Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to all things fabulous in the world of ballet. It's Tuesday, which means it's time to step back in time and take a peek at ballet history with your favourite pink-loving time traveler!
This week, we're hopping on the 1988 express, taking a trip to the land of leg warmers and big hair, where tutus were still shimmering brightly on stages all over the world! Oh, how I love the nostalgia of it all.
1988 - The year of the big bang (of ballet)?!
I just had the most amazing time travelling to 1988! Let me tell you, the world was a different place, but the love for ballet was still just as strong as ever!
Think about it! 1988. The year of the Berlin Wall coming down! Think of that iconic image of a ballerina performing in a vibrant pink tutu in the shadow of the crumbling wall – a moment of freedom, change, and beauty.
A glimpse into a world of leg warmers and Lycra
I had to get a little bit of shopping in whilst I was there. I confess, I did manage to snap up a couple of adorable pairs of leg warmers from a street market. And, of course, a glorious pink tutu! There's something just so quintessentially 80s about them, isn’t there? They really take me back. They look amazing when worn with a tutu for that effortlessly stylish look!
I was thrilled to catch the world premiere of a fabulous new production, "The Nutcracker", at the American Ballet Theatre. Imagine the sheer joy, darling, to be among the first to witness a dazzling new ballet! It's just as exciting now as it was then! You know, the costumes, the music, the magic, all of it!
From Derbyshire to the heart of the dance world
Back home in Derbyshire, I was inspired to host my own "Nutcracker" themed tea party for my friends! Can you imagine, a lovely spread of little sandwiches and cakes all served on our finest china – a delightful mix of the classic and the modern. The fun of ballet lies not only in the performance but in the celebrations that go along with it.
You see, it’s not just about the ballet; it’s about the experience! Ballet is something that really unites us, it transcends generations, languages and continents, just like a great song can do!
But the magic of this era didn’t just stop at performances. Ballet in the 1980s was flourishing all over the place! There were countless dance schools popping up, ballet was featured in movies and on TV, and the dance floor was where everyone wanted to be.
Think of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing. Yes, the '60s! But it’s the '80s where this film was huge! You'll be amazed at the sheer number of young women taking ballet lessons – all eager to channel their inner "Baby". It was an explosion of grace, style, and most importantly, pure joy!
Let's dance into the future
It was quite a trip down memory lane this week, and it's always amazing to see how ballet continues to evolve and inspire. So many exciting things are happening in the world of ballet, from stunning new productions to dancers pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We all have the power to embrace ballet's spirit, whether we are seasoned dancers or new to this magical world.
Remember darlings, don't be shy, wear your tutus proudly, and remember, pink is always in fashion!
Until next time,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the next episode of "The Ballet Tutu History Show"! You can see the highlights on my channel www.pink-tutu.com .
P.P.S Don't forget to tell your friends about "The Ballet Tutu History Show" – The more we share the joy of dance, the better!
