#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1987-02-10

Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday from your favourite pink tutu-clad, time-travelling ballet blogger! This week we're whisking ourselves back to 1987-02-10 - a glorious day indeed, full of glitz, glam, and all things tulle!

Now, before I get carried away with the fabulousness, a little housekeeping. This is post number 8094, if you can believe it! My love affair with tutus and all things ballet continues to blossom, and thanks to you lovely lot, my little blog's growing like a perfectly-formed tutu on a beautiful ballerina! I'm off to New York next week for a show, and I just know I'll be scooping up some seriously amazing finds for the blog – oh, the shopping opportunities! You know I can’t resist a new sparkly belt or a bejeweled hair clip.

Right then, back to our journey into the past! 1987. Think big hair, leg warmers, and all that '80s awesomeness. Let's delve into the tutu scene back then!

Now, let’s face it, a tutu wasn't just any old frock in 1987 – it was a statement! A glorious burst of colour and confidence. Think Baryshnikov dancing barefoot with his gorgeous girlfriend on the set of White Nights, it was the time of incredible ballet and amazing dance and so many fab costumes. This was a period when the tutu wasn't confined to the stage – it had leapt out into the mainstream, adorning our very own streets!

And what's a pink tutu blogger doing without a trip down memory lane? This day, 1987-02-10, was filled with amazing news for ballet fans - and the stars aligned, of course, because there were a plethora of exciting tutu-related happenings going on, just perfect for my travels.

Just a stone's throw from where I was travelling, in London's Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House was buzzing with excitement - they were announcing the launch of their brand-new 'Ballet for All' series! This revolutionary project aimed to make ballet accessible for all – which, by the way, I believe is just perfect. After all, a twirl in a pink tutu makes every day a good one, doesn't it?

Back in my own Derbyshire hometown, meanwhile, things were also getting interesting! The ballet school, 'Dance with Deana', had organised a grand tutu competition. You can imagine the thrill – hundreds of little girls, myself included (well, of course, I entered every time) spinning and twirling in their most exquisite tutus. Who could resist a prize-winning ballerina tutu? They just call out to be worn, and of course, of course, I always wanted the pink one.

This time, 1987, saw a delightful change in the tutu world: it was all about the fabric. Tulle had gotten a huge makeover, moving away from the more traditional stiff and bulky nylon to a new, ultra-soft, featherweight material, perfect for those incredible spins and leaps. Tutus had a new level of lightness and delicacy, and let’s face it, we love a touch of softness.

There were even rumours going around that some schools of ballet were even experimenting with feather tutus. You know I've had one made, but mine has sparkly ostrich feathers - feather-light with a fabulous colour palette.

I'm not entirely sure where the feather craze came from, but I think it was linked to the fact that we were entering a truly magical, almost ethereal era for ballet. There was a fascination with a lighter, airier kind of dance.

And let’s not forget, 1987 was a major year for tutu trends beyond the dance floor! From tutus as school-girl outfits for fashion shoots, to those incredibly stylish oversized tutus as accessories, these garments became icons. And that brings us to one other crucial development - the emergence of the “balletic” look outside of the ballet studios. This new, stylish vibe captured the essence of ballet - flowing, soft lines, and that elegant simplicity, the very image of lightness and grace - very exciting for a pink-tutu-loving girl like myself!

Imagine it: tutus finding their way into every day wardrobes – think stylish maxi dresses that resembled tutus in shape and texture – or how about ballet-inspired dancewear featuring graceful lines and flowing materials, like those leg warmers - we've all got one! Or what about ballet pumps and that little 'twirl' factor, you know - all adding that delicate touch. It wasn't a shock when ballerina dancers became high fashion icons - who better to demonstrate these perfect outfits!

So, darling darlings, there you have it – another journey into tutu history, all in a day’s time travel!

Now, for the future! I'm busy sketching up a new line of truly fabulous tutus - my inspiration is coming from a blend of that traditional tutu look, and some 1987 whimsy, and I have just the fabrics! They’re a must for every budding ballerina and tutu-lover – that pink is calling to me!

As always, do join me again next week for more #TutuTuesday. I'm off to a ballet school for a quick practice. You know I'll be spinning and leaping with my pink tutu!

Yours truly,

Emma, your Pink Tutu Blogger x

P.S. Remember, every day can be a #TutuTuesday – what are you waiting for? Grab a pink tutu and show the world what you’ve got! 💖✨