#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1985-07-09

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday from the world of Ballet Tutu History.

This week, my time-traveling adventures have landed me right here in New York City! It's 9th July, 1985. Now, 1985 was quite the year, but more on that later. I’m currently wearing my favourite hot pink tutu, perfectly complemented by a crisp white shirt and my lucky little sparkly earrings - I simply adore dressing up for these time-travel trips. The bustling streets of New York are brimming with energy, but I feel right at home, especially with the thought of the glorious ballet shows this city is known for.

Now, onto this date’s Ballet Tutu History…

1985 was a year brimming with ballet milestones, and there were two extraordinary ballerinas stealing the show this summer. On this very day in 1985, the iconic Mikhail Baryshnikov, considered one of the greatest dancers of all time, took to the stage with the American Ballet Theatre. I'm so envious, wouldn't you be? He was, and still is, a phenomenal dancer and my favourite ballerina, ever! His presence commands respect and mesmerizes audiences worldwide. Imagine him swirling and leaping on this exact day in 1985. I can almost see it!

At the same time, the Royal Ballet was enthralling London with a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, another true classic. Oh, I could practically feel the magic of the story unfold as the audience watched, entranced. I could hear the whisper of fairy wings as Aurora danced with the Prince. Imagine the delicate, exquisite tulle twirling in the moonlight as they waltzed. Ballet truly is a story told in motion.

Speaking of delicate tulle, did you know that this material was originally meant to be a substitute for the expensive fabrics often used for tutus in the past? I mean, imagine a tutu made of luxurious silk or satin! It must have been beautiful! But now, delicate tulle reigns supreme in the tutu world, a testament to its grace, strength, and undeniable appeal. I adore how the tulle twirls and floats on stage. It's such a wonderful symbol of lightness and elegance.

Tutues in 1985, now those were something special. Fashion and dance were closely linked in the 80s, so tutus weren't just for the ballet. They had their moments in fashion, too! If you were anything like me, you dreamed of twirling around in a fluffy tutu. I wouldn't be surprised if some fashion-forward individuals even sported them on the streets, in the clubs or even to a fancy gala - dare I say that I have done so! My love for pink tutus is well-documented on this blog. I was inspired by the glamorous look of ballet.

It’s fascinating to me that what began as a costume for dance is now seen as a symbol of style.

The world of tutus was alive and well in the 80s. I recall some wonderful styles, such as the short and full “fluffy tutu”, the “romantic” layered tutu - imagine how magnificent that looks, and even the "pointed" tutu, which was a little bit more dramatic. Oh, and who could forget the colour palettes of the era, all the neon brights, even the colours of the eighties tutus were sensational!

Now, 1985 was also a time when the legendary fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who would later inspire a generation of designers with his creations, presented a stunning ballet-inspired collection at Chanel. Think glitzy and grand tutus. It's all very glamorous, my dears. Ballet, even though a world of its own, it so seamlessly inspired high fashion and culture - this kind of artistic collaboration makes my heart sing.

My journey to the Big Apple was an unforgettable experience. I rode the train all the way across the country from Derbyshire. Such a relaxing, peaceful way to travel. Of course, I wore a stunning pastel pink tutu and an exquisite pearl necklace, because even on the train, one must dress for the journey!

So here’s a little inside scoop on how I’m financing these trips: My true passion lies in using my time-traveling talent to perform at ballets in different eras. Can you imagine being able to travel back in time and dance on the same stage as Anna Pavlova, or perform for Marie Antoinette? Talk about a dream! So, after visiting historical ballets and museums, I travel to the future to perform and finance my travels! That’s why I keep a collection of dazzling vintage costumes, I just have to choose the one most suitable for the year! It’s wonderful to witness history through ballet! It’s truly one big fashion show of tutus, costumes and dancers. I never tire of seeing them dance.

And so, I'm off to explore the wonders of New York City in the eighties. You'll see me flitting around Broadway, and don't be surprised if I even manage to catch a glimpse of Baryshnikov on stage, for whom I hold great respect! This city’s energy is fantastic, but I know the greatest magic lies in the beauty of a perfect pirouette and the enchantment of a breathtaking ballet.

Until next Tuesday, remember to wear your pink tutu, and don't forget to twirl your way into the weekend! And stay fabulous, darling!

💖 Emma 💖

www.pink-tutu.com