Hello darlings! It's Emma, your time-traveling, pink-tutu-obsessed blogger, back again with another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday! This week, I've taken a delightful trip back in time to the glorious 1980s, landing smack-bang in the middle of June 25th, 1985! It’s a day overflowing with fascinating fashion and ballet history, just waiting to be unpacked!
You see, I’ve been taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of ballet history, specifically, the evolution of the tutu! Oh, my lovelies, it’s such a captivating story! Imagine this - in the 1800s, ballerinas used to perform in dresses! Yes, you heard me right, dresses! Quite restricting, wouldn't you say? Fortunately, the brilliant Marie Taglioni came along, and bam! She brought us the first true tutus! That's why, for #TutuTuesday, I’m dedicating every week to exploring this amazing story!
Oh, don't worry, I'm not forgetting my love of pink tutus, the love that brings you to my pink-tutu.com site! Today's journey starts with a splash of colour and a whole lot of sparkle that 1985 brings!
Back to the Future: A Ballet-tastic Journey Through Time
So, picture this: I've landed, my pink tutu swishing elegantly as I step out onto the cobbled streets of London (where else would I be?). The air is alive with the sound of mopeds, music from the 80s bursts out from shop doorways, and there are even people with brightly coloured boomboxes! Honestly, it’s pure bliss!
To make sure I look the part, I pop into a retro boutique and indulge in a delightful bit of vintage shopping, hunting down some gorgeous accessories: a fabulously frilly headband (absolutely perfect with a tutu, wouldn't you say?) and a pair of neon-bright leggings (pink, of course, to complement my pink tutu). You simply can’t beat the bold styles of the 80s.
Now, my fabulous friends, let’s jump right into the history of June 25th, 1985 and get our dose of ballet!
On this day, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden was bursting at the seams, buzzing with excited ballet fans dressed to the nines. The reason? A world premiere! Yes, my darlings, it was the unveiling of The Nutcracker choreographed by the extraordinary Anthony Dowell. Can you imagine, the sheer joy of experiencing such a legendary production!
Now, this is a day every ballerina needs to celebrate, whether in 1985 or 2023! Ballet tutus are the iconic garments of the dance world! The iconic short tutu is, without a doubt, a timeless piece. I've personally designed several myself! I love the versatility of this little beauty. You can make it classic, romantic, even rock-chic (yes, a tutu with leather biker boots is definitely a look!)
A Day in the Life of a Tutu-loving Time Traveler
For my first venture into 1985, I'm taking a trip down to the South Bank! Oh, darling, it was an area just brimming with exciting performances. I just can't wait to watch the Royal Ballet performing Giselle. Can you believe that on this day, 1985, I could be seeing a ballet performance by legends such as Anthony Dowell himself, or the extraordinary Darcey Bussell, a tutu legend, right before my very eyes! Honestly, my pink tutu is trembling with excitement just thinking about it!
Of course, after all that cultural immersion, a good spot of ballet-themed shopping is a must! The shops of Liberty on Regent Street, Selfridges with their beautiful window displays are a time traveller’s dream, full of delightful pieces - all ready to complete my 80s ballet ensemble. Perhaps some big, colourful earrings?
And of course, no #TutuTuesday post would be complete without some extra sparkles. I'll be waving my pink tutu around while getting my picture taken in front of the Royal Ballet School, with Piccadilly Circus bustling around me. After all, it wouldn't be the Tutu Tuesday without some fun photo-taking, wouldn't you say?
Embracing the Tutu in 2023
You know, while the 80s might have its own special tutu trends (oh, remember the leg warmers?) today in 2023, we’re experiencing a tutu renaissance of sorts! The tutu is a true fashion statement, an inspiration for style, and a beautiful way to add some magic to your life!
So, I encourage you all: take inspiration from the timeless tutu! Add a splash of sparkle to your daily outfit! Rock that ballet-inspired confidence. Remember, even if you don't want to wear a pink tutu yourself, I promise wearing pink will make you feel amazing, too!
And with a happy swish of my pink tutu, I say goodbye to my trip back to the fantastic 80s and back to my lovely pink-tutu.com home! I’ll see you all next week, darlings, for another Tutu Tuesday, where we'll explore yet another thrilling journey into the captivating history of ballet and, of course, tutus. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram too! You can find me at @PinkTutu.
Until next time, happy twirling!
Love and tutus, Emma
