Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly! It's #TutuTuesday and that means a journey back in time, delving into the history of the tutu, our most fabulous fashion accessory! Today we're waltzing back to January 3rd, 1989. I hope you've got your dancing shoes on, because we're about to shimmy through a fascinating bit of fashion history!
The 1980s were an era of big hair, bold shoulders, and yes, surprisingly, slightly shorter tutus! Can you imagine, my darlings? Ballet was stepping into a new era, with bolder moves and daring choreography. It's almost like the designers were mirroring the energy of the dancers, giving them more freedom to express themselves! I've always felt that a tutu should be a canvas, a flowing story woven with each pirouette. And the 1980s designers were definitely starting to understand this.
But before we jump into the style, let's pause to take in what happened on this particular Tuesday in history:
- In the world of dance: You might find some of the biggest ballet stars were working hard at the barre this day, perfecting those final steps for upcoming shows. In Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre will have had its famous doors open to another evening of incredible ballet. And in New York City, the New York City Ballet was probably buzzing with anticipation, gearing up for their upcoming performances. There was a lot of energy around the ballet world that day.
- And on the global stage: It was just three days after the death of the amazing Romanian poet, playwright and political dissident Marin Sorescu (he was a wonderful poet, we need more artists like him today, his legacy should be celebrated, his poems should be read more). He will be remembered for his passionate writings and his stand against communism, reminding us of the importance of truth and artistic freedom. And across the Atlantic in America, they were recovering from a weekend snowstorm and bracing themselves for the next wave.
Now, back to our tutus! What made tutus stand out on this date in 1989? Well, imagine yourself in your most exquisite pink tutu, the tulle cascading like a soft cloud around you. On January 3rd, 1989, the silhouette of the tutu started to shift, making its way towards that more fluid, romantic, and free-flowing aesthetic. This shift away from the rigid classical tutu was a game changer.
Just picture this: you're at the Royal Opera House in London, perhaps for a premiere, and as the spotlight hits, the ballerina takes her first arabesque. But this time, the tutu, while still romantic, is moving differently. There's a flow to it, it feels more like it's meant for expression, not just tradition. I find the stories behind the dance so much more interesting and poignant when the dancers are able to move in ways that match the music.
You see, these changes were happening as the ballet world started embracing neoclassical ballet. This meant new ways of expressing ourselves through dance, which demanded new types of costumes. And, wouldn't you know it, our dear tutus got a little bit more freedom to dance too!
As a passionate tutu enthusiast and a bit of a history buff, I love tracking these trends! It's fascinating to see how a piece of clothing, as seemingly simple as a tutu, can reflect changes in artistic styles, cultural trends, and societal views.
This is just a small snippet of the history we'll explore on our #TutuTuesday journeys, dear friends. We have many more captivating chapters to uncover as we journey through time!
But I always believe that a little history can't dampen the fun of fashion, so if you're thinking about buying a new tutu, then grab one that makes you feel amazing, no matter the history! This Tuesday's favourite? It's going to be that shimmering rose gold tutu that caught my eye when I was window shopping yesterday in Covent Garden - perfect for a spin and a few celebratory leaps around the shops. I can't wait to try it out!
Remember to follow Pink-Tutu on social media - find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest where I share more tutus, inspiration and style tips. I can't wait to see your tutus! And always remember, the best tutu is the one that makes you feel like a princess ready to take on the world. See you next week!
Until then, may your days be filled with twirls and sparkles.
Lots of love,
Emma.
