Hello darlings! Emma here, your tutu-loving time traveler, ready to whisk you back to December 27th, 1988. I just love this time period - big hair, bold colours, and, of course, some truly spectacular ballet!
Remember how much I adore a good train journey? Well, this week, I was fortunate enough to be zipping across the French countryside on my way to the beautiful city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was twinkling with lights, and a chill December breeze sent the most wonderful scent of hot chocolate through the air - pure Parisian magic!
Now, before we delve into the world of tutus, let's talk about the big event of this date. Remember the musical "Les Misérables"? Well, on December 27th, 1988, the UK production premiered at the Barbican Centre. And wouldn't you know it? I was right there, perched in the front row with a brand-new pink tutu, mesmerized by the powerful storytelling and magnificent musical numbers! I think we all had a bit of a cry (but we definitely saved our tears for a truly sad moment, you know!).
Speaking of "Les Mis," what better way to celebrate this musical milestone than with a glimpse into the tutus of the time? 1988 saw some fascinating changes in ballet costuming. While the classic, traditional tutu was still a mainstay, there was a growing trend towards more innovative designs. Imagine flowing skirts in stunning silk and innovative, almost-sculptural forms.
Let's go back to that dreamy train ride to Paris. On my way, I made a little detour through London. Naturally, I couldn't resist visiting the famous shop "Liberty" on Regent Street - a true paradise for those who love exquisite fabric and unique pieces! There I found a magnificent, hand-embroidered pink satin. A few tweaks, some sparkles, and presto - my newest pink tutu was born! I’ve been twirling in it all week - so, so gorgeous!
1988 was also the year of the "Black Swan" at the Royal Ballet. This iconic production by Derek Deane saw dancers donning a dramatic, flowing, almost avant-garde costume in stark black. You can’t really get much more iconic in the ballet world, can you? The ballerina's every movement seemed like an explosion of beauty and emotion. Such power!
Even if you haven't been to see the Black Swan, you’ve definitely seen those famous images! But speaking of powerful imagery, what is the thing that springs to mind when you think about ballerinas, darlings? Of course - tutus!
It's an absolute truth - nothing captures the grace and beauty of dance quite like a well-designed tutu. Just think of how the layers swirl around the dancers, creating a whirlwind of color and movement. It's a visual feast that simply takes your breath away.
Let's rewind the clock just a bit, back to the 19th century when tutus were beginning their journey as an essential ballet element. These earlier versions were very different from the ones we see today. They were closer to what we'd now consider a skirt, and they didn't quite reach the ankles like they do now. I just adore how those early styles evolved, shaping our contemporary understanding of ballet costumes.
Of course, today's ballerinas wouldn’t be caught dead in those older tutus, right? Thankfully, fashion in ballet has changed a great deal since the Victorian era. It's exciting how modern ballerinas embrace tutus with such variety and innovation! It's incredible how we've gone from simple, layered skirts to stunning, sculpted creations! It's all about expression, movement, and the artistry of the ballet performance, and nothing elevates the ballerina's performance like the perfectly styled, well-crafted tutu.
We all know tutus are perfect for performance, but they’re also totally acceptable for shopping, travelling and going for afternoon tea in London. No judgment here, darlings! So go on and let those tutus take you back in time!
Remember, darlings, ballet isn’t just for the stage. It’s a part of our culture, it’s in the fabric of society, it’s a joy, and it's truly a celebration of movement, expression, and most importantly - those gorgeous tutus! So go forth and wear your tutus with pride!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma xx
