Ooh, la la! It’s Tutu Tuesday, my lovely tutu enthusiasts!
As usual, I've whipped out my time travel machine (did you know it runs on fairy dust and high-kick energy?) and I'm landing right here, ready to sprinkle some Tutu History magic into your week. This week, we’re dipping into the ballet archives, travelling back to March 28th, 1989, just a smidge before my own birth! How exciting! Think hair scrunchies, shoulder pads, and oh-so-much neon!
Now, imagine London, my dear darlings. It’s brimming with theatre, music, and a sense of fashion that only the 80s could create. On this very day, the Royal Ballet was busy rehearsing "The Sleeping Beauty". Yes, this enchanting fairytale! It’s said to have premiered in London in 1890 and I've seen this dazzling production performed in London and across Europe. The dancers glide through their graceful moves, the costumes shimmering and swirling in their dreamy, timeless way. The story itself – Princess Aurora, cursed by an evil fairy, rescued by a handsome Prince, and brought back to life by love’s kiss… it’s classic ballet bliss.
Hold your tutus tight, ladies! Back in 1989, it was still a period where tutu shapes were changing rapidly. **A lot of romantic tulle, and that beautiful Victorian style was very popular. You might see delicate layering with chiffon over net - creating exquisite cloud-like skirts.
Now, what does London fashion in the late 80s have to offer? Let’s talk trends! Remember those daringly oversized earrings, neon colours, and leggings worn with mini-skirts, and I dare not forget the leg warmers, oh, my leg warmers! A world away from the tutus we wear in this day and age! Back then, ballet itself, and the tutu's that adorned the stage, felt decidedly classic, yet there was still that 80s flair - maybe a bit of leg-warming and bright colours would have snuck into a costume here and there.
The tutus of that time might not be the puffy princess shapes of today. We were still clinging onto a more subtle form of ballet elegance. Imagine tutus flowing gently, rather than poofing outwards. There was still an emphasis on graceful curves and romantic, classic designs. You would see tutus flowing and twisting with the dancer, and you’d see less of the "over-the-top” design we associate with modern-day classical ballet tutus,
If we fast-forward a bit to modern-day fashion, you’ll find plenty of "ballet" elements to mix with your 2023 streetwear style. Think of those dreamy chiffon scarves, delicate layers, the delicate ballet slipper, or even the Tutu-Style skirt which is THE style for ballet dancers these days. I adore them and how easy they are to slip on with an oversized t-shirt! (I would always go with a colour, maybe something a shade of soft pink to tie it all in.)
And while you’re feeling inspired by 80s style, remember - you can take those ideas, turn them into a *modern ballet look, * (without resorting to a lot of shoulder pads!) * * A black pencil skirt is fabulous with a vibrant, colour pop of a shirt tucked in. Or try an elegant skirt, but with an oversized hoodie, and perhaps, dare I say, some *leg warmers! * If you're wearing a big shirt or a t-shirt - then a great way to bring some shape and structure, would be with a belt over a maxi skirt. * And there’s the magic of *tights **– perfect for adding a bit of colour to any outfit!
I simply love being inspired by the styles and trends from the past and giving them a modern makeover. You should all embrace this little vintage magic. I adore discovering how these elements can work for you now and create exciting and beautiful ballet-inspired looks.
Where did I go today? I have just been to Paris – oh, the romance of it all!! I couldn’t help myself but spend the afternoon on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées - it was a wonderland of vintage shops, and I found the most charming tutu – a tiny pink ballerina made of china. I know, a total cliche for a ballerina – but when you love pink, you love pink. It’s a must-have for my ballerina collection! *Did you know? * Back in 1989, they probably wouldn’t be making a lot of mini tutu collections – a bit like today’s “vintage” fashion!
Do you have a tutu story from the past you want to share? Leave a comment below and let me know where your favourite tutu came from – and if it was from this timeless year of 1989 or something more modern!
Remember, your life is an adventure to be enjoyed, just like stepping onto the stage!
Stay beautiful, Emma
Emma’s Website: www.pink-tutu.com
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This is an example blog post for Emma and does not include any factual or real details for her journey or about tutu history in 1989
