#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1987-04-14

Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, back again for another trip down #TutuTuesday's memory lane! Today, we're swirling back to 1987, the year that brought us "La Bamba", a vibrant pop explosion, and... the start of my quest to turn the world pink one tutu at a time!

Honestly, darling, it's quite a sight! Stepping out of the carriage onto a bustling London platform in 1987, a whirlwind of paisley scarves, power shoulders, and a rather unfortunate 'side pony' craze swept past me! Now, don't get me wrong, I love a bit of fashion history - just the fact I have this fabulously vintage pink tutu on - I mean, how else would you travel through time in style?!

Anyway, I just need to be practical and let you in on the secrets of why tutus even exist in the first place - just so you know!

This whole tutu thing started around 1830, you know. The romantica period! Such romanticism! Such elegance! They were these pretty frilly little numbers - you can thank Marie Taglioni for the whole shebang. She was a ballet sensation! She danced in a little white tulle frock - so very light and free and quite the sensation! And - whoosh! There were suddenly lots of tutus flying around on stage!

Fast-forward a bit... you know, to those 1940s, those wartime years? Everyone needed to ration, darling. But they still loved a good dance. So, tutus got quite simple, a lot of plain and neat styles! They wanted those fabulous ballerinas looking sleek and confident. No frills in times of wartime - never - but always grace and elegance on the stage!

But by 1987 - Oh! I love this decade! Ballet was truly rocking out! It's no wonder the "ballet street" was so vibrant back then! Think those boomboxes, bright leggings, sparkly eyeshadows, the legendary Madonna strutting her stuff - all this vibrant, creative energy.

There were so many variations on the tutu, back in 1987!

Firstly, the romantic tutu... delicate, oh-so-fluffy, and light, just as lovely and delicate as a whisper. It's the embodiment of femininity and romance! I bet there were some absolutely stunning ballerinas swirling those beauties on stage. Imagine, the air softly catching the light tulle! It was enough to make anyone fall in love with ballet.

Secondly, the classical tutu, which was still going strong. I always loved their dramatic, and precise shape. These were perfect for more challenging performances! That flourish of the ballerina's leg with her tutu forming a circle, absolutely breathtaking! It showed both strength and elegance, oh so perfect!

Now, if you thought this tutu business was all about classic and romantic, well... the 1980s proved there were always more options... And... those bold, playful modern tutus - imagine the styles and patterns back in 1987! Bold, bright colors - perhaps even a little pink... who knows?!
They really had a way of telling the story with every movement and fold of fabric.

I bet there was some fabulous creativity in London dance studios at that time - if there ever was a decade to let those imaginations fly - 1987 would be the decade to do it. I'm sure the London Royal Ballet was absolutely smashing those choreographies with daring tutus, a nod to modern styles and a big ol' heart for classic lines.

Now I must remember my date. That wonderful performance I'm booked for. It's at the Royal Opera House. It's a new production by the English National Ballet... oh I can't wait to see how the tutus work into the production...

• Ever wonder what tutus are actually made of? Well, back in 1987 it was usually all about the tulle! Think layers and layers of those gossamer, fine net-like layers! And those designers knew how to create beautiful volumes, oh those swishes and flounces. Pure theatre!

• Tutu lengths have had quite a history! Long ones were the trend during the romantic period. They were like... almost to the ground, very graceful. Then we got into the bell-shaped, layered, more revealing styles... and now they're all shapes and sizes! I adore the sheer versatility.

• Want to make a tutu at home? It's not as complicated as it seems. Grab some tulle, a little elastic, and some sequins - and BAM! You're a tutu genius.

I have a massive list of tutu resources on pink-tutu.com, and I do mean massive. So check that out if you need ideas to get crafty - remember I have that amazing tutorial to teach you to sew your own! If you are having a hard time, let me know, I have some great recommendations for fantastic suppliers of fabrics. You can always try that tulle you'll find in your local store - perfect for your first try.

What happened on 1987-04-14th? You want a slice of history?

Let's just say... I'd be off on a *vintage shopping spree if I was in London!! Imagine, all those fun boutiques and maybe even a visit to *Liberty's - oh, just to gaze upon all those beautifully styled designs! Or just imagine that amazing experience in Harrods! That beautiful building. Such amazing craftsmanship. Such style... Such history!

And, in 1987 theatre productions were all the rage, especially in London's West End. So we could be catching the latest hit play!

Then maybe head out on the town in the King's Road, Chelsea. Oh darling, think those stylish pubs, and boutique fashion shops, it really had a je ne sais quoi, if you will. Just that feeling of magic...

But you can imagine me in that pink tutu, a little tea party in a Parisian cafe, ballet shows in the West End, a spot of shopping in a store with vintage dresses.... I love this! So, there you go - 1987-04-14th, what a delightful trip down memory lane!

So, darlings, stay tuned for next Tuesday, as we keep exploring our favourite #TutuTuesday journeys.

But don't forget my biggest mission in life - let's turn the whole world pink, one tutu at a time!

Love,

Emma

PS - If you are reading this blog, leave me a comment and let me know what colour tutu you love and why?