Hey lovely dancers! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina, back again for another #TutuTuesday. Today we're venturing back in time to the fabulous 20th March, 1984. This week I've been to New York. Can you believe it? I flew on the Concorde. It was a real trip, right? So much glitter, glitz and glamour, I practically felt the diamonds from my jewellery digging into the plush red velvet seats of the plane. Oh my goodness! It's a good thing my pockets are pretty roomy when you are time-travelling. That reminds me, my pockets are a perfect fit for a little pink tulle so that, whatever I'm wearing I always feel a little bit more extra! And speaking of extra, this week's Tutu Tuesday trip is all about 1984!
But before I get into the nitty gritty of the dance world, have you been to London yet? There are such wonderful ballet shows, shopping and fashion. The atmosphere is so decadent. And the shopping, you wouldn't believe it. There are amazing boutiques, such lovely clothes, some truly fabulous dresses with puffed shoulders and leggings galore! I have got to confess that I am absolutely smitten with a bright, hot pink top. Perfect for my pink tutu! I shall take you on a tour around London soon, but I digress.
1984 was such a thrilling year for ballet. In fact, this very date, March 20th, 1984 was filled with exciting ballet events happening across the globe.
Across the Pond
Letās take a trip over to New York where the New York City Ballet were performing Agon at the New York State Theater. Can you imagine how divine the choreography must have been? I simply love it when the movement on the stage is fast, exciting, dynamic and tells a compelling story. I heard a rumour that Jerome Robbins himself was there. Oh I would love to meet him! He's an incredible choreographer! Can you believe the world of ballet can bring you all around the world and connect you with inspiring figures in dance? If that's not magical I don't know what is.
The beauty of ballet is that it takes me all over the world - New York City is so inspiring and I will be sure to make my trip to London and then a train ride from London to see if the Royal Ballet were doing Swan Lake. It's such a classic! I love it! There was even a live broadcast to movie theaters all over the world!
Back in Britain
In London, the Royal Opera House was bustling with a show of La Fille Mal GardƩe with Rudolf Nureyev as Colas. He's truly an icon! Have you seen him in the documentary "Nureyev"? Oh darling it is amazing. It's got everythng - talent, passion, love affairs and drama.
Over in Edinburgh, there was Ballet Scotlandās "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" taking the stage. I just love how ballet has something to offer for everyone - no matter if you are in the heart of London or a small village in Edinburgh - it is everywhere. The beauty of the classical artform just transcends geographical boundaries and creates community. That's why ballet is for everyone, and I believe the same goes for pink tutus! Even those people who think pink isn't their colour just haven't tried a pink tutu. They would fall in love with the sheer delight of a soft tulle swirling as you turn or leaping, even just walking through your local market.
And there's no need to limit yourself to traditional tutus either! This year is all about fun, playful patterns! From polka dots to florals, tutus are getting bolder, brighter, and more fun than ever before! And that's the beauty of the art form. There is nothing quite like it in terms of fashion!
But of course, our focus this #TutuTuesday is the tutu itself. So letās dive into the world of 1984 ballet tutus!
A Look at 1984 Tutus
For those of you new to the history of ballet and the world of the ballet costume, you should know that in 1984, the traditional white ballet tutu, which often has tiers of tulle fabric on a waist-fitted bodice, was still firmly entrenched as the staple. But new styles were already appearing. Ballet is all about experimentation - so new styles are constantly being introduced and incorporated and 1984 was no different!
And you know I love experimentation. It really does make my brain think! We all need something to inspire us. It's like this fabulous purple velvet tutu I found yesterday, all ruffles and swirls. You wouldn't believe how it moved with my leap. It's not quite as glamorous for every day, though, so that one is staying in the wardrobe! However, 1984's style scene was not just all about purple velvets. For the women's costumes, tutus with asymmetric designs, like those seen in the London Ballet's production of āGiselleā with Marianela NĆŗƱez starring as *Giselle in a white tutu with beautiful delicate chiffon flowers blooming in tiers. * And remember a tutu doesn't have to have lots and lots of tulle! There's that fabulous soft flowing chiffon tutu which also makes an appearance in āGiselle.ā It looks almost ethereal, don't you think? It really makes me want to float around, and it really helps give you a dreamy look.
For the male dancers in āGiselleā the male dancersā costumes were less frilly but just as striking - imagine an incredible pair of tights paired with knee-length shorts for that amazing leap and a beautiful black tunic worn on the upper torso and itās not so difficult to believe that in this iconic ballet, Albrecht (the male dancer) could woo the beautiful Giselle *with that captivating, passionate dance. Just imagining this really transports me back in time. Oh how I do wish I could have travelled back to that production. Maybe next week I will find out what date this magical production occurred - I just feel like my dance-watching soul really needs to experience that story - if I can find a spare pocket!
But what are you waiting for?! Go out and explore tutus today! Wear them to your ballet class! Put them on to walk through the local shops - I've even heard of some people going out in their tutu to run to the shop - It's not as outrageous as you might think, and it certainly is inspiring for people - think of what a fabulously stylish world we might have if every woman adopted the pink tutu as their essential, stylish daily attire!
Until next Tuesday! Happy twirling! š©°āØ
About Emma:
Emma, a ballerina from Derbyshire, England, is a time travelling, tutu-loving, ballet enthusiast on a mission to make the world a more fabulous place - one pink tutu at a time. Emma loves everything about ballet. It inspires her to be bold, energetic and experiment with her own fashion style. Emma also uses her love of dance to fund her travels, by performing at a range of shows. This is the 7,943rd post in her popular weekly #TutuTuesday blog, posted on her website www.pink-tutu.com.
You can also find Emma on social media at @pinktutuballerina on Instagram and Twitter.
