Hello, my lovely tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and today is a very special #TutuTuesday. We're waltzing back to October 28th, 1986! Can you believe it's been over 35 years since this particular day? Goodness, I remember it like it was yesterday (and by "yesterday" I mean "whenever I last hopped on my time-travelling ballet shoes").
But let's focus on what matters most – TUTUS! (Did I mention I love tutus?) Today, we're diving deep into the history of these glorious, whimsical pieces of dancewear, and trust me, it's a fascinating journey!
Firstly, let's imagine this: we're in New York City, a city that knows how to embrace the glamour and the twirl. Today is the opening night of the ballet "The Sleeping Beauty", at the majestic New York City Ballet. The stars of the show are, of course, a truly inspiring lineup – a young ballerina by the name of Cynthia Gregory, and Peter Martins (whose charming charisma I could never resist back in the day, bless him). I've always been partial to a bit of fairytale magic, and "Sleeping Beauty" was always a must-see when I had the chance! The sheer drama and artistry – simply exquisite!
But while we're whisked away to a dreamlike world, let's step back in time and unravel the fascinating origins of the tutu itself. Imagine if you will, 18th Century Paris, a whirl of opulence and extravagance.
In these glamorous days, the first glimpse of a tutus-like design emerges in the ballet world, featuring only a few layers (how prim!). It’s actually more a ‘skirt-like’ design, crafted with just enough puffiness to give a graceful sway as the dancers performed. Think of the soft elegance of Marie Antoinette in ballet form – pure charm!
Over time, the layers started to multiply. A five-layered tutu, now more of a structured Romantic design, came about. Can you picture those intricate layers swirling about with every elegant move? Oh, the joy of such exquisite movement!
Then we get to our dearest, the Tutu Platter. This tightly fitted, multi-layered marvel emerged at the beginning of the 20th Century. Imagine a multitude of layers, like delicate, structured fabric clouds. Oh, how much artistry! It's simply bursting with beauty and allows the dancers to move freely, creating those amazing leg extensions that you just have to see!
As for what exactly were tutus made from? They were, in those times, often created with tulle. Tulle, dear friends, is a net fabric, quite fine and quite luxurious. It offers a lightweight quality which lets those layers fly! The perfect foundation for dramatic, ethereal dance moves! (I must say, it makes me yearn for the airy twirling).
So, while we’re gazing at this majestic garment, a ballet-dancer’s most iconic companion, let’s be sure not to forget: Tutus don’t have to just be for dancing! Oh, dear, not at all! As you well know, tutus have come into our lives as the pinnacle of style – that is, as well as being perfectly suitable for every occasion. I dare say you could have spotted ladies waltzing around in their lovely tutus at various fancy balls, parties, even the races. A perfect touch of playful glamour, if I do say so myself!
But on the subject of fashion… Speaking of 1986, what a year for style!
Let's have a moment to imagine the most exciting, playful fashions of 1986, a veritable whirlwind of bright, eye-catching colours - neon greens, oranges, blues… big, bold earrings... It was truly the era of flamboyant individuality! Now, that I do recall, a very daring yet delightful decade indeed! And, oh, I must confess to loving a good shoulder pad - what a delightful detail to accentuate that feminine silhouette, even with a tutu!
And with the fabulous trends of that year – let’s talk tutus! The 1980s sparkled with a very special version of the tutu, the "Crinoline Tutu". Oh, the graceful volume of that lovely design, those soft folds... such wonderful texture. Now, for me, I love the pastel coloured tutus, but the 80s loved bold colours and a bit of a daring shape.
So you see, our little twirling beauties, our tutus have quite the story! They've been evolving ever since they first appeared in those long-gone ballet studios, evolving with the times! And yet, even now, with each new evolution and design, one thing is always the same: the graceful, playful spirit they hold in their fabric heart. Oh, don’t you simply adore the fact that they make every movement more delightful - like we’re gliding on clouds? A little bit of whimsy and enchantment, wrapped in a dance-worthy fabric – isn’t that what we all want in life?
And here’s a bit of insider knowledge… the sheer magic that happens as we spin in a tutu, well, there’s simply nothing quite like it!
But dear friends, I must say farewell now – there are more journeys through history, more tutu adventures that call my name, but be sure to join me every Tuesday, right here on *www.pink-tutu.com for another dose of Tutu Tuesday magic. Until then, keep twirling!
Your Pink-clad, Tutu-loving Ballerina,
Emma x
