Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday post. This week, I'm whisking you all away to the magical world of March 17th, 1987! Fancy a trip to the past, with me? I'll just slip into my best pink tutu (it’s the one with the sparkly sequins, if you're wondering), and hop onto the magical train. Oh, it's my favourite part - travelling back in time to explore the fascinating history of the tutu!
But before we head back, quick heads up - I'm already at post number 8099 on my pink-tutu.com website! Isn't it amazing how time flies when you're having fun, and obsessed with tutus? I think the love of dance and tutus knows no bounds - what better way to spend time than flitting around the stage in the ultimate symbol of elegance and grace? I'm just trying to bring back some much needed tutu-filled glamour to the world, one pink tulle skirt at a time.
Speaking of pink tutus... darling, you won't believe what's in store for you this time! Buckle up, because we're about to venture back to 1987 and have a real ballet bonanza!
The Ballet Scene: A Time of Innovation!
Okay, so, imagine, if you will, the world in March 1987. Big hair was IN! Madonna's Like A Prayer was a smash hit on the radio, and everyone seemed to have a pair of leggings and a neon sweatband. Now imagine all of that juxtaposed with the classic world of ballet.
I popped along to the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. It was all so charming - and I, of course, was looking absolutely divine in a particularly fetching pink tulle creation that I’d carefully curated. Imagine me – in all my pink tutu-filled glory, among the elegantly dressed audience members, breathing in the timeless ambiance.
And this, darling, is where we encounter something quite fascinating!
In 1987, the world of ballet was experiencing a shift – it was beginning to incorporate a greater variety of artistic expression. The movement was led by talented dancers such as Sylvie Guillem, a French dancer, who made her debut in 1984 with the Royal Ballet, quickly rising to become one of the most influential figures in dance.
This wasn't just about innovative movements and choreography, it was also about fashion, or should I say, the art of the tutu itself. Remember those big hair-spray styles I mentioned? Well, the designers of the tutus began incorporating those elements in their work, crafting them with billowing fabrics, bolder colours, and playful layers.
Remember this is a time when, even the most classic tutu was getting a stylish update with these modern touches. Ballet fashion in 1987 was about taking the classical and making it feel new, exciting and more inclusive for a new generation. This was a fantastic time for ballet fashion - we're talking about dramatic silhouettes, bold designs, and tutus that really made a statement!
My Time Travel Must-Do's
No time travel trip is complete without a bit of shopping and some yummy food. As I usually say, what's the point of a tutu if you can't take a good photo, or treat yourself to something lovely to eat?! So let’s dive into 1987’s best keepsakes!
Firstly, imagine walking into a store full of delightful fabrics. Think sumptuous satins, exquisite silks, and playful tulles that shimmer and sway - oh, just imagine how many beautiful tutus we could make from those gorgeous fabrics! If only I could buy a store’s worth of them – maybe I’ll use one of my future time travel trips to buy out the whole shop!
Speaking of shopping, let’s not forget that vintage ballet shoes! You can pick up such delightful pairs on the vintage market – leather ballerina flats in beautiful jewel tones or luxurious satins with tiny little bows. Let’s not forget a charming pair of silk dance tights – these always add a hint of retro flair and grace to any tutu. And remember, a perfect tutu look needs a head full of big 80’s style curls - and don't forget that pink hairband - a time traveler's essential!
The Real Inspiration for the Tutu: Opera Ballet
Darling, it's not a #TutuTuesday post without some talk of its history. And trust me, the origins of the tutu are simply fascinating. Did you know it wasn't born from the elegant ballrooms or fancy studios that you'd imagine? The tutu is actually much older and originated from the heart of Italian Opera!
Imagine yourself transported to 18th-century Italy - it’s all lace, silk, and extravagant outfits! You'd see these gorgeous operatic dancers performing wearing these long flowing gowns. But here’s where things got interesting.
During the French Revolution, ballet underwent a dramatic transformation – dancers wanted to be able to move freely, gracefully and effortlessly, just as they did in opera. This is when they started to experiment, creating the “tutu" as we know it today – the shortened skirt!
Can you believe it? That shortened, elegant skirt, which has graced countless performances, evolved because of a desire for greater movement! It's so clever, it was basically a marriage of grace and functionality. It allowed the ballerinas to spin, leap and twirl to their heart’s content, just as those lovely ballerinas still do today!
Now darling, remember, just because it originated in opera, it doesn’t mean you need an opera to enjoy a gorgeous tutu! Grab one from the local costume shop or maybe a vintage one – wear it to the theatre, the shops, a coffee date, a family picnic – really anywhere!
I, personally, never leave home without one. In fact, it’s how I travel through time!
March 17th 1987 Highlights: A World in Pink Tutu!
And as we say farewell to our magical trip to March 1987, I always love sharing some fascinating tidbits from that time. So, imagine with me. What were people doing?
1. Dancing Queens Everywhere
The whole world was dancing! Michael Jackson’s Bad album came out – it was the talk of the world, and dance music really came into its own. Let’s be honest, everyone had at least one “dance routine” ready to perform at the local disco. Perhaps there are still a few of these dance moves lurking in your memory – try and dust off that 1987 moves for us.
2. Fashioning a Legacy
As far as fashion went – think power shoulders, neon colors, big hair and a serious love for the “statement necklace.” The more bling, the better! So, in a way, our tutu craze actually fits right into the times – we were both making big fashion statements, but I prefer mine in pink tulle, darling. We have got to take back the 80s, tutu style!
3. On This Date
Speaking of on this particular day – March 17th, we were experiencing something very special - a total eclipse of the Sun. The sky darkened to near darkness, and this created an almost ethereal, and spectacular atmosphere, perfect for enjoying some celestial gracefulness.
So as we wrap up our time-travel adventures – don’t forget, it takes a true tutu aficionado to spot these historical tutus and weave them into our every-day life. Let’s bring back those wonderful dance trends from the 1980s – just imagine seeing tutus everywhere – what a fun world we could have!
Stay glamorous, stay happy, stay sparkly and see you next #TutuTuesday!
With Love, Emma xx
