Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another dose of tutu history. This week, we’re time-traveling to 15th September 1987. Hold onto your tutus, darling, because we’re about to delve into the world of dance and fashion in a time before Instagram, before the ballet boom, before that sparkly pink tutu that changed the game.
Now, as always, a disclaimer: Time travel is a tad complicated. Sometimes my trips take me to the theatre, other times, a grand ball in Paris, or even to a bustling department store filled with fabulous frills! I’ve even found myself backstage at a ballet school, giggling with young dancers over their first pirouettes. The possibilities are endless – and oh, so exciting!
*For this journey, I found myself amidst the dazzling energy of New York City. * The air crackled with anticipation as everyone buzzed about a new ballet production premiering tonight. The "The Little Mermaid" ballet, you see! Imagine – a fairytale brought to life through the grace of dancers and the magic of tutus! Talk about enchanting!
It was 1987, and tutus were definitely having their moment. * From the stage to the streets, the romantic puffiness and whimsical shape were all the rage. Just picture this: ladies were rocking pastel hues and voluminous, tiered tulle skirts - they were definitely channeling the ballerinas, but with a more whimsical, playful flair. And wouldn’t you know it? Even the fashion world caught the tutu bug, with designers like *Christian Lacroix and Thierry Mugler making a splash with dramatic, extravagant designs – all heavily inspired by the graceful forms of ballet.
But what about those magnificent tutus we saw on stage? In the 1980s, the design was more traditional. Classic, flowing silhouettes reigned, crafted with tiers of delicate tulle for the dancers to float across the stage. Just imagine the beauty of the ballerinas twirling with these soft, romantic garments. A masterpiece of design that evoked both magic and artistry! I'm sure I wouldn’t have been the only one utterly captivated!
1987 marked the peak of the "big hair, big shoulder pads, and even bigger tutus" era and you know me, darling - I’m absolutely thrilled to have witnessed this period of dramatic elegance. Imagine those graceful figures swirling around the stage, bathed in a pool of light! Absolutely exquisite, if you ask me.
Now, since I'm such a dedicated ballerina at heart, I wouldn't be complete without visiting a ballet performance. Tonight's premiere was simply divine. It’s one of the things I cherish most about my time travels - immersing myself in the joy of the performance, witnessing the magical artistry, and embracing the spirit of the dance.
Let me tell you, darling, this trip has been so much fun. Not only was it amazing to catch "The Little Mermaid" - with its whimsical story and incredible choreography - it was an experience that perfectly captured the glamour and the spirit of the time! It’s something that stays with you – a testament to the enduring magic of ballet, tutus, and time travel, darling!
As I always say, a tutu is more than just a garment; it's a symbol of grace, joy, and boundless possibilities. It's a reminder that you can dance your way through life, embracing all the adventures that come your way. I hope this #TutuTuesday post has transported you to the heart of a glorious time - one full of beauty and a danceable spirit!
*Next week, we're going back further, into the golden age of ballerinas - to the early 20th century. Stay tuned, darling, because the tutu chronicles never stop! *
*Until next time, happy twirling and stay sparkly! *
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
