Hello lovelies!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu-tastic! It’s me, Emma, your resident tutu historian and champion for all things frilly. Today’s journey through time takes us back to the glorious year 1986, a year that saw shoulder pads reach dizzying heights and neon colours rule the fashion scene – and, of course, ballet was right in the thick of it all!
This week, I’m absolutely brimming with excitement. Why? Well, today’s date marks the opening of a brand-new ballet - “La Bayadère” at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. It's been a big hit in London so I’ve already bought my tickets for the next showing! The story's full of drama and intrigue and I hear it features some incredibly stunning choreography! Can’t wait to see it! I even took inspiration from the gorgeous costumes to add a bit of sparkle to my outfit today! (Look out for a cheeky selfie at the end!).
But, as you know, my lovely readers, today is not just about me – it’s about the wonderful world of tutus. This is my mission: to share the beauty of these wonderful dance garments with the whole world! Let’s explore their evolution…
The 1980s: Tutudom Reigns
As a quick reminder, let’s rewind to 1986. Fashion in the mid 1980s was all about bright colours, bold shapes and lots of eye-catching patterns, so it’s no surprise that ballet tutus were keeping up with the trend. Think long, flowing tulle skirts, bright jewel tones, and generous helpings of glitter!
Imagine Margot Fonteyn, a ballet legend in her prime, pirouette-ing across the stage in her sparkling white tutu – it must have been dazzling! The elegant lines of her iconic classical tutu combined with the added sparkle, the combination really added another layer of enchantment to her performances!
And speaking of legendary tutus, this decade also saw the rise of Rudolf Nureyev. His powerful and athletic style was mirrored in the costumes of the time. We were seeing tutus evolving with a more athletic design - fitted and fluid - allowing dancers more freedom of movement. The influence of *Baryshnikov’s * bold and contemporary take on ballet design, especially in “Don Quixote”, made tutus more fitted and dramatic, with even a bit of leather peeking out. It truly showed that the ballet world was not afraid to experiment, and we had a fascinating blend of classic elegance with the edgier, exciting energy of modern times.
Now, while classical and modern tutu styles were flourishing, something quite unique was starting to brew… ballet street.
A Twist of Tutu: From Stage to Street
You might not be surprised to hear, my loves, that my favourite part of travelling to the 80s is all the vibrant fashion! What could be better than disco balls and leg warmers? I’ve got to say, the 80s have got it going on.
One of the most exciting trends that emerged during the 80s was the rise of “ballet street.” This was all about merging ballet fashion with the trends of the street - think that classic ballerina look with some stylish 80s flair. We’re talking leggings, big sweaters and, of course, a splash of pink tulle. Imagine dancers popping into local shops after a class or practicing on their own unique style of pointe shoes, maybe a mix of pink, silver or yellow with the traditional white. These dancers would grab a cup of coffee at a cafe, still in their performance outfits. It was totally avant-garde and inspiring to see those ballet tutus spilling out onto the streets!
It's important to remember the incredible influence of "Flashdance" and "Center Stage" on the street fashion of the decade. These films captured a generation’s fascination with the combination of sporty clothing and that elegant ballet vibe.
A Word to My Pink Tutu Lovers:
The combination of classic ballet beauty with that 1980s sense of bold confidence truly is an amazing reminder to us all: never be afraid to push boundaries! Be bold, be daring, and remember that every day is a chance to twirl!
Tutu Trivia Time!
Have you ever wondered how they get that perfect fluffy shape for a tutu? It's actually more complicated than it looks! Here's a little behind-the-scenes fact: it can take around four hundred meters of tulle to create a classic ballerina tutu, so it truly is a work of art! Imagine those metres of tulle being folded and crafted - what a magical piece of clothing!
So there you have it! A little snapshot of ballet tutu history in 1986. It was a decade filled with vibrant energy and the unstoppable charm of that magical tutu! And remember, my darlings, pink tutus will always be in fashion. It’s a timeless look for every time!
Now I’m off to hop onto a steam train to Covent Garden for the big show! But before I go, here’s a picture of me in my pink tutu outfit! Tell me what you think – do you like it?
( Emma’s photo pops up on the page – she’s wearing a delicate pink tulle skirt, matching headband with fluffy feather and sparkly pink ballet flats )
Until next Tuesday!
Love,
Emma
(www.pink-tutu.com)
