Hello lovelies! Itās Emma here, back from another jaunt through time, fresh from a delightful performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. You wouldnāt believe the exquisite craftsmanship of those costumes! I even managed to snag a little vintage velvet shrug from a delightful little boutique near the theatre ā I canāt wait to show you all next time Iām back at the old flat. Anyway, before I go completely off track (those shop windows are just SO tempting, you know?) let's jump into our time-traveling tutu journey!
Today, we're dipping our toes back into the 1980s, a glorious decade that embraced a whole spectrum of colours and styles. Think bold, eye-catching designs, voluminous skirts and an unyielding passion for sparkle.
And what better date than August 26th, 1986, to dive into the wonderful world of tutus? On this very day, something pretty extraordinary took place: the world was graced with the performance of āGiselleā at the Paris Opera! Can you imagine the magic? It makes me want to twirl just thinking about it!
But let's talk tutus ā after all, they're the stars of this show, aren't they?
The tutu has undergone a rather remarkable transformation throughout history. Starting with its humble beginnings as a simple, floor-length skirt, the tutu has evolved into the elegant, multi-layered masterpiece it is today. And by "masterpiece", I don't just mean a simple pouffy, pastel confection!
In the late 1800s, the Romantic Tutu emerged. Think of it as the original ballerina look ā soft, wispy, and completely captivating. Its long, flowing fabric created a dreamlike, ethereal quality on stage. The Romanticist period, darling, was all about pushing the boundaries of the dramatic and exploring the emotions behind the characters. The soft, flowing tulle captured the airiness of these graceful movements perfectly.
Then came the Classical Tutu. Oh, this one's a favourite of mine, all crisp lines and precise angles! Its short, flat form, designed with layers of stiffened tulle, allows for breathtaking displays of technique and power. Think powerful leaps, effortless fouettĆ© turns and beautiful arabesques ā this tutu truly puts those ballerina moves on display! It's no wonder it became so popular in the 20th century, with some of the greatest dancers making it their trademark look.
Back to 1986, and this beautiful world of ballet was reaching a whole new level. Ballet was entering a golden age. Dancers were pushing boundaries with daring techniques and breathtakingly innovative choreographies. It was a time where everyone, not just ballet fans, were eager to see and experience the magic of ballet. And that's when tutus really came into their own!
For our little journey through the 80s, we need to embrace those vibrant colors and textures, just as the fashion scene embraced it then. Remember that iconic movie āFlashdanceā with the bold and graphic patterns and bright hues? The 80s in ballet wasnāt any different! We were seeing more detailed, multicoloured fabrics and designs in our tutu world ā a vibrant counterpoint to the classic all-white costumes.
Remember, darlings, the tutus we see on stage aren't just a bit of fabric; they're a part of the whole story! They enhance every turn, every jump, every gesture. A perfect example is āGiselle,ā with its beautiful, billowing tutus in Act I, symbolizing the youthful innocence of Giselle, the naive village girl. But when she transforms into a spectral being in Act II, she dons a pale white tutu with tattered, see-through tulle to symbolize her tragic downfall. This clever play with costumes isn't just about looks; it's a masterclass in storytelling through clothing.
And the best part? Those sparkly, colourful details and textures we adore are only getting more intricate! Tutus in this period were full of sequins, glitter and more delicate touches, giving them a touch of modern edge and highlighting those incredible movements in new ways.
That's all from your favourite tutu-loving time traveler today! Don't forget, darlings, keep your eyes peeled for #TutuTuesday next week as we delve back into the fabulous world of tutu history! Until then, remember, always embrace the sparkle, the flair, and that extra touch of pink.
Now, whereās my train ticketā¦ Next stop, New York!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(Psstā¦ donāt forget to check out my fabulous Etsy shop for some vintage tutu-inspired accessories. Wink wink!)
