#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1985-01-15

Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your Tutu Queen, back with another whirlwind tour of the magical history of the tutu! Today we’re venturing back to January 15th, 1985. It’s a Tuesday, which means it’s #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! This week, let’s put on our fanciest frocks, grab a cup of tea, and have a right old gossip about the twirling trends of the past, shall we?

Remember those gorgeous 1980s films we love watching, with their huge hair, flamboyant outfits, and even bigger dreams? It’s an era bursting with glamour, and what’s more glamorous than a fabulous tutu? Well, I’ll tell you, nothing, my darlings! This era was filled with tutu excitement – we had new designs and shapes, new fabrics, and some truly fantastic performances happening around the world.

So, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to get swept away by the magic of 1985’s tutus!

Now, picture this: The year is 1985, the stage lights are blazing, and the music swells with the start of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” In the center, you see the graceful ballerina, her shimmering tutu reflecting the spotlights, a cloud of tulle billowing around her every move. That’s what I love about this time period, darling! They had some seriously impressive productions – especially those using the more traditional tutu. You know, the romantic and elegant ones? It’s not hard to see why so many ballet companies choose these for their famous productions like “Swan Lake” or “Giselle”.

This was the era where a lot of emphasis was placed on the Classical tutu. A truly dreamy piece, don’t you think?

These are the ones that make my heart skip a beat. And in 1985, these lovely ladies wore their romantic tutus with grace, showcasing the breathtaking movement and skill of classical ballet. Now that’s a look I can get behind.

But let's not forget about those contemporary designs that also burst onto the scene! They were exploring new, more abstract designs that still had the magic and movement but offered a bit more freedom for the dancers. The traditional, Romantic tutu certainly has a hold on our hearts – especially in classical works - but I love how the 1980s were an age of experimentation for tutus! And, of course, for me, there’s nothing quite like seeing those iconic tutus dance gracefully on stage, especially on those special nights, surrounded by the sparkle and glamour of the theater.

Speaking of special nights…

Today was the day that the latest line of tutus arrived in New York City at "Dancewear Central" , the most trendy and chic boutique in the city, with something for every type of dancer! I practically raced across town to be first in line. Just the scent of the beautiful fabric and the array of colours and shapes would make any girl, no, any dancer swoon! I managed to find a new powder-blue tutu – just perfect for my latest interpretation of “The Firebird”. Let's be honest, a girl can never have too many tutus!

This store is a haven for all things dancing, so naturally, the 1985 tutus on offer were nothing short of a dreamy dance-wear delight. The stores back then really made it a delightful shopping experience.

So, naturally, after my little spree, I had to grab the next train back home! You know, travelling by train can be truly romantic, particularly when it’s packed full of dancers headed for rehearsals and performances. Imagine this scene, if you will, my lovely readers! My favourite shade of pink is already showing on the carriages, of course, but the scene has a sort of theatrical enchantment about it. You’ve got the ballet dancers in their elegant travel attire and, oh, let's not forget, their beautiful, dreamy tutus. All together they create such a sense of mystery and anticipation! And even more, my little heart couldn’t be happier with all this pretty pink loveliness! It's all so wonderful to see a whole carriage of my beautiful tutu-loving dancers travelling across the countryside to bring joy and delight to everyone. I was lucky to find a friend who’s just moved here!

We were both inspired by the dancing around the city, and it reminded us of that ballet at the Royal Opera House on January 15th 1985!

Did you know, my darlings, "Giselle" opened that very day in the UK? Oh, the stories we have! A tale as old as time, where Giselle, our leading ballerina, dances in the most exquisite romantic tutu, captivating audiences and making them fall in love with its simplicity and the grace of her movements.

Imagine her elegant tutu floating effortlessly on stage, catching the spotlight, as the delicate tulle whispers a story of love and loss – an absolute fairytale. Oh, I must tell you about the wonderful costume designer! She’s created the most beautiful costume and designed the sweetest, softest shade of tulle imaginable! You'll agree with me when I say she’s managed to capture the very essence of this lovely ballet!

"Giselle" tells a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, showcasing the extraordinary talent and skill of those lovely ladies. There's just nothing quite as captivating as the soft, airy swirl of the Romantic tutu, the one true sign of a classical ballet dancer's true passion for their craft. The tutu is simply breathtaking. Every time it dances across the stage, the dancers are painting a symphony of stories for their audience. It's just so captivating! What more can we ask for?

Today in 2023, as I write this blog, we see this iconic "Romantic" tutu inspiring designers around the world. They've taken the classic tutu's essence and reinvented it in all kinds of fantastic ways. Just recently I saw a show where the choreographer had a stunning version, incorporating sheer fabric for a sense of elegance and fragility. And of course, we still love those elaborate “Classical” tutus used for performances like "Swan Lake" – that graceful ballerina’s signature move of the "swan lake" glide never gets old!

But even with those classic designs that we adore so much, it’s amazing to see the creativity coming from contemporary choreographers, constantly looking to experiment, breaking all those “rules,” pushing boundaries, and trying new things. This new world of modern and experimental tutus really showcases the power and dynamism of dance today.

And what’s better than seeing something truly amazing happen right before your eyes? That’s the magic of the tutu, and it seems that no matter the decade, whether the romantic and elegant era of the 1980s or right here and now, there’s no doubt that tutus will continue to dance on, enchant us with their beauty and captivate us with their history.

Let's make it happen, darlings! And until next week, let your Tutu Tuesday sparkle! I'm off to go shop for a new tutu. And don't forget, we're all about pink. Love always,
Emma

P.S.: Don't forget to pop by my favourite ballet shop next Tuesday! They'll be selling exclusive pink tutus just for #TutuTuesday, my dears.