Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, your resident Tutu Queen, bringing you another #TutuTuesday from my latest time travel adventure!
Today we're going back to January 14th, 1986. The year of shoulder pads, big hair, and some seriously fabulous ballet costumes. You might be thinking, "Emma, why are you so obsessed with the past?" Well, darlings, my love for all things tutu knows no time constraints! Each decade has its own unique spin on the ballerina's essential garment, and I, for one, am fascinated by how tutus have evolved throughout history.
Now, let's whisk ourselves back to 1986. Imagine it - London, the heart of the ballet world. The streets are buzzing with activity, and the Royal Opera House is buzzing with anticipation for a stunning performance of "Giselle." The year is packed with other exciting ballet moments too. Mikhail Baryshnikov was just starting his legendary tenure as Director of American Ballet Theatre and Margot Fonteyn was on tour performing "Swan Lake" – now that's some truly iconic dancing!
In the fashion world, things were getting quite extravagant! Think puffed sleeves, lace, and tons of colour – not unlike our modern-day tutu trends, I'd say! The 1980s were a time of playful experimentation and audacious looks, and that really shows in the ballet costumes too. Think vibrant shades, luxurious fabrics like silk and satin, and a whole lot of tulle. Now, I'm sure you'll agree, that's just divine.
Oh, and speaking of tutus, did I mention what's extra exciting about this specific date in time? On January 14th, 1986, a truly special production was going down. It's called The Dream, a grand ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton, based on the Shakespearean play A Midsummer Night's Dream. Think fairies, moonlight, and some seriously ethereal costumes – it’s everything I adore about ballet! And those tutus? Absolutely divine.
The 1980s ballet scene, in a nutshell, is a wonderful time of experimentation with tutu designs. Ballet companies weren't afraid to play with shapes, colours, and even materials. And trust me, there are some pretty fabulous, iconic designs from this period that you just have to see! (Spoiler alert: They are truly Instagram worthy).
To add even more charm to the picture, I'm also envisioning a little stop by a gorgeous vintage clothing shop. Perhaps a detour to Liberty’s in London for some dreamy fabrics – think lace, silk, and a touch of velvet, my loves. Oh, how I dream of a time travel wardrobe adventure, flitting between the eras of past ballet shows!
For me, nothing beats experiencing the ballet world through its historic lens, and 1986 was truly an exciting year. Who knows, maybe a little dose of that vibrant '80s style will inspire you to experiment with a dash of colour or sparkle in your next tutu outing? Whatever it may be, let's all spread that love for all things tutus, one dance at a time.
Until next time, my dears, keep twirling! And remember, #TutuTuesday is just around the corner!
See you soon,
Emma x
(To be continued next Tuesday!)
