#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1985-10-08

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back with another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday. Today, we're taking a delightful trip through time to the glorious 80s!

You won't believe it, but it's #TutuTuesday #8024, and you know what that means - a blast from the past, all about the history of our beloved ballet tutus. Grab your teapot and a slice of Victoria sponge, darling, because this week we're headed to 1985, the year shoulder pads were king, leg warmers were a must-have, and of course, tutus were a timeless symbol of grace and elegance.

1985 – think big hair, bold colours, and all things dazzling! I swear, everyone was just itching for a bit of sparkle in their lives. As for the ballet world? It was positively buzzing. We saw the iconic Swan Lake, the magical Giselle, and The Nutcracker captivating audiences, all those beautiful dancers gracefully twirling and leaping in their beautiful tutus.

Of course, for me, a trip to the ballet wasn’t just about the amazing performances, it was also a prime opportunity to soak up the glamour of the grand theatres and the latest trends in the fashion scene! The dress code in those days was elegant and sophisticated - lots of silk, velvet, and feathers - just as dazzling as the ballet itself! And what about the tutus? They were breathtaking – flowing tulle skirts and dazzling embellishments, all so intricate and feminine. It’s the type of fashion that makes my heart sing!

Speaking of hearts, this very date in 1985 – October 8th – was actually the day Phantom of the Opera took its first breath, right here in London. You'll be delighted to know this classic masterpiece remains an absolute showstopper to this very day, with its dramatic music, breathtaking costumes, and of course, an awe-inspiring scene that incorporates ballet. Who could resist?

But before we jump into those enchanting ballet sets, imagine me, your pink-clad time traveler, embarking on a glorious journey from my quaint Derbyshire home to London on a sleek train – nothing beats that view through the window as the English countryside glides by. I have to admit, my little handbag was absolutely brimming with fashion inspiration and sketchbooks for my designs!

As for my dress – what else? A gorgeous pink tutu, of course! This time I paired it with a bold red top, a beautiful velvet blazer, and my trusty Mary Janes. After all, you know my motto: “Wear pink tutus for all occasions!” And believe me, a trip to the grand opera house was most definitely one such occasion.

Just the other day, while rummaging through a dusty old vintage shop in Paris (another one of my time-travel adventures!), I discovered the most delightful collection of photographs from ballet performances in the 1980s. The details – they were simply exquisite! It’s like stepping into another era. Remember, those days saw tutus adorned with intricate embroidery, bold, bright colors, and intricate feather trims – true works of art!

Imagine: swirling, dancing tutus filled with beads, sequins, and even delicate feathers – just imagine how incredibly chic those must have looked. There was something magical about the era – almost like an escape from the reality of daily life into a whimsical world of fantasy. And what could be better than a big, dramatic tutu to take you on that very escape?

The 80s were the decade that pushed boundaries in the ballet world, challenging conventions, experimenting with different materials, and above all, putting creativity at the heart of every design. They truly embraced the artistry and power of the tutu. And darling, don’t even get me started on the sheer number of amazing colours! Emerald greens, dazzling purples, bright cerulean blues, and a veritable kaleidoscope of bright pinks. Absolutely delightful!

You might be wondering, darling, why all this fashion history is so important to me. Well, I believe tutus are timeless, and studying those early days of ballet and its iconic costumes provides us with a springboard for new designs, reimagined silhouettes, and fresh inspiration! It reminds us that style is a cycle.

And remember, darling, in today’s world, I believe that a tutu can be absolutely anything. We don't need a stage to flaunt our unique style – a tutu can make even the most mundane errands exciting, adding that sprinkle of magical flair to an ordinary day. And it’s all about embracing the freedom and fun of dressing up and celebrating yourself.

That’s my motto! So go forth and be a trendsetter. Channel those gorgeous 80s tutus, add a modern twist to the classic design, and let those vibrant pinks, fiery reds, and shimmering sequins dazzle the world, one twirl at a time. Don't forget to share your style with us – we'd love to see all those amazing creations!

See you next week for another amazing #TutuTuesday trip! Until then, stay fashionable, darling, and always remember: “A pink tutu is never wrong!”

Love,

Emma xoxo