Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday installment of Ballet Tutu History! Today we're whisking ourselves back to the fabulous 80s, to a time of big hair, shoulder pads, and of course, amazing tutus!
Today’s date, October 14th, 1986, is rather a momentous one. Why, you ask? Because today marks the day Swan Lake opened in London! Now, I know what you're thinking, Swan Lake is old news, darling, everyone's seen that! Well, yes and no. But in 1986, this production was special. The Royal Ballet put on a new version with stunning designs and incredible dancing. The tutus were divine - imagine the most beautiful layers of white, with shimmering details and a perfect fit.
I hopped on a rather dashing train (one with an open carriage for a good peek at the countryside!), all the way to London for this show. I was so excited, you could say I had tutu butterflies! The entire theatre buzzed with excitement - you could sense the anticipation in the air! Everyone was dressed to the nines (a bit of black and a lot of big jewellery - 80s, darling!)
And the show? Oh, it was simply magical! The choreography was fluid and beautiful, and the dancers, well, they made every move look effortless, making the swans glide with grace and power. The music? Heavenly, darling! I was spellbound, the entire theatre was a whirl of light, colour, and movement, and I'm sure every heart in that theatre was tutuly in love.
Speaking of tutus, let's talk about the evolution of the Swan Lake costume! Originally, tutus weren’t the fluffy cloud-like affairs we see today, they were so different! Back in the late 1800s, the Swan Queen’s costume was simply a long, flowing white dress - a far cry from the ethereal elegance we see now!
But imagine a Swan Queen in a full-length white gown trying to jump and twirl? Dreadful!
Luckily, as the art of ballet evolved, the need for more free movement became evident, so they created something more flexible: a shorter skirt with layers upon layers of tulle. And just like that, the iconic swan tutu was born.
Now, you're probably thinking, Emma, those big tutus with the pointed bodice? The ultimate 80s style?, Well, the 'big' tutu trend hit its peak in the 80s, with the dancers adorning even bigger and more dramatic versions! It's almost like the costume designers felt, "Why settle for subtle, when we can make it BIG!" But remember, even in this trend, it all came down to finding the perfect blend of elegance and practicality. Those fluffy, billowing tutus still allowed the dancers to move gracefully. Bravo, costume designers!
And while I’m on the topic of ballet, let's take a quick jaunt to Derbyshire! Yes, that's my home county, full of beautiful countryside, cozy pubs and…ballet!
Even in Derbyshire, you’d find dedicated schools and studios, full of enthusiastic students (young and old!) learning the art of grace and precision. It’s a beautiful thing to see the spark in those young eyes, especially during a pas de deux - the ultimate test of partner work and grace! And yes, even in Derbyshire, the girls have been embracing the pink tutu, adding a splash of bright pink into their routines.
This Tuesday, we’re talking big dreams, bigger tutus, and the endless pursuit of perfection and beauty in the world of ballet. I mean, who needs to chase diamonds when you can chase your dreams in a shimmering pink tutu, right?
Speaking of dreams, I have a dream for every ballerina out there: to feel empowered, beautiful, and ready to dance! I want all of you, from seasoned veterans to aspiring little ballerinas, to wear a pink tutu and shine bright, and celebrate the magical world of ballet. Because at the heart of it, dancing is about more than just pirouettes and perfect form – it’s about the joy, the creativity, and the pure bliss of letting yourself flow.
So, next time you're twirling in your tutu, remember what I've told you. You are a magical creature, with a special, shimmering spark inside you, ready to blossom!
See you next week for another edition of #TutuTuesday!
Love and glitter,
Emma
P.S. Did I tell you that the royal box was packed full of famous people? There were all sorts of important looking people, in their fine attire, ready to watch the dancers twirl. And me - I sat in the front row - a perfect view of every delicate grand jeté and beautiful arabesque. A time-traveling ballerina's gotta see everything!
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more delightful ballerina adventures and ballet fashion inspiration!
