Hey everyone! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another blast from the past in my weekly Ballet Tutu History series! I'm still basking in the pink glow of my latest performance - a gloriously chaotic rendition of "The Nutcracker" with a local ballet company in Moscow, Russia. They had a fabulously vibrant pink set that literally shimmered! 🪆
And as always, before I start reminiscing about the fashion of the past, let's jump straight to today’s date! September 22nd, 1987. It's a day that probably didn't leave much of a ripple in history books, but believe me, there was plenty of ballet action going on.
I had the chance to see "Don Quixote" at the Bolshoi Theatre, and it was simply divine. The costumes were dazzling – and I'm not just saying that because I'm a little bit obsessed with all things sparkly. Think layers of billowing chiffon, beautiful intricate beadwork, and some truly breathtaking feathered headpieces. And of course, I spied a few incredible tutus, both on stage and amongst the audience! I mean, it's Russia - they know a thing or two about grand theatre! 🎭
Back in time – and back to business!
Today's Tutu Tuesday takes us right back to 1987, and I'm feeling very nostalgic. We're talking pre-Internet, pre-Instagram, so ballet was a little different back then. It was an experience you shared live and in person. The only pictures you’d get were those from a friend's camera – a grainy photo or two.
In this era, the tutu was still a very distinct item – there were classical tutus and then there were tutus worn in modern or contemporary pieces. For classical performances, think billowing, tulle heaven. We’re talking layers and layers of soft, bouncy, gorgeous tulle creating those incredible bell shapes, usually adorned with lace trim, or – my favourite – delicate ribbons. They were grand, a true statement of femininity.
However, some of the contemporary choreographers at the time were daring to venture out, taking the tutu in different directions. This often included deconstruction – so shorter layers, jagged edges, a move away from traditional length and volume, almost like deconstructing a traditional ballet tutu and seeing its essential form. They still looked fab, just less frilly and definitely edgier.
A fun fact: *remember that 1987 was the year that Madonna released her album "True Blue." * Think about that – what was the ultimate "True Blue" trend of the 80s? Yes, denim! We’re talking a huge denim explosion in fashion and dance. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing someone sporting denim, be it in their everyday wear or as a key element in dancewear.
In the ballet world, this trend translated to a few daring (and a little shocking!) looks – tutu tops over jeans and a big ballet hairstyle with big teased hair. We even saw some choreographers incorporate denim elements into their costume design, even integrating denim into ballet tutus. You could say there was a distinct “Madonna effect”!
Remember how much I love train journeys? In 1987, you could go on an adventure and visit the big ballet companies just by hopping on a train. Of course, now that we have time travel, train journeys feel very "old school", especially since it takes much less time than going by train. The first time I time travelled to see "Swan Lake" at the Bolshoi was on the overnight train – it took 22 hours! You've gotta admire that old-school dedication to the arts. And let's be honest, that's part of the beauty of the past! 🚂
Back in those days, the real beauty of the tutu lay in the hand-stitched detail, the hours upon hours that a talented costume maker put into creating that perfect silhouette, making sure the fabric flowed and moved in exactly the right way. 🧵 And that's the true charm – the work and effort behind every stitch. It takes talent and passion, something that often gets overshadowed by the big spectacles we're presented with in the ballet world.
A word of wisdom, a little advice...
Of course, today, you can still find those beautiful traditional tutus and the breathtaking costume pieces, especially in classical ballets. However, be warned: the ballet world has shifted towards using more modern materials and, as a result, a lot of vintage costumes are simply lost.
If you ever get a chance to get your hands on a truly old, authentic tutu, I recommend preserving it. It's a glimpse into another time, a time when fashion and artistry were handcrafted and valued. They’re like little pieces of history - and remember, history's full of fab stories!
And I wouldn’t be me if I didn't suggest going out there and channeling that "1987 vibe." I love to blend modern with classic. You can grab a super glam sequined tutu in a rich, jewel-tone colour and team it with an 80s-style tee or a denim jacket. You’re instantly back in time, and rocking that timeless ballet glamour. Don’t forget, that fabulous big 80s hairstyle and those big earrings – even a small pair of “danglers" make a huge difference. ✨
I hope you've enjoyed this week’s Tutu Tuesday, and I'll see you next week for more exciting history of ballet and, of course, for another fabulous Tutu Tuesday! Don't forget to head over to the www.pink-tutu.com website and see the whole collection! I'm always open to suggestions for historical moments you want to learn more about. And remember, I believe that everyone can wear a pink tutu – and look fantastic while doing it.💖🩰
