Hello, my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, ballet-obsessed blogger, Emma, back for another exciting trip through time, and this week, we're whisking ourselves back to 1985! Now, put on your most fabulous tutu – the more tulle, the better! – because today, we're delving into the dazzling world of ballet fashion.
This Tuesday's date – the 14th of May, 1985 – has a special place in my heart, mainly because it's a date filled with the joy of dance! On this very day, way back in 1985, a truly spectacular event was taking place right here in London's majestic Royal Opera House: The Sleeping Beauty.
Can you imagine? A fairytale of a ballet, featuring a stunning cast, set to the glorious music of Tchaikovsky, and brought to life with breathtaking costumes. It's almost enough to make my heart leap out of my bodice, wouldn't you agree?
Just picturing those flowing tutus, the shimmering silks, the intricately embroidered details - oh, how my little ballerina soul sings with delight! It was a magical performance, a true celebration of ballet at its finest.
But let's take a closer look at the evolution of the tutu! We all know that ballet is more than just fancy footwork. It's all about telling stories through dance, using every movement to paint a beautiful picture with our bodies.
But think about this for a minute: our dance tells a story – but the tutus we wear tell a story too. Each variation, each change in length, and every change in embellishment speaks volumes about the character, the period, the atmosphere and the mood of the performance.
So, to get you feeling like a true ballet historian, let's go back in time, like I do on my travels! Imagine yourself, with a giant tutu made of a billowing cloud of pink tulle, right by my side, joining me in my pink-hued time machine...
From Romantic to Rigid: The Tutu's Story
Our tale begins in the 19th century, a time when romance swirled through the air like the mist on the English moors. Think swirling, layered, ankle-length tutus – pure romance and ethereal beauty, right? Imagine it, the very essence of "ballet" dancing before you...
Fast forward a little bit – we get to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There's a dramatic change – think sharp angles and lines. Gone are the airy, Romantic skirts. They're replaced by much shorter, stiff tutus, a stark contrast. This was the birth of the classic tutu we know today - and all hail the "Classical Tutu", as we all call it these days.
This style is more about precise movements and graceful poses, which of course is perfectly captured by a stiff tutu. Picture yourself gliding across the stage, a whirlwind of precise motions in this timeless garment – a picture of perfect elegance. This tutu is really the backbone of modern ballet performance, so I'm definitely grateful for this elegant style.
Tutus: From stage to the streets
My darling, you might be thinking that tutus are just for the stage. Oh but that's just so not true! Now we're moving out of the stuffy ballet world – and straight onto the streets.
Tutus aren't confined to the world of ballerinas, although, they are my life’s love! Now everyone embraces the elegance, the sparkle, and the whimsy of the tutu, even if it's just for fun.
The 1980s - my era! Think flamboyant, think colorful. The tutu, well it just adds that touch of extra va-va-voom, you know what I mean? From party-goers to fashionistas, there are even designers out there – I've even spotted my creations in London - bringing the grace of the stage to the high street, because for me - the streets should be just as beautiful as the stage!
It’s important to understand that while tutus in ballet were often simple in colour, you could really say that they started the fashion for tutus on the streets! These were really what put pink into my life. So next time you wear a tutu for a special occasion – think about it! This glorious piece of fashion has a rich and fascinating history.
Finding Tutu Inspiration
And, if you want to step right back into the 1980s, there are places you can visit! I am constantly scouring vintage shops, browsing old dance magazines, and even hitting up antique markets looking for a rare antique costume. You can immerse yourself in the world of ballet fashion just as much as I do! The Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House archive, even the library – these places hold a treasure trove of tutu history and beautiful design.
Of course, there are also museums in the UK and worldwide which are dedicated to the history of ballet and the dance itself. The beauty of it all is – a lot of the outfits in these museum are still very wearable!
You’ve already heard about the Royal Opera House but there are lots of amazing performance spaces all around London and all over the UK. The Sadler's Wells theatre is absolutely fantastic! And don't forget, the English National Ballet puts on gorgeous shows too, you really could get into a whole lot of trouble visiting so many! If you want to get back to the roots, the Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park is absolutely magical! And when you see some of the stunning tutus in these theatres – don’t be shy, stop and say hi! We can definitely share our love of the ballerina tutu!
A Tutu for Every Occasion
Now, for my final thoughts: I firmly believe every occasion deserves a touch of tutus – a sprinkle of magic, a splash of vibrant colour! Be it a fancy dress party, a summer picnic, or just an excuse to feel fancy in the kitchen. Don't be shy! Channel your inner ballerina. Go forth, and twirl in your most delightful tutu!
Stay glamorous and never stop dreaming of pink, my lovely readers. Until next time! Remember – wear a pink tutu at least once a week! It truly makes life just a little bit more wonderful.
See you next #TutuTuesday, Emma, xx www.pink-tutu.com
