Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your #TutuTuesday blogger extraordinaire, reporting live from… well, I’m afraid I can't divulge the exact location just yet. It’s a secret, a little time travel adventure for you and me! Let’s just say, I’m somewhere in Europe, where ballet tutus are adored and admired, just like my beloved pink one! 😉
I’m thrilled to be back this Tuesday, all swirled up in pink tulle and ready to talk about our favourite subject – Ballet Tutus, naturally!
Today, we’re travelling back in time to 18th April, 1989, a date packed with a whole lot of fabulous, tutu-inspired memories! Now, I've got to admit, there's something about 1989 that makes me think of a vibrant pink. Maybe it’s the amazing pastel shades everyone wore, the energy of the times, or maybe I’m just a bit bias! Whatever the reason, this is a period rich with inspiring fashion, perfect for this #TutuTuesday exploration.
So, gather round, dear readers, and get ready for a journey into the world of tutus and 1989!
A Grand Premiere in London
First up, let’s head over to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, shall we? On 18th April 1989, it played host to a truly memorable performance - the world premiere of The Prince of the Pagodas by Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Now, that’s what we call tutu drama! The stunning choreography, set to music by Igor Stravinsky, truly captivated audiences with its intricate, powerful, and lyrical movements. But you know what really made it special? The divine, show-stopping tutus!
This particular ballet saw a vibrant collaboration between MacMillan and the brilliant designer, Anthony Dowson. Together they created breathtaking costumes, a captivating spectacle of colour and form, featuring beautiful flowing tutus that effortlessly reflected the themes and characters of the ballet. The female dancers in The Prince of the Pagodas looked absolutely fabulous, twirling and soaring on stage in these elegant, romantic tutus, their tutus swirling like a gentle breeze.
A Touch of Magic and Romance
For this premiere, the dancers took to the stage in elegant tutus made of ethereal chiffon, their airy, gossamer-like forms evoking a sense of magic and enchantment. Now, as someone who’s had their fair share of stage performances, I can tell you, these kinds of tutus just feel incredibly magical to wear, a beautiful balance of airy lightness and regal grace.
Anthony Dowson’s costumes, of course, played with more than just colour and movement, too. For example, in a key scene in the ballet, where the female character reappears after having died, she wears a ‘phantom’ tutu. It's all tulle and no lining, almost ethereal in its lightness and colour, and it symbolises the fleeting, fragile nature of her ghostly return. I can imagine how incredible it would have been to watch that scene unfold!
Now, you may be thinking, what makes 18th April 1989 so significant? Well, my lovelies, it was a very special evening indeed! This premiere, a dazzling showcase of the power and beauty of ballet, attracted a very discerning and fashionable audience. Everyone, it seems, wanted to be seen at The Prince of the Pagodas, including all the crème de la crème of the ballet world!
A Night of Glamorous Style
It's no surprise then, that the audience also looked truly stunning. Remember, 1989 was a golden age for the glamour and artistry of ballet performance, a time when elegant, powerful tutus reigned supreme. The ladies in the audience looked equally breathtaking, dishing out fashion trends that echoed the elegance of the ballet itself. Imagine long, flowing dresses in shimmering silks and velvets, or perhaps, a timeless classic, a tailored black suit with a crisp, beautiful white blouse. And, of course, many sported elegant little black dresses, accessorized with luxurious sparkling jewellery and the must-have clutch bag of the era. Oh, how I wish I'd been there, wearing my best pink tulle outfit!
I imagine the atmosphere at The Royal Opera House was absolutely buzzing. The chatter of guests mingling, their glasses tinkling, while a hushed reverence swept through the theatre as the music began to play... just magic.
Tutus in the Big Apple
But our #TutuTuesday time travel isn’t finished yet. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take you to New York City, which, of course, also has a big love affair with tutus. Now, I love shopping on Fifth Avenue as much as any ballet fan! In April 1989, I’m sure everyone was hitting the stores and eagerly looking for the newest Spring and Summer fashion collections. Fashion in New York always makes a grand statement, you see, especially when it comes to ballet and the theatre.
From Fifth Avenue’s most luxurious department stores to trendy boutiques tucked down hidden streets, the Big Apple was bustling with all the latest styles, including the ever-so-chic tutu. Now, fashion wasn’t afraid of the bolder look in 1989 – big shoulder pads, neon colours, and some bold statement prints were big on the scene! Imagine the sheer wonder of a New Yorker wearing a neon pink tulle skirt paired with an edgy, leather jacket! Quite a stunning fashion moment, I must say, perfectly reflecting the bright, fun energy of the 80s!
More Tutu Inspired Delights
Oh, before I go, there’s one more exciting thing that happened on this date - in the realm of film, the cinematic adaptation of Driving Miss Daisy, starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, was released in 1989! Though not directly tutu related, it is a truly heartwarming and impactful story.
I hope you enjoyed this journey through the vibrant tutu world of 18th April 1989! As we travelled back through the ages, we encountered stunning performances, breathtaking tutus, and of course, a dose of fabulous, fashionable fun! And remember, you don’t need a time machine to feel this era's magic – you can experience it in the sparkle, elegance, and history of ballet tutus all around you.
See you next Tuesday for more tutu fun!
Love,
Emma
xxx
P.S Don't forget to wear pink! And share your #TutuTuesday stories in the comments! I love to hear about your ballet experiences and tutus from all over the world.
