#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1985-06-04

Hey my gorgeous ballet bunnies! 🐰✨ It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through time! Today we're skipping back to the gloriously flamboyant 1980s, to June 4th, 1985, to be precise!

Just imagine: big hair, shoulder pads, and neon colours all around - a fashion feast for the eyes! But amongst all this eye-catching excitement, our favourite little garment – the tutu – was still dazzling centre stage!

So, grab your tiaras and your most sparkly tutus, let's journey back to 1985 for a delightful dose of ballet history!

This era was a golden age for the tutu! From the opulent and romantic styles to the edgy and modern, there was a tutu for every taste! This era saw a surge in experimental choreographers and innovative approaches to design, which pushed the boundaries of the traditional tutu. We saw them crafted from unusual materials, boasting daring cuts and silhouettes, and showcasing new and dynamic forms.

Speaking of experimental, a revolutionary ballet premiere occurred on this very day in 1985! The New York City Ballet premiered "The Symphony of Psalms" by Jerome Robbins - an extraordinary ballet with stunning choreography. It's said the tutu's featured in this piece are pure balletic elegance, so elegant and simple, that they perfectly complement the dramatic beauty of the dance itself.

But it's not just about the big productions. On a more personal level, remember those brightly coloured tutus, bursting with playful designs, that we all adored back in our own childhood? Well, they came into being in the 80s. My goodness, what a joyous period to have been a little dancer! Just imagine those gorgeous pink, yellow and turquoise tutus swirling across the dance floor! Now that's what I call joyful and fun!

Now, for a bit of London glamour! In June of 1985, a little slice of my heart went to the English National Opera! They were putting on "Turandot," one of my absolute favourite operas. This operatic production brought a whole new level of extravagance and visual theatre to the stage. Imagine all those shimmering, intricately designed costumes - and I bet, nestled among them, some beautiful tutus adding that signature feminine flair!

Do you know what I love about the tutu? It transcends time and cultures, just like its elegant silhouette. It's a symbol of grace, artistry, and pure magic, something that will never fade from fashion. I see it on stages, in classrooms, and on little girls giggling on the street! And I, personally, just cannot resist the twirl-worthy joy of it!

Now, here's a fun fact! My research tells me that in 1985, the UK's fashion darling, Vivienne Westwood, designed an avant-garde tutu for a ballet production. Can you imagine a tutu with Westwood’s rebellious, boundary-pushing fashion vision? A true spectacle!

Speaking of travelling back in time, I have been exploring my Derbyshire roots! There was a fabulous exhibition on the life and times of a ballerina, born right in Derbyshire back in 1985! Imagine! She just happens to have a collection of vintage tutus! What a lovely journey back in time.

As always, my ballet adventures take me on thrilling journeys through time. I just have to admit, those glamorous days of the 1980s are quite the spectacle - those shimmering tutus and dynamic choreography never cease to amaze me!

If you are visiting the Royal Opera House in London, you HAVE to take a look at their “Ballet for All” series. This project celebrates diversity, brings ballet to all, and features inspiring tutus and innovative choreography from young choreographers.

Well, dear readers, that brings us to the end of this fabulous #TutuTuesday journey!

Remember, as always, never be afraid to twirl into life!

And lastly, let’s all spread the love of tutus together! Post a picture of yourself in your favourite tutu, or with your little dancer wearing her tutu, and tag me with #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com !

Stay beautiful, stay bubbly, and keep those tutus twirling!

Until next Tuesday,

Emma xoxo