Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveler, back with another peek into the fabulous history of our beloved tutu!
Today we're stepping back to the 27th of May, 1986, and believe me, it was a whirlwind of a day in the world of ballet. Let's hop aboard the time train and head straight to... Paris, of course! (Because where else would a tutu lover be on the 27th May? 😉).
A Star is Born in Paris
This particular day, my dears, saw the opening of a ballet that sent shockwaves through the Parisian theatre scene. I'm talking about "The Little Mermaid", the brainchild of the incredible Maurice Béjart!
This wasn't your typical fairy tale ballet. This one brought in bold costumes, an adventurous story and some seriously dazzling dance sequences. Picture a mermaid princess with a dazzling, cascading tutu shimmering like moonlight on the sea, complete with feathery accents that felt like a whisper of waves. This was the kind of ballet that had people rushing to the theatres and swallowing up every available seat.
Now, back to my favourite subject: the tutus!
The Mermaid's Magic
This ballet took a bold departure from the classic "swan lake" tutus we were all so familiar with. The Little Mermaid's costume was an ode to the sea, featuring layers and layers of flowing fabric in shades of shimmering emerald and azure. They whisked and twirled around her like seaweed caught in the current, bringing the ethereal world of the ocean to life on stage.
But there's more, darlings! We saw an abundance of other sparkling, colorful tutus in this ballet too. The costumes of the other characters – sea nymphs, mermen, even a grumpy crab! – were a feast for the eyes, each one contributing to the sheer magic of the performance.
My Own Tutu Dreams
This ballet had me dreaming of swirling and dancing beneath the sea in a magnificent, shimmering tutu myself! Just imagine – a wave of cascading fabric flowing with the rhythm of my steps, reflecting the magical glow of underwater lanterns. Sighs dreamily
Don't get me wrong, there's a place in my heart for the classic, romantic tutus of ballets like Swan Lake and Giselle, but there's just something so magical and breathtaking about the modern, daring, imaginative designs we were seeing at this time!
Fashion Forecast: Tutu Trends for 1986
The tutus from this "Little Mermaid" were a preview of things to come, my darlings. 1986 was a year of experimentation in the ballet world, a time of playful experimentation with colours and textures.
We were seeing:
- Wider, more flowing skirts: Remember those classic pancake tutus we loved so much? Well, they were starting to give way to more dynamic silhouettes that flowed and danced with the dancers, rather than just standing out like a fluffy, stiff, pouffe.
- Unique Fabrics: Designers were stepping out of the box and using silks and chiffons that draped and moved beautifully in intricate patterns. They even started adding shimmering metallic accents – just imagine! – making the costumes look like they were dipped in moonbeams.
- Bold Colour Choices: Gone were the days of only using classic pink, white, and black. 1986 saw a wave of vibrant colours, bringing a playful energy to the stage.
- Elaborate Accents: Flowers, feathers, sequins, and glitter were all embraced with open arms! It was the age of abundance, and there was no room for holding back!
Let's talk Travel:
After Paris, I headed to New York, of course! This magical city is where my next exciting journey of fashion and ballet discovery begins. I found myself at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Squee! And it's not a trip to the big apple without visiting the Museum of Modern Art!
My, oh, my. These American designers were using fabrics and colors I'd never even dreamt of! One ballet in particular was "The Sleeping Beauty" set in a totally different environment! It had tutus made from satin and tulle and were layered with frills, lace, ribbons, and sparkly sequins! Oh my! There was so much beautiful, creative artistry!
I couldn't resist buying a fabulous, sparkly pink tutu at the vintage clothing shop next door!
Let's recap our trip:
So, dear readers, 27th May, 1986 – a day full of dancing, sparkling tutus, and fashion exploration. We took a whirlwind trip through Paris and New York, discovering how the ballet world was embracing change and moving towards a more playful, expressive style.
Don't forget to show your love for the tutu! Share your favorite tutu looks in the comments, and remember to join me next Tuesday for another dazzling journey into the wonderland of ballet history! 🩰✨
And always remember, darlings, life is a ballet! So dance your way through it with joy, grace, and a sprinkle of pink, pink, pink!
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all things ballet, fashion, and, of course, the perfect pink tutu!
Love always,
Emma 💖🩰
