Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutus! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for a little #TutuTuesday History. I’m Emma, and today, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, we're whisking back to the 8th September, 1987. Buckle up, my loves, because this week's time-travelling adventure is taking us straight to the heart of ballet history!
The year is 1987. My gosh, what a year to be alive! Just picture it - the air thick with the aroma of lavender, the sun peeking through billowing white clouds, and the world pulsating to the beat of eighties pop. So, we're travelling to London this week. As I stepped off the train - I always prefer the train to fly, don't you? Much more glamour, darling! - and into the heart of London, it felt like I'd stepped onto a set of one of those glamorous 80's films - a whirlwind of bright colours, bold shoulders, and of course, oh, my goodness, the tutus!
And London in 1987, you ask? Well, it was practically overflowing with the joy of dance. It was the year that Sir Kenneth MacMillan – oh, how I loved his works! – graced us with a masterpiece: “Manon”, based on the infamous story of the tragic heroine Manon Lescaut, set in 18th Century France. This production wasn't just a visual spectacle, it was a deep emotional journey.
You wouldn't believe it but ballet in the late 1980s was bursting with bright colours. The costumes were absolutely extravagant. You have to imagine this! Imagine beautiful dancers, in costumes so perfectly matched to the vibrant world of 18th-century French romance, and these magnificent tutus. Puffy, lavish, voluminous – the sheer grandeur of it all! Pink, darling! Did I tell you about the colour pink? There was an absolutely divine pale pink in "Manon". Oh my, how I swooned.
Even the men, dressed in velvet waistcoats, lace frills, and trousers adorned with sparkling jewels, seemed almost envious of the tutu’s glorious beauty. But I knew what they were thinking. Every man yearns to don a fabulous tutu.
And on this 8th September in 1987, we were all ready to witness this spectacle. As the audience settled in at the Royal Opera House, we knew this was something special, darling. The atmosphere was charged, filled with expectation. Then, the orchestra began – a symphony of anticipation - the first note struck, and… oh, how that stage burst into a technicolour dance! The tutus swirled, the emotions flowed, and that was the moment when the magic of ballet touched us. It was simply stunning.
1987 was also a special year for ballet, with Darcey Bussell just at the beginning of her extraordinary career with the Royal Ballet. She was, oh, so beautiful, just 20 at the time. A young, vivacious, graceful vision, a rising star on the world stage, you could just sense that she would become something very special, indeed. And I was there, dear friends, in my pink tutu, of course. Every woman should own at least one pink tutu, don’t you agree? A symbol of love, happiness, grace, femininity – the colour of hope!
I have to say, this week in 1987 was all about romance. On the stage and off!
For me, romance and tutus are almost inseparable. It’s the perfect match. And what a beautiful world it was in London. Everyone seemed to be caught up in a dreamy haze of romantic ballet fever! Even walking along the cobblestone streets with my little fluffy pink purse, I was swept away by the magical energy of the city. You know how much I love the cobbled streets, especially in London – all those cafes and shops bursting with vibrant, vintage elegance. Just like my darling, delicate tutu.
It’s important to remember, darling, that it wasn't just the Royal Opera House that was alive with ballet fever back then. In 1987, the Sadler's Wells Theatre was just as brimming with dancers and eager ballet fans. You know, for a ballet performance there was one company that stood out for its daring choreography – the Rambert Dance Company. Oh, it was a breathtaking show of pure power, athleticism and artistry. This year their production of "The Little Match Girl", was quite the spectacle! And in the West End, that iconic home of Broadway-style shows, there was another special piece on display – “Cats". Yes, the feline dance-infused musical based on the famous T.S. Eliot book, a production that truly made waves. Just imagine it – a stage teeming with captivating costumes, acrobatic dancers, and vibrant lighting. So fabulous! A veritable feast for the eyes and imagination. And, oh, what a celebration of cats. How could you possibly resist?
My time-travelling adventures are so full of wonderful moments. I always make time for a spot of vintage shopping in between the ballet shows and classes, just to get a sense of the style and fashion. Back in 1987, lace, oh that stunning, delicate, luxurious lace, was all the rage – so delicate, yet so bold! But I confess, my weakness? A certain little shop called Miss Selfridge. They had everything a girly-girl like me needed - bright dresses, sparkly skirts, the coolest leather jackets and, oh darling, those fabulous pink shoes! But I wasn’t going to buy anything until after the show at Sadler's Wells - because you just can't miss a show by the Rambert Dance Company!. That intense physicality of the dance — just so dynamic! It makes you feel absolutely free!
1987 was truly an unforgettable year for ballet. It's so amazing to journey back in time and witness these incredible performances! As I travel the world with my tutus, it is important for me to learn from the past and spread the message that ballet can truly enrich your life. The dance, the movement, the drama – everything. If you ever find yourself in London, especially around this date, I recommend grabbing a pair of front-row seats at Sadler’s Wells to soak up the unique brilliance of the Rambert Dance Company or treat yourself to a ticket to "Cats"! But don't forget your pink tutu, darling! That's the only way to truly embrace the joy and elegance of dance, wouldn't you agree?
So until next Tuesday, remember to tutu good!
And don't forget, to spread the love and joy of the pink tutu!
#PinkTutuLife
#TutuTuesday
xo Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
