Welcome back, my darling dance enthusiasts! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another flutter of excitement – it’s #TutuTuesday! And today, we’re twirling right back to 1985 - a time of leg warmers, neon colours, and, of course, those magical tutus.
This week's trip brought me straight to New York, a city practically humming with energy and theatre – a perfect place for a ballerina! I’m sitting in a gorgeous little tea shop just a skip and a hop from Lincoln Center. You wouldn't believe the sheer variety of fabulous teacups – I’m absolutely smitten! But let's dive into the history of ballet and the beauty of the tutu, shall we?
Now, 1985 is a fabulous year for dance! We’re seeing the rise of American Ballet Theatre in its all-out glory, The Royal Ballet, and of course, New York City Ballet. If you happened to be lucky enough to be in London on 3rd September, you might have even seen "Cinderella" at The Royal Opera House! I can imagine the sheer magic – those delicate tutus sparkling beneath the stage lights – it's truly breathtaking!
Oh, and speaking of breathtaking – did you know that tutus started appearing around the 1830s? I know! You're probably thinking "that seems awfully late for something so spectacular." And you're right. It seems like these delightful pouffy things should have been around for ages! Well, that's all thanks to Marie Taglioni. Now, I know I talk a lot about ballet history, but I just have to say, this was a groundbreaking ballerina! Not only was she graceful and incredible at performing, but her iconic role as La Sylphide, where she twirled around in a lightweight, tulle tutu – which she practically invented! Can you imagine the revolution this caused? No wonder we’re still obsessed with tutus today!
Remember, back in the Victorian era, dance wear wasn't quite as... airy and free. Ballet skirts used to be more like the voluminous bell shapes with loads of fabric, just imagine, imagine trying to pirouette in that! It’s no wonder the ballerinas embraced this change in silhouette - the delicate tutus revolutionised the stage.
The beauty of the tutu? It highlights every twirl and jump – allowing the ballerina to express such artistry with each movement! I often think how lucky I am to be living in an era where tutus have developed into such a beautiful part of our culture – but don't forget to thank Marie Taglioni for those magnificent steps towards this style. I'm eternally grateful to her for inspiring us all!
While the history is absolutely fascinating, I can't deny I have an obsession with finding and buying all kinds of amazing tutus. Don't get me wrong, I love the elegance of classic ballet tutus – all the layered, perfectly sculpted, forms… those are pure elegance! But I have a very soft spot for those more colourful, quirky, and perhaps even a little bit outrageous tutus. Think sequins, feathers, bold colours and anything with a bit of a rebellious attitude. And trust me, even with all the different shapes and forms out there, each one has its own magic.
Right now, in the world of 1985, we're seeing so many fabulous styles, but the trend has started to move towards shorter and less voluminous skirts, creating new styles of ballet attire. While the classic tutu holds a special place in our hearts, I must admit, those modern designs hold a touch of that bold 80s rebellion. It's a truly captivating era, wouldn't you agree?
Before I whisk back to the future (don't worry, I'll be back with a new post next week) let's have some fun! Do you have a favourite ballerina or ballet company from 1985? I want to hear from you, my darling dance devotees!
P.S: Who wants to see a ballet performance with me in New York next week?! I'm thinking "Giselle," if we're feeling extra romantic, or "Swan Lake" for that elegant magic! Let me know!
Oh! And one final piece of magic. Remember to embrace the joy of pink tutus, whether it's for a performance or just for a fun photoshoot. Life is too short not to add a bit of whimsy and elegance!
Until next time, my fellow ballet lovers, twirl and dream!
Love,
Emma
#pinktutu #ballet #tututuesday #tutuhistory #dance #balletlife #1985
