Welcome back, fellow tutu-lovers, to another exciting edition of my Ballet Tutu History blog! This Tuesday, I’m feeling particularly pink and sparkly. The autumn air here in London is crisp, and the colours of the falling leaves are mirroring the beautiful hues in my favourite pink tulle skirt – talk about fashion inspiration!
Today we're stepping back in time, folks, all the way to November 8th, 1988. Imagine, it’s a Wednesday, and the world’s buzzing with its own unique rhythm. While the clock ticks away in London, I’m about to take a trip back to the past, my mind awash with thoughts of elegant ballerinas in their billowing tutus.
Let’s take a journey back, and see what’s on the cultural agenda for November 8th, 1988. As a modern girl with a passion for all things ballet, my imagination is racing! Perhaps the Royal Opera House is showcasing a timeless masterpiece like “Swan Lake”. Maybe a new production is debuting, adding a splash of innovation to the world of ballet.
For a glimpse of what was happening in 1988, let’s take a spin on the internet – although, this fabulous invention is yet to exist in 1988! It’s fascinating to me to think about how life is lived differently, how fashion trends evolve, how artists find new inspiration, and how tutus take center stage in all of this!
The London Ballet Calendar – which at the time was only a paper publication, not the virtual portal to ballet that it is today – gives me a fantastic insight into the artistic heart of 1988. The ballet season in London is buzzing – "Giselle" has a starring role, showcasing the strength, grace and passion of the human form, which continues to inspire and enthral ballet audiences all these years later!
The London theatre scene was also flourishing back then. We have a dazzling selection of shows like "The Phantom of the Opera" making its Broadway debut in New York City! This is the kind of glamorous evening that sparks my sartorial dreams and fuels my desire to capture that vintage, timeless ballet look!
In my imagination, it’s an electrifying experience to visit the original West End home of this stunning spectacle! A little-known fact about "The Phantom" – its costume designers were inspired by ballet silhouettes and that glorious flowy movement, incorporating those delicate, yet powerful tutu elements into their design work!
From what I’ve found on my trusty travel machine – you’d be surprised by what I’ve discovered is hidden away in dusty antique books – there were also big news stories making the headlines in November 1988. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” yes, that film everyone raves about today, was only a thought in a writer's imagination!
As for me, I’ve packed a vibrant pink, floor-length, tulle skirt with a matching top. With a splash of bold colour and just the right amount of embellishment, I can’t wait to get to London to revel in the beautiful artistry and the captivating theatricality of the era. I’ve even planned an outfit with my favourite vintage 1988 style bag and sparkling, high-heeled ballet pumps – it's truly the perfect combination of elegance and that all-important ballet flair.
Back in my present-day time, it’s a glorious Wednesday in 2023! As I pen these words, my phone is vibrating – a notification from “The London Ballet Company” is appearing, my online schedule is jam-packed with my favorite ballet performances. Just this week I saw “Don Quixote”, what a phenomenal production with incredible dance and an absolutely amazing costuming design, including an absolutely amazing and flamboyant Spanish-inspired tutu for Kitri. It was absolutely fabulous – but you'll have to wait for next Tuesday to hear more about that.
Life for a ballerina, even one from Derbyshire, is pretty darn exciting! And for my followers, don’t forget to check in next Tuesday – I've got some even more fabulous #TutuTuesday stories coming up. Until then, stay glamorous and never be afraid to rock that tutu!
Emma x
