Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday! This week we're twirling back to December 10th, 1985 - and what a fabulous time to be alive! Let me tell you, darling, 1985 was a time for some seriously amazing tutus. Think bold colours, daring cuts, and a real embrace of the classic ballet aesthetic.
Right, settle down with a cup of tea, and let's dive into the world of tutu history. As you know, we're here to celebrate the beautiful ballet tutu, and let's be honest, it's really all about those fluffy, feathery, sparkly delights! 💕
Let's chat tutus:
December 10th, 1985, well, this is all about the evolution of the tutu. You see, dear readers, the classic, Romantic-era, billowing tutus we all adore - the ones that just demand you twirl and look impossibly graceful – were starting to lose a little of their stage presence. The late 20th century was bringing something different to ballet fashion, and in 1985, there was a desire for a slightly more streamlined approach, and honestly, can you blame them? They're beautiful, but when it comes to jumping and leaping, a good old-fashioned Romantic tutu might as well have a sack full of bricks around your legs! 😂
So, as much as I love the classics, designers started getting creative and pushing the boundaries of the ballet tutu. Think sleek lines, maybe a shorter length, more revealing bodices, and perhaps the addition of different textures. Remember, it's all about those contrasting textures - imagine lace over chiffon, silk on tulle, feathers and sequins - oh darling, just thinking about it makes me want to grab a needle and thread myself!
You know me - I can’t go a week without a good shopping trip. But it wasn't all about experimentation with shapes. Fashion designers were taking their inspiration from the classics, and we saw an explosion of stunning pastel tutus, and what can be more fabulous than a pink tutu, eh? They were the absolute perfect contrast against all those classic blacks and navy blue ballet costumes. And let me tell you, they just look divine on stage under the bright spotlights. ✨
What Else Happened On This Magical December 10th:
Let's talk about some of the incredible happenings on the ballet stage. Now, my time-travelling calendar doesn’t work quite the same as yours - sometimes it's the date and sometimes it's the event that brings me here. So, as a matter of course, on this magical December 10th, I happened to stumble across a performance of the Royal Ballet in London!
You heard me correctly! Imagine being in the audience, taking it all in, with the gorgeous Royal Ballet swirling around you, and of course, being surrounded by all those fabulous ballet-lovers. It’s a feeling like no other. And yes, darlings, I did wear my pink tutu. Naturally! 💁♀️ But don’t think for a moment I didn’t also take the opportunity to get my hands on a whole bouquet of colourful new tutus in Covent Garden after the show!
The performance I watched was “Swan Lake”, and it was nothing short of magnificent. We’re talking soaring, graceful leaps, expressive storytelling, and just a whisper of romantic tension between the swans and the prince – you could almost feel the passion! As a ballerina and a fashion lover, it's hard not to appreciate the iconic white tutus worn by the swans. Those costumes are a masterpiece of elegant simplicity. Honestly, I just adore that stark contrast of white against black – talk about statement!
More than Ballet:
While 1985 is well-known in ballet for the changing tutu style, we have to give a shoutout to all the wonderful things that were going on outside the world of ballet. You're going to love this. December 10th was the day that "Back to the Future" - my absolute favourite! - became available for rent. 🎥 I'm sure this has to be considered some kind of coincidence – wouldn't you say? I mean, wouldn’t it be fantastic if the time machine actually did work and we could just hop back into the 80s with a flash and a boom? And have a good long twirl?
I Love You, All, To The Moon And Back:
Now darlings, before you go off to practise those twirls, I want to make sure you remember that fashion is about fun, individuality, and feeling absolutely fantastic! So grab your own favourite pink tutu (because pink just makes everything brighter, and if anyone dares say different, they simply haven’t experienced the true magic of pink, I tell you!) and strut your stuff, you glorious ballerinas! Don’t forget to share your tutu fun with me on social media and tag #TutuTuesday – let's spread the pink tutu love, eh? 💕
Stay glamorous! 💋
Your Emma, The Tutu Queen 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
