Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, here with another trip down memory lane. This week, I’m taking us back to May 1st, 1984 - a time when big hair, neon colours, and a whole lot of shoulder pads were the order of the day! And yes, darling, the tutus were just as spectacular.
Today's post is especially exciting because I'm whispering time travelling to none other than drum roll New York City! New York, in 1984, was the heart of ballet, bustling with both traditional and modern dance. This is a big moment in tutu history, so grab your tea, settle into a comfy chair and let's travel together.
My outfit today is, of course, pink! A vibrant bubblegum pink tutu with a generous helping of glitter. This pink, darlings, is a celebration of a time when bright and bold was in vogue, with a splash of silver sequins for a touch of modern sophistication. And, naturally, I’ve paired it with my favourite hot pink leather ballet shoes!
Now, New York, with its glamorous opera houses and buzzing Broadway theatres, was buzzing with the latest ballet innovations. This was a time when companies like the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre were creating new works and captivating audiences.
I travelled to New York on the train, as every sensible time-traveling ballerina should. The journey from Derby to the Big Apple took forever, but every mile was worth it for the sights and sounds that awaited me.
The first thing that caught my eye were the fabulous department stores. Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman - they all had floors dedicated to ballet shoes and outfits. Oh my, the shoes! Tights in every shade, ribbons to match your leotards. My heart truly soared when I saw the rows and rows of tutus - in pink, naturally!
New York also embraced fashion, in a way no other city did, back then. Everyone was dressing in colours like never before, so, it’s no surprise the tutus were taking centre stage in many an exciting new ballet production.
Let’s chat about what happened in 1984...
First up, the absolute sensation - Mikhail Baryshnikov! I remember the queues were out of the door at the Metropolitan Opera House where he was starring. He was the international dance sensation, and everyone wanted a glimpse of his extraordinary talent. The costumes? Oh darling, simply divine. Romantic tutus with a modern twist, they really captured the era's bold spirit. Think intricate embroidery, with layers upon layers of tulle for that dramatic, fairytale feel.
But, as much as I adored the traditional ballerinas and their ethereal beauty, the real excitement came from the modern dancers. Companies like Pilobolus, who incorporated acrobatic elements into their movements, changed the game for ballet in 1984! They experimented with fabrics like silks and stretch fabrics in daring colours. You didn’t just watch Pilobolus performances, you were completely engrossed, held breathless as you witness the evolution of dance, with all the glitz and glam you could ever wish for.
What were the trends? Oh, I couldn’t be without them, my dears! Well, the signature trend in tutus in 1984, was definitely layers! The more the merrier! This era demanded layers and layers of tulle for a dramatic and airy effect, often accompanied with elaborate designs, sequins and sparkles for that extra touch of glamour.
You see, New York embraced both tradition and innovation. It was the time when ballet embraced fashion trends more than ever before, and that, my lovelies, is truly spectacular. It’s about expressing ourselves with every graceful movement, it's about embracing beauty, it’s about confidence, and it’s all about pink!
So, the next time you're dreaming about graceful ballerinas and delicate tutus, think about this moment in history, this dazzling New York stage where everything was in flux. Think about bold tutus and breathtaking performances, remember those vibrant colors that make a tutu truly special - because darling, ballet isn’t just about the grace, it’s about the passion!
It's been wonderful revisiting 1984 with you, darling! Until next week, may your twirls be full of sunshine and joy!
TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #NewYorkCity #BalletHistory #MikhailBaryshnikov #PinkTutusRemember, my dears, join the tutu revolution and visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for more tutu inspiration and ballet history.
Lots of love,
Emma
