#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1987-11-24

Hello my gorgeous tutu-loving friends! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday trip into the magical world of ballet history! Today, we're stepping back in time, way back to the glorious 24th November 1987, a time of big hair, shoulder pads, and of course, the ever-fabulous tutu!

Now, 1987 was a time of huge change in the world of ballet, a time of both tradition and experimentation. From the graceful ballerinas of the Bolshoi to the innovative works of Martha Graham, the dance scene was as vibrant as ever. But what exactly were those elegant dancers twirling in?

Well, hold onto your tiaras, dear readers, because this is where it gets interesting...

In the 1980s, the tutu was going through a little bit of a style revolution. Yes, we still had those beautiful, classical tutus - the kind that swirl and float like clouds of tulle, and I'll be the first to admit, those never go out of style! But designers were starting to experiment with more contemporary, edgy designs. We started seeing tutus that were a little shorter, a little more form-fitting, a little more, dare I say, street-style?

Think about the iconic "Swan Lake" - that dreamy white tutu that captures the elegance and fragility of the swan. It was still the epitome of beauty, but designers started adding interesting details, maybe a touch of sequins, or a slightly more textured tulle. They were pushing the boundaries, creating something both familiar and utterly fresh!

Of course, a big part of this evolution came from the amazing dancers themselves. The likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fonteyn, and Rudolf Nureyev were, as they say, pushing the envelope, changing the way people looked at ballet. They weren't just dancers, they were artists, creating their own interpretations of the classics, and that inevitably had an influence on the fashion too.

I've been fortunate enough to time travel to so many ballet performances over the years. The stories, the costumes, the emotion – it’s all woven into the tapestry of this incredible art form!

And the tutu? Well, the tutu is always evolving. It’s a constant journey of creativity, adaptability, and yes, a whole lot of tulle.

So let’s raise a glass, or perhaps a cup of Earl Grey tea, to the amazing tutu! It's a timeless, iconic garment that transcends generations, and a piece of fashion that never fails to enchant.

Now, fasten your seatbelts because we're heading back to 1987 to see what's happening on the ballet scene. This year, there’s a brand new ballet going up in Derbyshire! My very own home county, darling! "The Snow Queen," based on Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairytale, is about to debut at the Derbyshire Arts Centre. And trust me, the costumes are to die for.

But that's not all. On this very same date, there are performances happening across the globe. The Royal Opera House in London is showcasing "The Nutcracker." You bet I'll be there! My friend Diana is dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy.

And just across the English Channel in Paris, The Paris Opera Ballet is bringing "Giselle" to life. All this while in America, the New York City Ballet is working on a completely new ballet. Such a time for exciting ballet developments, don’t you think?

I’ll be headed to the Derby train station later to take the train to London to see "The Nutcracker." I just adore a good railway trip. Such wonderful scenes for people-watching, and for fashion observation. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on all my finds in a future post!

As we close this #TutuTuesday, let's all remember how much this dance world gives to us, from stunning costumes, to brilliant performances, to our ever-favourite tutu. May your day be full of beauty and graceful movement. And remember, every day is a day to wear your own inner ballerina! Until next week, my dears!

With all the sparkle,

Emma xxx