of layers of gauze to allow the dancers greater freedom of movement.
Fast forward to the late 1800s and the "tutu" started to really blossom. Now, this is where things get extra exciting! This period saw the emergence of the "classical" tutu, that dramatic, wide, and stunning layered affair we think of today when we think of tutus!
By the early 1900s, tutus were truly "the" go-to attire for every ballerina, and they even began to transition into fashion. Designers, always looking for inspiration, incorporated elements of the tutu's lightweight grace and romantic lines into their collections. It was all about expressing feminine elegance and a touch of dramatic flair!
And then, boom! 1980s fashion arrived...
This decade was all about volume, and the tutu was perfect for that! The 80s brought on a massive wave of creativity in the dance world.
- Imagine a ballerina wearing a swirling, multi-coloured tutu that's bigger than her body, complete with shoulder pads and neon leg warmers! *
Yes, those iconic images you see on the cover of old fashion magazines and in the movie "Dirty Dancing" represent just how impactful the 80s were on both ballet and everyday style!
So, what did a girl in the 80s actually do with a tutu?
Firstly, we can't forget about ballet. There was an explosion of ballet interest during this time. You had everything from the classic shows at the Royal Opera House, to new dance styles taking the world by storm like modern ballet, with tutus taking a prominent position. There was a real enthusiasm for ballet as a source of both physical and creative inspiration!
However, the 80s also saw the rise of the tutu in street style. Remember leg warmers? Well, guess what? Leg warmers were a super-stylish and a way for the tutu to be worn outside of the dance studio!
The idea of combining classic and modern, the comfortable with the edgy, and the sporty with the theatrical, was at the heart of what made the tutu such a big hit during this era!
Think about it – the tutu, a symbol of dance and grace, was being embraced everywhere. It was an emblem of rebellion, a rejection of traditional norms, a statement about femininity and power.
- Fashion Magazines? You couldn’t flip through Vogue or Elle without seeing some sort of tutu-inspired design on a runway or editorial page.
- Celebrities? We were obsessed with Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and their take on this garment. These pop icons rocked it with their bold outfits that were the perfect blend of sexy and playful.
- Kids? There were literally tutus for everyone. I'm sure your mum still has one in the attic – probably pink or neon pink with white ballet shoes! It was THE must-have outfit for playtime, parties, and even dressing up like princesses.
Let’s bring this back to our Tutu History. I’ve been browsing my time travel records. It seems that January 10, 1984, was a pretty busy day in tutu world!
Firstly, the famous Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London had two performances: the Royal Ballet’s show, which, naturally, featured a plethora of exquisite tutus in all their glory, and a performance by the exciting modern dance troupe, the Martha Graham Dance Company, whose innovative use of modern dance also embraced unique designs, giving a nod to the tutu’s form while emphasizing fluidity and strength.
That night, New York City’s Ballet also hosted a gala. The iconic New York City Ballet, was renowned for its glamorous productions, known for using tutus in their innovative ballet techniques and staging.
But there's more! Imagine this...
Me, Emma, on the train from London to Derby, decked out in my own magnificent pink tutu, ready to visit the grand Derby Theatre, to catch a showing of The Nutcracker! My grandma is going to LOVE to join me! The tutu is not just for ballet performances - the 80s knew how to get creative and embrace the trend for everyday adventures.
That day, there were countless people across the globe, dressed in their favourite tutus, enjoying ballet performances, street fashion, even some daring, innovative fashion shows - I mean, who could resist a pink tutu?
It's fair to say that the 1980s was a glorious decade for the tutu! They became symbols of femininity, creativity, a visual reminder that being fashionable wasn't about adhering to rigid rules.
That’s all for this week’s Tutu Tuesday! Make sure to check back in next week for a trip into another exciting decade! And until then, stay inspired!
Remember: you can embrace your inner ballerina every day, no matter what. And yes, even pink tutus can help you unleash your inner twirling superstar! Let's all spread the tutu love!
Yours in tulle,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
