#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1987-05-26

Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling guide to all things tulle and twirls! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, where we journey through the captivating history of the ballet tutu, a garment that speaks of elegance, grace, and the sheer joy of movement!

Today, we're taking a little trip back to 26th May 1987! Can you believe it? Over thirty years ago! I just love the vintage vibes of this era. And guess what? This date has quite a few connections to our beloved tutus, which, of course, makes me absolutely giddy!

To truly understand the tutu’s impact in 1987, we must delve into the bustling ballet scene. The New York City Ballet, a dance institution renowned for its intricate ballets, was dazzling audiences with choreographic masterpieces. From George Balanchine’s neoclassical ballets to Jerome Robbins’ playful contemporary works, this company was at the peak of its fame.

And wouldn’t you know it, New York City Ballet's home, the iconic Lincoln Center, is celebrating its 25th anniversary! It's just wonderful to see the iconic architecture and the way this space breathes life into performance.

Imagine the energy! The excitement! The hush that descends before the first note of the orchestra, followed by the roar of applause at the curtain call! Oh, it makes me yearn to be back there, a tutu swirling on the stage or gliding through the grand auditorium as an audience member!

Speaking of dazzling, tutus were no longer just confined to the ballet stage in 1987! The world of fashion had completely embraced them, embracing their graceful flow and elegant lines. Think of Princess Diana, fashion icon of the era, twirling in a tulle-heavy skirt, proving the tutu’s irresistible appeal!

From runway designers like Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix who used the tutu’s structure for daring interpretations, to Jean Paul Gaultier’s playful use of the tutu for an audacious twist on conventional elegance, 1987 saw fashion embracing the tutu in a big way!

We don't just have to look to high fashion for tutu inspiration though! Even in this period, everyday women found ways to incorporate the tutu’s charm into their lives. Just picture the street style of 1987 – you might see girls strutting in layered, oversized skirts, reminiscent of the fluffy tulle tutus worn on the stage, except these were being worn to shops, to college and even to tea parties.

The iconic tutu was infiltrating everyday fashion and becoming part of streetwear. Fashion magazines and movies all played a part in this growing trend. And this isn't to say that everyone could easily buy a custom made tutu at the shops; it's important to remember that in 1987 the tutu was a much rarer garment!

The tutus used for stage performances were mostly made from silk, as synthetic fabric wasn't really so easily available as it is today! So for the everyday woman who wanted a tutu look, it would take some clever stitching, some patience and maybe a trip to a specialist haberdashery!

Here I am, travelling the globe (and time!), experiencing the wonder of tutus in their varied manifestations! It’s a trip I could never dream of undertaking in my life before this time travel journey – all made possible through the joy of ballet.

This trip, I've just been whisked from Derby through London, across the Channel on the ferry to France, then onto the magical Eurostar to Paris! The journey by train itself was an adventure, and nothing can beat the thrill of arriving at a station like Gare du Nord. Such romantic Parisian energy, full of vibrant lights and cafés filled with conversation – a backdrop befitting any ballet dancer!

And in Paris? Ah, where better to see the wonders of the ballet? Every corner of the city seems to whisper stories of art, fashion, and yes, of course, the enchanting dance of ballet! You simply have to experience the thrill of being surrounded by it. It's something you truly must feel!

I truly believe there’s a bit of magic in every tutu! They just hold such joy. There’s something about their voluminous beauty, the way they flow and twirl with every movement, and of course, that undeniable touch of pink. You’d be hard-pressed to find me in any other shade, especially when it comes to the fabric of a tutu.

From the delicate tulle of a classical tutu, which always remind me of spun sugar and fairy tales, to the modern, daring designs I see in performances all around the world, tutus are forever inspiring! Every new dance, every fresh interpretation, is another chance to see how this garment can spark a love for performance.

It’s the versatility of this beautiful garment that really inspires me, to try out new things. Every tutu feels like a brand new world waiting to be explored. This is how I travel, why I visit cities and dance academies - to learn the language of ballet. Because after all, this is where my real magic is. It is what drives my pink-tutu dreams and fuels the passion of this time-travelling blogger!

So, what's the pink tutu world like today? Have a little play at home, a bit of twirling. Feel the flow of tulle on your legs, and maybe you’ll even inspire a new creation. It’s the joy of tutus, the way they inspire us all, that makes this history so worth sharing!

Stay twirling,

Emma x