#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1986-01-21

Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure on your favourite website, www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we’re hopping on the time machine, a fabulous old steam train adorned with lace and ribbons (naturally!) and taking a trip back to January 21st 1986. Grab a cuppa, your favourite ballet slipper, and let’s twirl through history together!

Blog post #8039! I’ve been obsessed with tutus ever since I was a little girl in Derbyshire, twirling in my granny's old, slightly moth-eaten, pink tulle number (don’t judge!). Back then, my tutu was my superpower – it let me fly like a bird, dance like a fairy, and dream bigger than the moon!

Today, my mission is to make the world a more fabulous, tutu-filled place, one pink tulle wonder at a time. And believe me, history’s a goldmine for tutu inspiration!

So, let’s dive into 1986!

Tutu Timewarp: The Year of the Tutu!

1986 was a fantastic year for ballet. It was the year when the legendary Royal Ballet premiered a new production of Swan Lake - pure tutu magic! The company, led by the stunning Margot Fonteyn, brought a whole new energy and grace to this classic ballet. Even now, watching a performance makes me want to leap and twirl right along with them. I can almost smell the perfume of the dancers and hear the applause thunder through the theatre. Speaking of perfume… Miss Dior, Giorgio Armani Sì and J'adore by Dior were some of the most sought-after fragrances of the year! Can you imagine wearing those beautiful scents, swirling a silk gown and dancing across a stage? Heavenly!

* Fashion: A Feast for the Eyes*

While ballet has its signature style, the fashion trends outside the stage were quite fabulous, too! This year saw a dramatic flair for the bold and bright! Big shoulders were the must-have item, and power dressing was in full swing. But just a little bit of “feminine” mixed things up nicely, so think frilly blouses, puffed sleeves, and bright colours – imagine them with a tutu and a touch of lace, you wouldn't want to wear anything else!

On the front row, you’d spot famous actresses like Cher wearing outfits that were daring and statement-making, from tight jeans to those unforgettable big hats! (And she never said no to a feather boa, either! Those definitely have a certain ballerina chic vibe, don’t you think?) And let’s not forget Princess Diana, the fashion icon herself! She wore dresses in bright shades, sometimes teamed with bold jewellery and headbands, always bringing her own stylish flair to the world. Diana was elegance personified, and every woman aspired to look a little like her! I loved those wide collars and those colourful jackets. Just add a hint of tutu fabric for some playful magic and boom - an outfit that makes a statement!

Travel: The Ballet in Bloom

Oh, to travel the world! But we don’t need a time machine for that! You can practically feel the buzz of excitement in the air for 1986. The trains are packed with passengers, everyone’s travelling. I can imagine sitting in a beautifully restored compartment, dreaming about a tutu shop in Paris, or perhaps even one of London’s incredible department stores! (I swear, every single building in London was either a department store or a magnificent theatre back in the 80s). Imagine buying a gorgeous dress to wear to a performance and then having a few extra pounds for a luxurious treat - a beautiful feather boa, maybe! I'd be taking that train ride at any opportunity to go to a show. Even though I travel through time, trains are just too magical! The world felt a bit closer together back then, with the railways as the lifeline for exploration. Don’t you agree? There was a real excitement for going somewhere new, meeting new people, and getting to see different cultures, all with a beautiful ballet in mind.

Let's Twirl!

As always, #TutuTuesday isn’t just about the history; it’s about inspiration and connection. It’s about remembering that dance, fashion, and style transcend time, connecting us across generations. Let’s celebrate the beauty and magic of ballet, whether it's on stage or in your everyday life. Let your inner ballerina shine, whether it's a ballet class, a family get-together, or just twirling in your living room! Let's spread the joy of tutus and the magic of dancing to everyone we meet, because remember, the world’s a much brighter and more beautiful place when everyone wears a tutu!

*And remember, you can always catch me at my favorite *Ballet Theatre near the station - they do the most amazing productions! I even caught Rudolf Nureyev's performance last month! So inspiring!! **

Do you have a favourite historical #TutuTuesday memory? Share your stories in the comments below!

Until next Tuesday, twirl on!

Love,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com