Hiya, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-obsessed time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday once again! Today, we're whizzing back to the fabulous year 1986, and what a year it was! Big hair, shoulder pads, and of course, the glorious, shimmering tutus that defined the ballet scene.
Before I whisk you away to this dazzling decade, let's raise a glass of sparkling lemonade to the brilliant team who got me here! This week, I was graced with the opportunity to perform at a glorious charity gala at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. It was a whirlwind of glittering lights, roaring applause, and stunning costumes. A ballerina's dream, darling! And all this just to fuel my time-hopping adventures. So, if you ever feel the urge to wear a tutu, think of this and take the plunge! You'll be surprised what a bit of confidence and a frilly frock can do.
Anyway, back to the fabulous year of 1986. Think big and bold, think dramatic. This year was all about showcasing the artistry of ballet and expressing it through movement and, of course, tutus.
A Quick History Lesson:
Let's delve a bit into the glorious evolution of the ballet tutu. It wasn't always a fluffy, romantic dream in pastel hues, darling. Back in the 18th century, the original "tutu" was basically a short skirt! Can you imagine? It's only with the development of Romantic ballet in the early 19th century that the "tutu" truly became the symbol of grace and femininity we adore today. The tulle, which gave it its airy and ethereal look, became more prominent and we saw the development of the now iconic multi-layered, knee-length tutu.
The 1986 Ballet Tutu: Glamour Meets Grace
1986 was a year of fantastic performances and tutus, of course! We saw everything from the graceful classics like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty to more contemporary works showcasing experimental designs and bolder styles.
But what made tutus of the 80s truly spectacular? Think extravagant fabric, more intricate detailing, and, dare I say it, a bit more "bling!" Designers embraced new technologies like laser cutting and holographic fabrics, pushing the boundaries of the classic ballerina look.
But the one thing that hasn't changed, and thankfully will never change, is the incredible way tutus bring out a woman's grace and power. They're the embodiment of elegance and beauty, and the sight of a ballerina in a swirling tutu is truly a captivating experience!
From the Archives:
For our 1986 #TutuTuesday special, we've dug deep into the archives and have unearthed a couple of gems that truly reflect the year's style. Let's have a look!
1. The Ballet Theatre:
My trip to Moscow allowed me to see a magnificent production of The Nutcracker at the Bolshoi Theatre. And let me tell you, the costumes were utterly captivating! The ballerinas were adorned with beautiful tutus in shades of pale pink, frosted lavender, and ethereal white.
I simply adore the soft colours they chose; they beautifully captured the fairytale essence of The Nutcracker with a dash of playful sparkle. Each layer of tulle was beautifully layered and delicate, with delicate shimmering beadwork, like drops of dew on a glistening winter's day. The costumes for the Snow Queen, and for Clara herself, were spectacular, with delicate, sparkling embroidery that added another dimension to their elegance.
2. The Paris Opera Ballet:
Another must-see production in 1986 was Giselle at the Paris Opera Ballet. This production saw an exquisite rendition of the romantic tutus - elegant, flowy and with a distinctly graceful, traditional vibe. It reminded me of a gentle summer breeze whispering through a garden full of fragrant roses!
The tutus were a delightful mix of light pink, buttery yellow, and delicate ivory, each layer of tulle adding a romantic, ethereal touch. The sheer fabric shimmered and danced with each graceful movement. And the detailing! Swoon. You had those delicate embroidered patterns like delicate ivy and little, dainty white pearls for a final, beautiful touch of sparkle.
The Timeless Appeal of a Tutu:
You know what I love about these tutu moments from 1986? It’s the fact that their charm and beauty are just as captivating today! These magnificent outfits remind us of the rich history and the continuing evolution of the tutu.
My Tutu Pick:
For my personal #TutuTuesday look, I went with a shimmering soft pink tulle tutu that's so airy and playful. Imagine this! It's like wearing a little pink cloud! This beauty is absolutely perfect for a day filled with exploring historic Parisian boutiques (you simply can't miss the wonderful window displays - fashion inspiration at its best!), enjoying some classic French macarons and perhaps attending a ballet performance! It just makes you feel like a graceful little ballerina swan!
Tips for Finding the Perfect Tutu:
Here's a bit of my time-travelling, tutu-savvy advice: Finding the perfect tutu is a delightful adventure in itself, and trust me, you’ll love it! I suggest browsing online and checking out stores that specialise in dance wear, like the wonderful one on Baker Street! They’ve got amazing choices, with so many beautiful shades, lengths, and embellishments, from simple to extravagant, to make you feel like a glamorous star.
Oh, and don't be shy, ladies! I recommend pairing your tutu with a simple top and heels or cute ballet flats. And remember to accessorise - a stunning sparkly necklace or a headband is all you need to elevate your outfit to a magical new level!
The Tutu Magic Continues:
Remember, my lovelies, a tutu is more than just an item of clothing - it's a symbol of creativity, grace, and elegance. Don’t forget to embrace your inner ballerina. Whether you're on a train to a new adventure, wandering around a charming city, or heading to the ballet, slip into your pink tutu and unleash your inner beauty and confidence! It truly is magic!
*Remember to follow along for next week’s #TutuTuesday. See you then! *
*Stay lovely, *
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
