Hello darlings! Welcome back to another Tuesday, and another installment of #TutuTuesday - my weekly ballet tutu history journey through the glamorous decades!
This week, we're twirling back to 1986-07-29, a date brimming with fashion, flair and of course, fabulous tutus! I can feel my pink feather boa tingling with anticipation, so let's get right to it, shall we?
(Don't forget, lovelies, to leave me a comment below sharing your favourite tutu memory! My DMs are always open for a good tutu chat too! )
A Journey Back in Time... By Train!
So, after a quick nip over to the past, by way of my favourite steam train journey, here I am in the late 80s, standing at the very heart of a London theatre district - the beating heart of dance! Just imagine the excitement!
Fashion: The Stars Aligned
The year 1986, fashion darlings, is where “power dressing” takes centre stage. Sharp tailoring, bold colours and shoulder pads ruled the runway. We're talking bold shades of scarlet, cerulean, and emerald, paired with crisp white shirts, structured blazers and knee-length skirts. The 80s truly were all about embracing a bit of glamour!
What to Wear to Ballet: A Dance Between Glamour and Grace
Of course, when it came to attending a ballet performance, the key was elegance, yet with a playful edge.
Think velvet gowns in shades of midnight blue and jewel tones, shimmering silks and satins, perhaps paired with pearl jewellery. Remember those dazzling pearl earrings everyone adored in the 80s? So chic! And don't forget, a touch of eye-catching feather boa always elevates any outfit for a bit of 80s whimsy.
The Tutu Evolution: A Glimpse of History
Let's talk tutus, darlings! In the world of classical ballet, the romantic tutu, a design that was first brought to the world in the late 18th century by the famous dancer, Marie Taglioni, was still reigning supreme. This flowing, multi-layered tutu was designed for fluidity, highlighting a dancer's movement, like an ethereal dance with the wind.
But darling, in the 80s, a new style of tutu emerged – the contemporary tutu.
We're talking about innovative, unconventional designs, embracing both fluidity and structure. Think modern materials such as netting, organza and more abstract shapes. Ballet was exploring a different visual language - expressing the complex themes and emotions within the choreography.
But, My Delicate Darlings, Did You Know?
Did you know, a ballet dancer can wear anywhere from 4 to 10 layers in a single romantic tutu?! You may be feeling rather warm, but this layering gives it its signature weightless silhouette – truly magic in motion!
And on this very day… 1986-07-29
This day, darlings, was overflowing with balletic beauty! If you were in New York City, you could catch " The Sleeping Beauty" at the New York City Ballet, while the American Ballet Theatre had a show on Broadway (that's another New York street for you, lovelies!). It was a full day of classical ballet, pure enchantment!
Shopping for the Perfect Tutu:
Now, speaking of ballet, I know you’re all bursting to go shopping! It is the best form of therapy, darling! And when it comes to a tutu, I simply can’t resist! I'd suggest checking out Degas – it’s an independent boutique in Covent Garden - just overflowing with wonderful treasures! It’s absolutely divine!
And you know what they say, right, darlings? There’s a tutu out there for everyone, regardless of age or dance experience! Embrace the inner ballerina you were always meant to be. (Did someone say “Pink”? I simply adore pink tutus!)
Until next Tuesday, my little ballerinas! Keep dancing, keep shining, and don’t forget to let me know what your tutu adventures are!
Your ever-tutu-ing Emma ❤️
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #FashionBlogger #BalletLove #LondonStyle #VintageVibes #TrainTravel #DanceEnthusiast
