Hello, my dearest Tutu-Lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where itās always Tuesday and always time for a pink tutu. This week, weāre hopping on a time-travelling train (because who needs boring old planes when you can wear a tutu on a steam engine?!) and going back to a most glamorous decadeā¦ 1986!
Can you imagine, darling? The year when Ferris Buellerās Day Off came out! Madonna was singing about Like a Prayer! And leg warmers were ALL the rage (thank goodness theyāre back in style now, am I right?). But what about the ballet world in 1986, you ask? Well, itās about to get really interesting, so strap on your pink tutus, grab some bubbly, and get ready for a fashion and history lesson!
This Tuesday weāre going back in time to visit New York City ā a veritable mecca of the performing arts and a city where a girl can always find a new tutu to covet! Now, youāre probably thinkingā¦ āEmma, youāve been telling us about the Romantic period, tutus that barely cover your bottomā¦ what was ballet like back then?ā Well, darling, youāre in for a treat. This was the time of neoclassicism ā a glorious combination of old and new.
Itās like having your tea served in a vintage bone china teacup with a scone from the local patisserie, darling. You still have that classic elegance, but with a bit of contemporary flair!
Now, I wasnāt around to see all the action, as this was before my big time travelling debut. However, what I do know is that 1986 was a huge year for ballet competitions. For you fashion-lovers, that means new tutu designs! Think dazzling pancake tutus, made with layers of tulle so voluminous that you could live inside one (donāt worry, I wouldn't tell the fire marshal)! This was a period where we saw tutus becoming shorter and more playful, allowing ballerinas more freedom of movement (but trust me, a long, full tutu is always the best for a pirouette!).
Speaking of dancersā¦ can we talk about Mikhail Baryshnikov? This legendary ballerino was at the peak of his career in 1986 and was gracing stages all around the world. Iāve been fortunate enough to see him dance in his later years, and let me tell you ā the man still has the moves! But back then, darling, he was all about neoclassicism. He wasnāt afraid to challenge the traditional style, blending the old and new for something truly groundbreaking!
Now, you canāt talk about neoclassicism without mentioning the man, the myth, the legendā¦ George Balanchine! This amazing choreographer helped shape the modern style of ballet with his unique style of storytelling through movement and breathtaking choreography. Imagine Swan Lake ā that dramatic storytelling and elegance! Imagine it reimagined, infused with modern dance influencesā¦ now you have Balanchine! In 1986, he was still active, choreographing, and continuing to push the boundaries of ballet as we know it.
But the world wasnāt just about grand ballet companies and star dancers! Remember those pancake tutus I mentioned? These werenāt just for fancy competitions, darling. They were appearing in ballet schools and classrooms all across the world. And you know what else was taking the world by storm in 1986? Ballet on film!
Just like those lovely ballet magazines you find today with stunning photography of beautiful dancers in gorgeous costumes, ballets were starting to make their way to cinema screens! Remember āDance with Meā with Vanessa Redgrave? Well, darling, 1986 was the beginning of an era where ballet was becoming mainstream ā and this trend still continues today!
Now, you might be thinkingā¦ āEmma, what does a tutu from 1986 look like? How would I even find one?ā Well, my dear, Iām just thinking the same thing! If I had my way, Iād go back to 1986 and see those pancake tutus in all their voluminous glory, pick up some extravagant accessories, and maybe convince a few folks to take a trip to the theater for a ballet performance.
What are you thinking? Letās hear your thoughts on this Tutu Tuesday. Head on over to the comments section and tell me what your favourite ballet performance was in 1986. Let me know if you went to the ballet or have a cherished memory about a special show! You know I love a good ballet story ā it keeps my own tutu twirling. šš©°
But until next week, remember darling: Wear your pink tutus with pride, keep those legs in the air and, of course, always, always dance!
XOXO Emma š
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