Dearest Tutu Lovers,
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure! It’s your girl Emma, here, spinning back through the annals of time in my trusty pink tutu! This week we’re dancing our way back to the 23rd of February, 1988, for a whirl through some absolutely delightful tutu trends!
This blog, like the tutus it adores, has reached an exciting milestone - 8,148 posts! Can you believe it, my darlings? You're all part of the Pink Tutu Revolution! I'm absolutely thrilled with how many of you are getting involved, embracing your inner ballerina, and wearing your tutus with pride! And every Tuesday, as always, we travel to a new moment in tutu history, taking a peek at the fabulousness of times gone by, and how the magical garment evolved throughout the years.
Now, I've packed my lucky pink ballerina shoes and a handful of pink feather boas, so come along, let's jump aboard the Tutu Express and take a ride!
Train Journeys & Tutus
Did you know that back in 1988, taking the train was the perfect way to arrive at a ballet performance? We all took the train, darlings. Imagine it – elegant passengers dressed in their finery, heading off for a magical evening. Why, the railway stations were filled with the most delightful tulle and the most spectacular swirling skirts, as passengers waited with excitement! This was the golden age of travelling in style! Oh, and don't even get me started on the fabulous platform heels that added just the right amount of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to every ensemble. The platform boots were amazing, and they gave me the extra height I needed for those grand jetés in the aisle!
Now, I've mentioned platforms, but did you know this era also witnessed the return of the ballerina pump?! Yes! The comfy yet sophisticated, oh-so-adorable ballet pumps had their big moment, gracing the feet of women everywhere!
New York City - the Dance Capitol
After a most exhilarating train ride across the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, I arrived in New York City, a city overflowing with creative energy and, of course, tutus! I was in awe. A grand symphony of colour, laughter, and graceful movement – a dancer’s dream, really!
And where could a tutu enthusiast like myself head first, but to the Lincoln Center?
This magnificent arts hub hosted one of the world's most revered ballet companies – the New York City Ballet! I simply couldn’t miss out! The show? It was pure magic, a dazzling kaleidoscope of dance that stole my breath away! You see, 1988 saw a revival of classic tutus. The ballet world rediscovered the power and beauty of the traditional tulle tutu. I saw ballerinas adorned in shimmering white tulle, the fabric swirling around them as they danced on point. It was absolutely exquisite!
The 80s Style of Tutus
The 1980s were, of course, a glorious decade for fashion. We’re talking vibrant colours, oversized everything, and the unmistakable 80s hair! It was a decade where bold choices ruled the runway and street style alike.
And when it came to tutus, we saw an incredible range of colour, texture, and form! From dramatic layered tulle creations, which were both striking and expressive, to shorter, flirty skirts with a punk rock twist – tutus were an essential part of the 80s wardrobe. They reflected the spirit of rebellion and innovation that swept through society.
Just picture it: Tutu-ing it up at the Disco with your pals. Can you imagine?!
Tutu Trend - Going All Out
One trend that captivated my heart – the ‘more is more’ approach! You know how it goes: If a tutu was already pretty, well, why not add more layers, more tulle, and more embellishment?! This is when my Tutu Dreams started. A dream about tutus so glorious! I've worn everything from feathered, sparkly, and ruffled tutus to bold statement pieces, dripping in embellishments and fringe. Because it's true what they say! “Go big or go home!”
1988 Ballet in a Tutu Time Capsule
And here we are, 1988, a time when we were still in the glorious embrace of the tutus.
On this very day, 23rd of February 1988, something really quite wonderful happened - the International Ballet Day! You’ve got to believe it!
Of course, my trip was no ordinary ballet adventure! Oh, no, my darlings. As is customary, I indulged in some delicious shopping on Fifth Avenue, my personal style rule of thumb being “Pink is always right!” That day, I found a perfectly beautiful bright pink feather boa, oh, you should have seen it – feather boa royalty, in pink, of course! A statement of fabulousness for a future blogger extraordinaire, one who’d become known as the queen of pink tutus.
It's Not Just a Garment - It's a Lifestyle!
But it’s more than just tutus and trends, my darlings. The world of ballet is a magnificent art form that deserves to be celebrated, not just on special occasions like this #TutuTuesday, but every day! And as a passionate ballet enthusiast and self-proclaimed Queen of Pink Tutus, I believe that every single one of you is capable of bringing a touch of ballet magic to your life!
You don’t have to be a professional ballerina to appreciate the beauty of a well-constructed tutu or to twirl with delight. Just take inspiration from this incredible, expressive form, and dance your way through life!
Next week's Tutu adventure...
The Pink Tutu Express is about to head off to another remarkable date in tutu history. But I can't spoil the surprise, darlings, it’s got to be a treat, a grand unveiling! Don't forget, join us every Tuesday for our #TutuTuesday adventure at www.pink-tutu.com. You never know, maybe it’ll be you, the lucky reader, chosen for next week's #TutuTravel with Emma!
Love and Twirls, Emma x
