*#8041 - 4th February 1986 - "Pink Power!" *
Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back from another fabulous time-traveling escapade, ready to share a piece of ballet history with you! This week, we're whisked back to a time when the world was brimming with shoulder pads, big hair, and yes, the gloriously frilly tutus that we adore! So buckle up, grab a cuppa, and let's journey back to the 4th of February, 1986.
Imagine it - neon colours, leg warmers, and those fantastically voluminous skirts. This was the era of big hair and bolder even bigger ballet moves, darling. Back then, tutus were reaching their peak of frill and fullness. The more layers, the more elaborate the embellishments, the more impressive it was, my dear! Think shimmering sequins, tulle that flowed like liquid dreams, and a general sense of opulence! This was the era where the stage truly belonged to the ballerinas. They were goddesses of graceful movement and colour. I mean, you don't get a more dazzling spectacle than a row of prima ballerinas, swirling and twirling under the stage lights, do you? It's just magic! ✨
This particular Tuesday was particularly exciting! You see, it's the day the world first laid eyes on the enchanting 'The Nutcracker' in London's prestigious Royal Opera House! Yes, a brand new production starring a cast of superstars! This must've been a spectacular spectacle with costumes probably fit for a queen, the kind of grand and glittering performance that dreams are made of! My head was spinning imagining those magnificent tutus!
From Stage to Street
This wasn't just a period where tutus were confined to the stage, though! The 80s saw the rise of the street-style tutu! Remember the iconic Madonna videos where those puffy, pink, and sometimes black tutus made their debut on our television screens? This was a fashion statement that grabbed the world by storm. Those street tutus were a rebel yell against the establishment, a statement of power and beauty in equal measures. Who says that ballet was only for the elite? That attitude brought the art form into the homes and lives of millions, and it gave the world a chance to admire its beauty. 💖
This decade brought in a love for all things pink. From Jem and the Holograms with their pink tutus and sparkly accessories to the popularity of everything 'girlie', pink was everywhere! This beautiful shade even found its way onto the tutus themselves, from delicate, almost-transparent hues to bold fuchsia pink. I simply adore it! I'm so glad that my obsession is shared by many!
More than just a fashion trend, pink, in my eyes, embodies pure joy, feminine energy and, dare I say it, a little bit of magic! It's not just a colour, it's a feeling.
On my Travels
Now, the most fantastic part about my time traveling shenanigans, besides getting to see so many beautiful performances? Travelling by train! The romance! The elegance! It just adds to the whole 'ballet' experience! Imagine yourself, dressed in your pink tutu (because of course, a time traveler can't go out without it!) and being whisked away to exciting, historical locations. This is just what my recent trip was like. Imagine me on a sleek British train, my tutu swirling, taking me on a whimsical adventure back in time to experience the iconic history of dance in London!
Don't get me wrong, there are other modes of transport available, but it doesn't have the same level of enchantment, does it? Especially not in the '80s when everyone seems to dress with so much panache. This was the era of statement pieces and big hair, my darlings! This was a time when a pink tutu could be the finishing touch to your look, or the statement of the whole outfit! There were so many options; short tutus, full tutus, bright tutus, delicate tutus, it truly was a fabulous decade for my favourite form of dance attire! I've got some spectacular photographs from this trip; just wait until I show you!
A Peek into my Personal Archives
And while I'm reminiscing, have a sneak peek into my very own personal archive, the one that holds a treasure trove of tutus from all the time periods I've travelled through! I simply can't resist a beautiful tutu, even from the past! But one of my favourites has to be the one from my 1980s trip! I found it nestled between the dusty costumes at an abandoned ballet school. It's a soft pink silk and tulle, layered and full of elegant ruffles. A true gem.
It really epitomises the fashion sense of the decade; it's got a touch of retro glam, mixed with that bold pink, which I absolutely adore. I've even styled it a couple of times, imagine my darling, a little 1980s glamour with a modern twist? It was just the thing!
So, there you have it, dear readers! A glimpse into the magnificent ballet world of 1986, a year that will always have a special place in my heart (and my wardrobe!). Remember, wear your pink tutu with confidence, and always let your imagination take you wherever you want to go! That's my motto for the day!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma
P.S. Make sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more #TutuTuesday fun! I love hearing your stories. What is your favourite tutu, or where in history would you travel in a tutu?!
