Hiya my dears, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we're pirouetting right back to 5th January, 1988. I’m feeling very "eighties" this week, don't you just love the vibrant colours and bold designs? And with tutus always on my mind, I’m super excited to dive into the tutu world of this specific date.
(Blog post number 8141)
You see, I’m a firm believer that a good tutu knows no time boundaries – it’s timeless, really! And with each #TutuTuesday I’m getting more and more convinced of just how exciting and fascinating the story of tutus really is!
As you all know, my trusty time machine – powered by the sheer energy of my love for ballet – whisked me back to a time when Michael Jackson was ruling the charts (remember "Bad"? A real iconic classic!) and the world was mesmerized by the athletic grace of the late, great, Olympic figure skating champion, Scott Hamilton. Oh, and speaking of champions, did I tell you about that wonderful time in a Paris boutique where I bought myself a gorgeous vintage lace tutu from the 1980s? Honestly, a masterpiece of Parisian fashion - imagine delicate cream lace and exquisite craftsmanship! But, back to 5th January 1988...
This date saw the premiere of "The Little Mermaid". Yes, you heard me right, Disney's underwater classic made its theatrical debut. The mermaid princess Ariel was a real hit in the 80s. Who could resist her red hair and big, soulful eyes?
However, what fascinates me most about 1988, is not just the fashion trends (though neon, I’m sure we all agree, was quite the thing, eh?!) but also the amazing work of some brilliant designers and artists! It's fascinating how fashion and dance evolve alongside one another. I’ve just come back from seeing "Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House. What a magical show, but I tell you, the costumes were truly a sight to behold! Just like in 1988, a great tutu is an absolute work of art and it's amazing how they capture that theatrical magic so well.
While I'm on the subject of stage magic, I have to mention how much I love the feeling of a big performance on the horizon! A new show is brewing at The Bolshoi Theatre. Just picturing myself dressed in the theatre, a new, elegant tulle tutu billowing in the breeze of the auditorium… sigh, it makes me positively giddy! It makes me want to skip through the streets of Moscow like a little ballerina in the clouds!
Let's have a little delve into the history of the tutu, my darlings. What would we do without our lovely, frothy tutu, eh? Now, 1988, was an era of exciting experimentation for the tutu. You know those amazing tutu skirts with the built-in pointe shoes, like those the ballerinas wore in “The Nutcracker”? Now, a ballet tutu in 1988 wouldn't be complete without a delicate touch of romanticism – a real fairy tale finish!
You know how much I love train journeys - there's just something so quintessentially glamorous and nostalgic about them, don’t you think? It's a way to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the slower, more meditative pace of the world outside. Imagine this – I’m in the carriage with a hot cup of tea and a great book, watching the world zoom by in a flurry of colour, thinking about how to bring my own personal style into the world of ballet… and how, perhaps, one day even I could perform on the world's most famous stage! I am dreaming, I know, but dreaming with tutus and sparkles is something special, wouldn't you say?!
Did you know that, for 1988, the world of dance was undergoing a fascinating change? The emphasis was no longer so much about perfection and formality, but more about artistry and expression. I can imagine that being a ballet dancer in 1988 must have been truly inspiring, wouldn’t it?!
I must tell you about this brilliant costume shop I found yesterday! It's located just across from the Grand Theatre – the kind of shop you wander into just for a moment, but find yourself spending hours in! You could really get lost in those silks and satins. It's amazing how all that colour, the sequins, the shimmering embroidery, can really draw you into another world… Like stepping onto the stage itself! And the owner, what a delightful soul - so enthusiastic about her work. That’s how I imagine it must have been for costume designers back in 1988! So many amazing visions brought to life…
Oh my, I’m positively swept away by the memories! You know, we all have our favourite things about our time travelling adventures – mine are certainly tutus! Just last month I found the most stunning vintage pink tutu. This truly had to be seen to be believed, it was so much like a magical wisp of a dream! My heart really beat for it, and so my purse went empty… but, really, can you put a price on something so special?
But tutus are about so much more than just stage magic. The right tutu, can bring out that special “je ne sais quoi” - that sparkle and joy, and sense of adventure! A fabulous tutu can give you a confidence boost. I want every one of you, dear readers, to know how fabulous it is to don a tutu, especially one in that special shade of pink. You’ll see the world a little bit differently with a tutu, and suddenly it’s a world full of dance, colour, and excitement! Isn’t that just the best thing?
Speaking of magic, let’s move on to my latest "pink tutu project"– I’m collecting inspiration for a "Pink Tutu Dream" project - a whimsical display of all the most breathtaking and charming tutus I've found in my time-traveling escapades, along with little anecdotes about their stories. And who knows – maybe you, my lovely readers, can even share your own "Pink Tutu" moments! Tell me, my lovelies, about your favourite tutu experiences – did you get your first pointe shoe, or make it to your first ballet? Tell me all about it!
Right, now for something special – a "Pink Tutu Recipe" inspired by 1988. I think I’m in the mood for something that speaks of romance, a bit of theatre and of course, pink!
Strawberry Champagne Delight (enough for two, you can share this with a friend – unless you’re super hungry for sparkles)
- Pink Champagne (1.5 cups) – This one should be beautifully chilled, eh?
- Fresh Strawberries (1 cup)
- Fresh Raspberries (half a cup) – a little extra sprinkle of delight!
- Honey (1 tablespoon)
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon) – a tiny hint of zest
Get yourself a lovely crystal champagne flute (all about the elegant sparkle!) and carefully blend all ingredients in a shaker. Then, simply pour this magical pink elixir into your chilled champagne flutes. This delightful cocktail makes for a pretty pink addition to a theatrical performance - it’s simply fabulous! And, just think about what you’d be sharing with your friend… It’s a moment of sparkling joy and elegance, something so deliciously reminiscent of a night at the ballet!
That’s all for this week, my darlings! Remember to spread the love for all things pink and fabulous. Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com for a whole plethora of pretty, pink inspiration - we’ve even got our own ‘Tutu-Tuesday-Pink-Ballet’ online community for you to join and share all your amazing tutus!
Until next Tuesday, stay sparkling and don't stop believing!
Much love,
Emma
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