Hello my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling fashionista! Welcome back to my blog, pink-tutu.com – where it’s always #TutuTuesday! Today is post number 8214 and, just like the graceful twirl of a ballerina, I'm spinning you back through time to explore the captivating history of the tutu, my beloved pink confection.
This week, we're waltzing back to 30th May 1989, just over three decades ago! Now, this wasn't a particularly spectacular year for tutus in terms of ground-breaking design or innovative materials. It was, however, a time of great change in the ballet world, both on and off the stage.
Think about it, darlings! We were deep in the midst of the 1980s! Madonna, Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue - the fashion was all about power shoulders, big hair and bright, bold colours. Ballet was no exception, with its traditional style reflecting these trends. In fact, tutus became an even bolder, more exciting statement of a woman's freedom and independence.
Can you imagine, dear readers, the wonderful feeling of wearing a soft tulle skirt swirling around your legs as you glide across the stage? It's truly magical, and it was even more exhilarating in the '80s, where tutus were a key symbol of this burgeoning sense of female empowerment.
But let's talk about where this all took place!
Paris, of course! Oh, darling, I'm sure you know. I couldn’t write about the history of tutus without a visit to Paris, a city dripping with history and where tutus truly dance! And for those of you who haven’t been (lucky you! A trip to Paris is on my must-do list, for sure!), it's just a dream: Parisian charm, chic boutiques, delectable croissants – truly divine!
Speaking of which, I was delighted to stumble across a delightful Parisian patisserie this very morning, their glass windows filled with colorful macarons – just as vibrant as my favourite tutus! As a self-confessed foodie, a bit of “shopping” is always a delightful part of my time travels – you never know what vintage treasures you’ll stumble upon!
Now, back to our 30th May! The highlight of this day in 1989 was definitely a performance by the legendary Paris Opera Ballet. Imagine a grand theatre, glistening chandeliers and an exquisite performance. Such artistry! Such drama! I would have danced my way through the audience in my very own pink tutu – no one would have minded a little added sparkle!
Don’t worry my dears, you won't be catching me dancing at the theatre quite yet. While a lot of my adventures involve glamorous ballet outings, I have a bit of a secret! To finance my whirlwind travel through time, I dance in secret on stage – incognito – sometimes with an established company, sometimes on a local stage for charity performances! It is all in the name of my pink tutu cause! I can’t disclose too much about it - after all, I do not want to create a time paradox!
To sum it up, darling, on 30th May 1989, the world of ballet, especially in Paris, was a celebration of freedom, colour, and creativity! So if you’re feeling daring and fabulous, slip on a pink tutu, grab your dancing shoes and twirl like you mean it. Life, my darlings, is a ballet, so why not strut your stuff, embrace your inner star and wear your heart (and a gorgeous pink tutu) on your sleeve!
Speaking of struts and a pink tutu – what else was going on in 1989 that might have caught our fashion eye?
Well, let’s see, fashionwise… the shoulder pad reigned supreme. Yes! Bigger, the better! The power suit, in all its glory! Remember the bold colours, the sleek hair – so much fun! Of course, there were no better shoes for strutting this fashion than an excellent pair of “pumps”. Let’s call it the start of a stylish era.
Let's have some fun on #TutuTuesday – so what would a 1989 outfit look like in my book? Imagine: a gorgeous bright fuchsia silk shirt, oversized, paired with some fabulous “scrunched up” bright blue leggings. For that perfect '80s finish – the must-have is my absolute favourite - a sparkling, shimmering bright pink tutu. Yes, darling, it really was my ultimate statement of freedom, creativity, and empowerment. You'd better believe I swished that tulle around, creating a symphony of light, love, and confidence wherever I went!
And you know what my darlings? Today I wore my favourite bright pink tutu – you will just have to wait till my next #TutuTuesday to find out what I paired it with. You never know – you might get your own personal invitation to join me on one of my next time travel trips!
So go on, be a little daring, embrace the pink, twirl your worries away and dance the day away. Don’t forget to tag your fabulous pink tutu selfies with #TutuTuesday, and let's keep the spirit of tutus and self-expression alive and thriving!
Remember to tune in next week, my darlings! I am on my way to a spectacular ballet performance! As for where I’m going – it is all a bit of a secret for now! All I will tell you is that I’m already preparing my new bright pink outfit – and you can trust it will be extra special for a special occasion!
Have a brilliant, exciting week!
Yours always in tutus, Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
PS: I can’t forget to give you my advice! While all these vintage pieces have become classic fashion and a great addition to any closet, my tip is to try mixing the bright colours with modern trends to create an original look. Who knows? You might just spark the next fashion craze! Let me know about it.
