Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, here, and it's Tuesday! Which of course, means it's time for another #TutuTuesday and a journey into the world of ballet history, tutu history that is. Let's rewind the clock today back to 1st January 1985, shall we?
Imagine a world, if you will, where leg warmers were practically essential attire for any fashion-conscious girl (yes, I’m including myself in that category!), neon colours were all the rage, and shoulder pads made an appearance in every garment, from suits to dresses!
Fashion on the move
Speaking of moving… well, my form of moving involved the thrilling journey of a transatlantic train journey, taking me straight to the heart of ballet, to see the world-famous Royal Ballet perform The Sleeping Beauty at the majestic Royal Opera House in London. Oh, the excitement!
Of course, no journey of mine is complete without my pink tutu! This time, I chose a delicate, wispy creation in a blush shade that practically floated around me, perfectly in line with the romanticism of the era. The intricate embroidery, showcasing an explosion of pastel flowers, looked like it could have stepped out of a fairytale, just like The Sleeping Beauty itself!
1985 - The Ballet scene
But let's rewind back to the 1980s for a moment, and take a peek at the world of ballet at the time. This decade was truly electric. Imagine, darlings, if you will, a stage filled with vibrantly coloured tutus - shades of emerald, sapphire, crimson, and the boldest of reds. These tutus were practically exploding with movement, with the swirling layers and billowing fabric showcasing every twist and turn of the ballerinas' grace and power.
And as much as I adore the classic tulle creations, the 80s saw a shift in materials too. It wasn't all about the softness of tulle. These were the years of innovative fabrics like nylon and lycra, leading to tighter, more body-hugging silhouettes that could showcase the incredible athleticism of the dancers, all while giving them incredible freedom of movement!
The choreographers of the time, oh, they weren't shy about breaking boundaries, darlings. Imagine a world of ballet with dramatic lifts, impossibly complex footwork, and daringly athletic movements – the epitome of artistry and strength. These bold creations captivated audiences across the globe, inspiring a new generation of dancers with a vision that stretched beyond tradition and pushed the boundaries of what was possible on stage.
And of course, as an avid ballerina enthusiast, I've been collecting photographs and articles since I began time-traveling – just imagine the incredible memories those pieces of paper hold, darling! Every interview, every article, each stage image whispers of the era's creativity and daring.
And speaking of creativity...
I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't delve into the fashion trends of this time. While the ballet scene was embracing new materials and pushing creative boundaries, the world outside of the theatre was experimenting with an explosion of vibrant colours, patterns, and styles!
The iconic “power suit” became a symbol of professional strength and ambition, with the rise of powerful women entering the workplace. Think shoulder pads, cinched waists, and sharp cuts. This bold trend infiltrated not only everyday attire but also trickled down into fashion houses across the globe. Think strong, feminine, and powerful – not unlike the ballerinas we saw on the stage.
But don't worry, the eighties were also the age of “frou-frou,” as I like to call it. Think ruffled tops, lace dresses, oversized sweaters, and leggings – styles perfectly suited for that extra touch of ballerina charm. These trendiest of looks often graced the world of ballet offstage too! A classic pair of white ballerina flats with a frilled, lace skirt for a chic evening at the ballet… what could be better?
Speaking of flats, those adorable jelly shoes, which came in every colour imaginable, were all the rage back in those days. They added a perfect touch of 80s whimsicalness, ideal for shopping trips or, of course, when a girl is trying out a new pair of shoes in the ballet shoe shop!
And don't get me started on the accessories! It was all about layers, darling! Think layered necklaces, bold earrings, bright hair clips and a splash of colour in your choice of handbag or a statement belt. This playful combination made for an ultimate look of sophistication, glamour and just the right touch of whimsy - just like myself.
But what’s most exciting is that 1985 was also the year of an incredible discovery: A beautiful, vibrant, pink tutu tucked away in a dusty antique shop in London. It was love at first sight. This stunning piece had an undeniably romantic, almost fairytale feel to it, and with the delicate swirls of pink tulle and tiny pearl detailing, it felt almost like it was ready to burst onto the ballet stage – a perfect tribute to the legacy of The Sleeping Beauty!
This beautiful piece now sits proudly in my wardrobe, a constant reminder of my time travel escapades.
*What do *you love about tutus, darling? **
Don't forget to check back next week, my dears, for another blast from the past. Let's dance into history together! And don’t forget to follow my Instagram for extra fun updates - @EmmaThePinkTutuBlogger
Until next week,
Emma, your favourite pink tutu blogger.
- Don't forget to share your favourite memories and vintage photos.
- Tell me all about your #TutuTuesday.
- What will you wear on your #TutuTuesday this week?
P.S. Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com for even more ballet history and a glimpse into the world of the pink tutu!
