Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina blogger, back again with another trip through history for #TutuTuesday! Today, we're waltzing our way back to 23rd August 1988, a time when leg warmers were all the rage, shoulder pads ruled the fashion scene, and the world was captivated by the beauty of ballet.
Ooh, where to even begin?! 1988 was a fabulous year for ballet. Let's just say it's delighted me to the core, with its sheer elegance and captivating performances! Oh, how I wish I could have travelled to the grandest of grand opera houses and seen the greats of the era grace the stage!
Speaking of travelling, I just arrived in Paris last night, fresh from a most enjoyable train journey. Oh, I adore train journeys - it’s so civilised and romantic! And Paris - my darlings - oh, it's absolutely divine! The atmosphere, the food, the fashion... Oh, the fashion! Honestly, the French really do know their way around a stylish outfit.
Speaking of stylish outfits, have you seen the ballet costumes from 1988?! Just gorgeous! Imagine: tutus with gossamer fabric that seems to float in the air, intricately hand-sewn details, and such an exquisite selection of colors! Pink, of course, played a prominent role - a touch of chic that adds that extra bit of sparkle!
Speaking of sparkle, did you know that 23rd August 1988 marked the opening of "The Nutcracker" in New York City? The Royal Ballet, under the brilliant choreography of Peter Martins, were on fire! Can you imagine being in that audience?! Honestly, the feeling would be enchanting.
Of course, 1988 wasn't just about "The Nutcracker." My time travel journals tell me that there were a myriad of other spectacular ballet productions across the globe. I would've loved to be a fly on the wall for those performances, especially "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House in London, featuring the dazzling talents of Dame Darcey Bussell! Oh, how she embodies grace! She was one of my favourite ballerinas growing up - just magnetic. It seems, she's one of the greats to watch from this era. I'm going to do some digging later to find footage of this production – my blog just wouldn't be complete without a few gorgeous clips.
Now, while the ballet scene was flourishing in 1988, so too was the world of ballet fashion! Tutues, darlings, were becoming increasingly elaborate - imagine tiers upon tiers of tulle, adorned with feathers, crystals and divine embellishments - quite unlike the more practical tutus worn by the early dancers! This era saw ballet tutus become a true expression of art, a dazzling vision in their own right. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind owning some myself! Just a thought… cough, cough.
This love for fashion isn't just confined to the dance floor either. Let's take a peek at the streetwear in 1988! Leggings were a massive trend back then, a real must-have. So trendy - I even own a pair myself!
Oh! It is actually a lovely day to explore! I think I’ll pop out and indulge myself with a spot of retail therapy and take a stroll in a pair of these fashionable leggings – just to soak up the local colour. And naturally, with it being Tutu Tuesday I have to check out a fabulous shop in Montmartre to see if there are any delightful tutus lurking amongst the Parisian boutiques… maybe a lovely pink number?!
And that, my darlings, brings us to the end of our little time-travel journey to 23rd August 1988. Oh, wasn’t that an exciting trip?! I can already tell this is going to be one of my most popular blog posts – it just radiates that magical feeling! I must make a mental note to travel back in time again – especially to London, so I can explore the beautiful vintage ballet costume shops I hear about. There just seems to be a unique feel to vintage clothing that gives an extra touch of sparkle.
Don’t forget to tell your friends about Tutu Tuesday! Why not even send them the link to www.pink-tutu.com and invite them to join us!
See you all next week for another fabulous journey through time – you know the drill – #TutuTuesday, the same place, the same time, just click those dancing pink tutu shoes and come on in!
Until then, happy dancing, and may all your days be filled with tulle, sparkle, and a sprinkle of pink!
Yours eternally in pink,
Emma xx
