Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, back again for another exciting trip down the pink-tulle-lined memory lane of ballet history. Today's #TutuTuesday journey takes us right back to December 30th, 1986, and let me tell you, there was a whole lot of twirling going on!
I landed in New York City this time - talk about a whirlwind! The air was buzzing with excitement and the city was awash with Christmas cheer. Imagine, twinkling lights on Broadway, snowflakes falling gently on Central Park, and the smell of gingerbread wafting through the crisp air. I felt like I had stepped into a beautiful winter wonderland, and a perfect backdrop for my pink tutu, wouldn't you agree?
But back to the dance! In 1986, the world of ballet was full of innovative and exciting developments. Let's take a little peek at what the world was watching, what tutus were dazzling the audiences, and what fashions were all the rage…
The Royal Ballet - An Iconic Force
This year saw the Royal Ballet flourishing under the artistic direction of the legendary Sir Anthony Dowell. They were absolutely captivating audiences with stunning performances of the classics. You couldn't walk past a newsstand without seeing photos of their stellar performances of Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. You bet I made sure I caught their production of La Sylphide at the Royal Opera House - and you won't believe the sheer grace of the white tulle tutus they wore! So beautifully crafted and delicate, they practically floated across the stage. I felt my heart flutter every time I watched the corps de ballet dancing in those exquisite costumes.
Beyond the Classics - New Visions Emerge
But the ballet world wasn't just about the traditional repertoire, oh no! New works were premiering all the time, and contemporary ballet was really making a splash. Remember that time I met Mikhail Baryshnikov? He was quite the revolutionary back in 1986 - he even danced in an experimental work called "The Dreamers," exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of choreography. That one involved a whole host of stunning abstract costumes that looked like they were made of layered tulle – quite bold for its time. It just goes to show that the tutu isn't always about traditional length and layers - even unconventional shapes and colours can create incredible visual impact.
Beyond the Stage - Ballet Fashion in Full Swing
Let’s be honest, it wasn't just on the stage that the tutu was making waves. You couldn't swing a tutu without bumping into fashion designers incorporating it into their collections. And not just those flowing tutus that dancers wore either - they even came in the form of mini-skirts! Just imagine!
Of course, this also made for a whole new avenue for shopping – how delightful! I actually purchased a gorgeous pink tutu mini skirt for my trip to New York, you can see it in the Instagram post of me on Times Square with a huge billboard featuring Baryshnikov… what a day! But remember my fashionistas, when wearing a tutu skirt, a little less is always more - think sleek tops, jackets or bold accessories. Less is definitely more!
1986 – The Year the Tutu Really Took Flight
If you ask me, 1986 was the year the tutu really took flight - its popularity really soared and made it even more ingrained in pop culture than it was before. It’s certainly a time I wouldn't trade for the world – a time for experimentation, beauty and wonder in the dance world. So, go ahead and unleash your inner ballerina! Wear that tutu with pride, and let your inner spirit twirl!
Remember, I will always be here to share my love for tutus with you all. Check back next week for a new exciting #TutuTuesday adventure, I promise! Don't forget to follow my Instagram @emmas_pinktutu for all things tutu, fashion, and dance, of course.
Have a beautiful week!
Warmly,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
