Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another exciting week of #TutuTuesday, brought to you from your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveler – that’s me, Emma! 🚂💖
As you know, I'm absolutely in love with tutus, and not just any tutus… pink tutus are my absolute weakness! 💕 I’ve been journeying through time, learning about the fabulous history of ballet tutus, and this week, I’ve found myself right here in the heart of 1985, surrounded by the electric energy of New York City, the mecca of dance and fashion!
But let’s rewind a bit. Why 1985? ⏪ Well, darlings, this date holds a special place in the tutu-tastic history we're exploring.
You see, February 12th, 1985, marks the date when American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the world's most celebrated ballet companies, debuted a new production of "Giselle" at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Now, "Giselle," is a quintessential ballet masterpiece, and this particular production starring the extraordinary Mikhail Baryshnikov and the stunning Cynthia Gregory (two names that echo through ballet history, don't you agree?), became a legendary moment in the dance world.
Can you imagine? Two of the most remarkable dancers of our time, captivating a theatre audience with their grace and skill! I’d have absolutely loved to be in the audience that night. Imagine, sitting there, mesmerized by the elegant costumes and dazzling moves – just picture the tutu of Giselle twirling effortlessly in the air, oh, I'm getting chills just thinking about it! 😍
So, why was 1985 so important in our ballet tutu timeline? Well, this era marks a crucial moment where designers were really experimenting with new, vibrant ways to express themselves through costume. They pushed the boundaries of what a tutu could be! 💃
We started seeing less traditional and more experimental designs. A hint of that experimentation was present in this production, with designers adding bold touches and textures to give a modern feel to the classic tutu, and believe me, those modern tutus had some seriously stylish moves.
I mean, just the other day I was having tea with some lovely ladies at the Plaza Hotel, a New Yorker classic, of course. While sipping our tea and nibbling on fancy little finger sandwiches, they were telling me about this production. 🧁 One lady told me how the designers played with the volume and shapes, embracing a wider range of fabrics like silk and taffeta to add another layer of luxury and dramatic flair. This really set the tone for tutu design for the next couple of decades, it’s all so chic and avant-garde.
In 1985, it was still fashionable for ballet companies to retain the romantic and traditional look. You know, think frilly, dreamy tutus made from tulle, perfect for floating across the stage and captivating your audience! ✨ But even within that, you saw some interesting things happening, new materials and patterns emerged – a move towards a more structured design while still embracing the classic look of romantic ballets like "Giselle."
Just think of the intricate layering, the gorgeous lace detailing and delicate silk blossoms decorating the bodice and the tutu – every single stitch so carefully handcrafted! I was absolutely bowled over by it, so very dreamy! 💫
This "Giselle" production was a truly magical moment in ballet history. It brought to the fore this delicate but important artistic process that we call "designing tutus!" ✨
After the performance, the excitement for ballet fashion spread through the whole city, making New York a real melting pot of trends!
Honestly, walking down Fifth Avenue after the performance felt like I'd stepped onto a stage – dazzling fashion everywhere, all set to some imagined, unseen ballet music. The girls were wearing flowing skirts with those bold shoulder pads, a nod to the 1980s, with big, bold prints that echoed the drama and texture found on a tutu! They had massive hairdos - just like those we see in ballet performances - it felt so modern and vibrant. But under that "big hair" trend, I could clearly see a hint of the traditional elegance, reminding everyone of the classic elegance and glamour of ballet – and maybe why my "wear-a-pink-tutu-movement" is doing so well. 😁
To make it extra special, I wanted to share a little bit of what's making me giddy with joy this Tuesday, and what's making everyone in the 80s in NYC feel just as bubbly as a cup of pink champagne! 🎉 Right now, one of the most popular tutu-inspired pieces in NYC fashion is the oversized tutu skirt.
Let me tell you, you haven't really lived until you've seen one of these beautiful creations sweeping through the city! They can be anything – soft pastel shades that whisper femininity, bold and vibrant colours screaming drama, even luxurious satin that would make even a queen gasp. And the fabrics used – from layers of tulle to shimmering satin – are what make them stand out and command attention. They're almost like a miniature version of those beautiful ballets I’ve been dancing in the streets.
Here's a little secret for you, my dearest Tutu Tuesday devotees – a true, glamorous tutu-wearer never stops thinking about ways to make a tutu her own. So, if you’re looking to inject a bit of 1985-style charm into your own wardrobe, here's a little bit of advice from this pink tutu loving time-traveler, I'd say a gorgeous tutu skirt might be your next wardrobe staple.
Remember, my darlings, the most important thing is to feel confident, playful, and most importantly… to embrace the tutu love! 💗
And if there’s any place in the world you’ll find the true meaning of love at first tutu…it’s right here, on my blog, and you’ll definitely feel the magic of a well-designed tutu at this week's #TutuTuesday.
Oh, before I sign off, you might be wondering what else is happening on February 12th, 1985! Here's a quick glimpse into that particular day… 📰
- The very first episode of a little known show called “The Cosby Show” aired. This iconic show had a huge cultural impact, bringing smiles to millions, making it just as popular as "Giselle" on this date.
- Ronald Reagan, the U.S. president, announced he’d decided to seek re-election.
It seems this 1985-02-12 date was quite full of cultural milestones, so let’s wrap it up by saying it's a perfect day to wear a pink tutu – it might even lead you to a party where you find yourself surrounded by big hairdos, fabulous dance music and the occasional celebrity. 😉
Until next Tuesday, remember to keep those tutus spinning and keep checking back here on www.pink-tutu.com!
Your time-travelling, pink-tutu-loving ballerina blogger, Emma 🩰💖
