#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1986-02-25

Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another delightful delve into the history of our beloved ballet tutu! This week, we're stepping back to February 25th, 1986, a date ripe with exciting events and a little slice of ballet magic.

This week, as you can see from my delightful vintage frock, I'm all about pink. Just like the sugar plum fairies themselves, pink is simply the perfect colour for a ballerina's spirit. And for a reason! The shade of pink that reigns supreme this February 25th is such a gorgeous dusty rose. Just picture it with a flowing tulle tutu, delicate straps, and perhaps even a sweet little bow... It's practically a fairytale in every step!

But before I swoon too much over pink, let's get back to history, shall we?

Ah, 1986! The year of neon colours, shoulder pads, and of course, amazing music! You know, Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Bon Jovi? Ah, what an incredible era. It's so exciting for me to see the fashion evolve. We're right in the midst of what they call the "Second Renaissance of the Tutu" right now, and it's all about embracing the drama and beauty of ballet. The modern interpretations of the classic design are divine. It's truly a pink paradise!

Back to our travels though, this specific date, February 25th, 1986, is jam-packed with excitement for any true ballerina:

• New York City Ballet opens their season with the stunning A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by the brilliant George Balanchine. This classic masterpiece combines a truly breathtaking score by Felix Mendelssohn with a truly stunning tutu ensemble. If you’re fortunate enough to be in the Big Apple, don't miss this!

• The Royal Opera House is presenting La Traviata, a performance renowned for its beauty and grandeur. It's not just about the dancing - opera offers a different perspective on the stage, and it's an absolute delight to watch a gorgeous ballet-inspired costume take center stage, even if it's for just a moment.

• If you happen to be in London, you simply cannot miss the fashion exhibition happening at the Victoria and Albert Museum. This exhibition is dedicated to the evolution of fashion, tracing the evolution of garments over the years, from historical corsets to contemporary gowns. It’s fascinating to see how ballet styles and tutus have inspired designers and trends. You can bet that this is something I won't miss, and you'd be wise to follow in my fashionable footsteps!

Of course, what would any self-respecting ballet fan be doing on February 25th, 1986, other than indulging in some retail therapy? The most wonderful thing about time travelling is the abundance of unique shops in every era! Here's a tip - you can easily find gorgeous vintage pieces, be it from the roaring 20s or this lovely 1986 era. Think dramatic designs and some truly exceptional fabric. For a ballerina, vintage shops are pure magic. The fabric, the patterns - I can't get enough of it!

So, if you're craving a dose of that fabulous pink tutu look, I would absolutely recommend visiting a couple of London's hidden gems:

• The Antique and Vintage Textile Fair: Oh, it's simply divine! You can find some truly stunning tutus there, just waiting to be resurrected.
• Liberty's: The beautiful department store at the heart of London, where they truly do know the meaning of quality.

You can find all the classic shapes and materials, be it softest tulle, silk, or perhaps even some stunning vintage satin. My secret? Find yourself a dusty pink corded satin. Trust me, you’ll look positively magical in that.

As many of you know, I'm a massive train fan. You can find me whizzing through time on any steam engine! Luckily, my journey through the past often brings me through the gorgeous scenery of Derbyshire, where my heart lies.

Derbyshire is truly special. Every turn has breathtaking views, rolling green hills and stone castles – a little piece of paradise on earth. A great source of inspiration for my next fashion statement, no? 😉

But my favourite part is, well, the little tea rooms. Oh, you have no idea. Think quaint and comfy. A haven for all lovers of delicious baked treats! Imagine the possibilities! It's absolutely perfect for enjoying a well-earned break and getting that all-important dose of energy before I continue my journey.

Now that we've explored the glamorous world of 1986, it's time for you, my fellow ballet enthusiasts, to take charge! Go out there and rock your own pink tutu. Spread the pink love! Be bold, be beautiful, and most importantly, be true to your inner ballerina.

Remember, every tutu tells a story. And remember, this #TutuTuesday history isn't just about fashion - it's about a passion that connects generations!

And don't forget, visit my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, next Tuesday for another fascinating journey into the wonderful history of our beloved tutus. This is number 8044, and we’re about to break record for the most popular TutuTuesday blog ever!

See you next Tuesday, and happy twirling! 💕