Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another dazzling #TutuTuesday blog post! This week we're whisking ourselves back to the fabulous 5th of February 1985, a time when leg warmers were all the rage and shoulder pads were practically mandatory. (Honestly, those shoulder pads were quite something – I wouldn't be surprised if some of them could double as personal flotation devices! giggles).
But before we delve into the tutus of this magnificent era, let's talk about how I got here! As always, my fabulous journey started with a grand performance at the Royal Opera House. My, oh my, wasn't it a showstopper? We danced our hearts out in "Swan Lake" – it was a real triumph! Afterward, I indulged in some fabulous post-show shopping at Harrods, which, of course, included an exquisite new pink tutu. What's a ballerina without a few new tutus? (It's a rhetorical question, lovelies!)
And now, for our history lesson: Today, we're stepping back into a time when the world of ballet tutus was changing. You see, the 1980s saw a real rise in tutus of a certain style. Gone were the traditional fluffy, full-length tutus of the early 20th century, replaced by more minimalist designs, tighter fitting and made of sleek, shiny materials. Think lycra and stretch fabrics – quite a departure from the silk and tulle of yesteryear! This new generation of tutus emphasized the dancers' strength and fluidity, and made for some seriously striking visual effects on stage.
However, just because they were more minimal didn't mean they were less dazzling! On the contrary, this era was all about showcasing the power and beauty of the human form. So, think geometric designs, bold colours, and daring silhouettes that pushed the boundaries of traditional ballet. Remember the iconic pink tutu worn by Mikhail Baryshnikov in the film “White Nights” (which, by the way, is an absolute MUST-watch – so much balletic goodness!)? It perfectly captures this bold and edgy new wave in ballet tutu design.
You might think that the arrival of the sleek, modern tutu spelled the end of the traditional full-length style. But oh, no! They still had their place, darling! Especially in ballets like “Sleeping Beauty”, which we know and love for those classic fluffy gowns. The tutu still has a place for every occasion. And thank goodness for that! Imagine "Swan Lake" in only Lycra – shudder!
The 1980s were a period of remarkable growth and evolution for ballet in general. It saw the emergence of bold choreographers pushing boundaries, and dance schools worldwide flourished. It's an era that laid the foundations for what ballet has become today – and I for one am very thankful!
And speaking of pushing boundaries, just wait until I tell you about my plans for this trip! Remember the magnificent costumes that Vivienne Westwood created for the Royal Ballet’s “The Rite of Spring”? They were so striking and avant-garde for their time! Well, I’m planning to head down to the archives to have a peek at them. Just imagine – tutus inspired by fashion design? Now that’s my cup of tea! I just can’t wait to see if I can find a little something to add to my wardrobe.
I must confess, darling, one of my absolute favourite things about travelling through time is getting to see what tutus were fashionable back then. You can really learn a lot about the trends, the dances, and the stories of the times just by looking at a tutu. It’s a fashion window to the past! And there's just something magical about wearing a vintage tutu, knowing that all those lovely dancers before me have worn one too.
So, don’t forget to follow along on #TutuTuesday. And if you have any questions about the history of ballet tutus – or any tips for your own tutu collection – do feel free to comment! Until next Tuesday, darling! Keep twirling!
Yours in pink,
Emma
