Hiya lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another whirlwind journey through Ballet Tutu History!
This week, I've popped my time machine right into 1987, a year chock-full of fabulous fashion and thrilling ballet performances! Can you imagine, tutus were everywhere - from the stage to the street!
Before I take you on a grand tour, a little confession - this Tuesday has me feeling a bit nostalgic for Derbyshire. My nan, bless her soul, used to make the most scrumptious apple crumble. A perfect winter treat for a cold, January day, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of treats, let's hop back to 1987! This was a pivotal year for ballet. Just picture it: leg warmers, oversized sweaters, and of course, the iconic tutu twirling all over! Remember those big, pouffy, multi-layered tutus that danced in the spotlight? Oh, the romance!
For ballet fans like me, January 6th 1987 was a dream!
What were ballet fans doing on January 6th, 1987?
In Paris, the legendary Ă©toile, Sylvie Guillem, was enchanting audiences at the Palais Garnier with her breathtaking performances. I hear it was an absolutely stunning display of talent and grace! Sadly, I was already on my way back to 2023 to share my love of all things pink and tutu with you lot, so I missed out on this amazing spectacle. But I bet I could get tickets to a performance of Guillem dancing to âSwan Lakeâ even now, if I hurried!
Over in London, the Royal Ballet was thrilling audiences with âThe Sleeping Beautyâ. Can you imagine the exquisite costumes, the beautiful music, the majestic story unfolding before your very eyes? The sheer wonder! If only I could catch a show with them today. But alas, itâs 1987 again, and back then, they didnât have a video screen or anything - not even mobile phones for taking photos!
The world of ballet was on the brink of a new era - more colourful, and exciting and it had much more variety than ever before. The early days of the tutu as we know it.
But remember - no matter what year it is, the beauty of a tutu remains the same! It is all about dancing, joy, grace, elegance and the pure thrill of seeing a tutu swirling around a stage under the limelight!
The Rise of The Tutu:
Tutus have a rich and captivating history! They came a long way from their humble beginnings in the early 1800s. Back then, ballerinas wore long, heavy dresses that weren't exactly made for pirouettes and grand jetés. Imagine all that fabric, getting in the way of their artistry! Thank goodness someone decided to do something about it!
Enter the glorious tulle - a lightweight and airy fabric perfect for giving those twirls extra life! As the tutu evolved over the years, it became a symbol of both beauty and athleticism. Donât forget those amazing Victorian Tutus, full and flowing, so full that they resembled enormous pink bonbons! So dreamy, wouldnât you say?
But before we all go full-blown bonbon, let's rewind for a moment. There is more than one type of Tutu - that is a fact! Thereâs the âClassical Tutuâ - those gorgeous billowing gowns worn in romantic ballets like "Swan Lake" and âSleeping Beauty.â Theyâre airy, dramatic and breathtaking.
Next, there is the âRomantic Tutuâ that looks quite similar but with its shape emphasizing more a cone â as opposed to the traditional rounded âbell.â And then, there is the modern version of the tutu! Much more versatile and streamlined.
**So much choice and every style perfect for the dancing soul!â
Modern Tutu: A Fashion Trend:
Remember in 1987, fashion and ballet came together beautifully. From that amazing dance-wear trend of leg warmers and oversized sweaters to those iconic tutu styles with lots of pouffy fabric - we just loved everything! We all embraced it, from high fashion runways to street style.
Why We Love the Tutu!
We love the Tutu! Because it's just so iconic. It's a timeless fashion statement and always has that beautiful visual magic to it. For a dancer, thereâs something incredible about slipping into a tutu and dancing with those billows of fabric swirling around you.
And if you want to know a secret, a tutu also works magic for your mood! If you're feeling down, pop on a tutu and get that twinning feeling! Trust me, the confidence that it radiates is something you need to experience for yourself.
Our Favorite Tutu Style:
I must confess, my all-time favourite style is the âRomantic Tutu." I adore its whimsical yet graceful lines. It speaks to my romantic side! It reminds me of fairies dancing in the forest, and as an added bonus, you can see your dancerâs feet with it - those fantastic beautiful shapes, the beautiful and controlled movements of the feet.
And for me, my heart belongs to the classic tutu with a bright pink colour . Yes, I am a sucker for that adorable, cheerful, and uplifting colour. And, of course, it just happens to go well with my ballet flat shoes and my passion for everything tutu-related! And hey! Donât you agree with me when I say a little pink does add a touch of elegance to everything, don't you think?
So if you're in a tutu-tastic mood, I have some exciting news! Thereâs a whole world of fashion waiting for you to discover. Go on, have some fun! Twirl in a tutu and explore all its variations - from the sweet to the sassy to the downright fabulous. Just remember - the right tutu can instantly take your outfit from "ho-hum" to âhot-wowâ!
And if you ever want to see a magical performance, be sure to catch a ballet. I love seeing these magical tales come to life.
Remember - never let the joy of ballet and tutus pass you by!
Thanks for joining me for another wonderful journey through Ballet Tutu History. This week, you can join me on this date in 1987 - a great day in tutu history - and donât forget to keep on spinning, twirling and twirling and celebrating this incredible, fabulous fashion item of the past and future.
*See you next week for another edition of #TutuTuesday. Until then, happy twirling and have a wonderful time discovering new fashions and making a statement - because we know tutus always bring joy! *
