Hello darlings, and welcome back to another week of #TutuTuesday on your favourite pink-tastic blog, www.pink-tutu.com! I'm your ever-so-slightly-time-travelling fashionista Emma, and this week, I'm whisking us all back to the fabulous 4th July, 1989! Can you believe it's been almost 35 years?! Time truly does fly when you're having fun – especially when you're twirling in a tulle cloud.
So, imagine this: it's a glorious summer's day, and I'm in New York City! The air is buzzing with excitement as everyone prepares to celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, parades and fireworks. And while I can't resist a good old-fashioned hot dog, my heart really belongs to something else entirely… the ballet!
You see, darlings, 1989 was a particularly magical year for the American Ballet Theatre. It was the year that the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov took the stage for the last time, his farewell performance. Can you even imagine witnessing such an iconic event?! I'm picturing the hush of the theatre as he graces the stage, the whispers of admiration, the final bows, and the deafening applause. It must have been simply breathtaking!
But the magic of the ballet wasn't confined to the grand theatres. In 1989, the street was alive with a newfound appreciation for ballet, thanks to the explosion in popularity of "The Nutcracker" by the Moscow Ballet. I was lucky enough to catch their show in Los Angeles, and I can tell you, it was a real feast for the eyes! Those opulent costumes, the incredible artistry, the festive music – I felt transported to a world of sugar plums and magical toys!
And of course, we can't forget the fashion! In 1989, bold colours and geometric prints were all the rage. The classic tutu was still the centrepiece of any ballet ensemble, but the way it was styled, well, that's where the real excitement lay! Think big, bold headbands, neon tights, and those iconic legwarmers. I tell you, those legwarmers! They added a touch of sass to every dance move and were a true symbol of 80s flair!
Of course, I wouldn't be a true tutu enthusiast if I didn't take this opportunity to mention the one piece of fashion history that forever changed the face of ballet and inspired a thousand copycat costumes – I'm talking about the tutu that made a statement, the “Yellow” tutu designed by Christian Lacroix, worn by none other than Sylvie Guillem in *“The Nutcracker”, choreographed by the iconic Rudolf Nureyev. Oh my! The brilliance of that vision, the daring of that color, the perfect embodiment of everything that ballet could be: bold, beautiful and absolutely captivating.
I know what you're thinking, darlings! A yellow tutu?! Oh, I'm just getting started! Let me tell you about the fashion trends that made 1989 truly stand out, the ones that had even the most traditional ballet audiences doing a double-take:
- Tutus in All the Colours of the Rainbow! 🌈 - I'm not just talking about pastels, darlings! Think neon pinks, bright oranges, vibrant blues, and dazzling purples! Even those classic white tutus were getting a bit of a rainbow upgrade with pops of coloured ribbons, sequins and other details. And just imagine, for a moment, a tutu in a beautiful shade of jade green! I just adore the way a vibrant tutu can really stand out on stage, don't you?
- Big Hair, Big Dreams: 💁🏻♀️- If you ever need an image to bring you straight back to 1989, it's the iconic hair! Those gravity-defying updos! The bold side ponytails with volumizers! And all those hair accessories - headbands, combs, clips, even the occasional glitter. What a truly glamorous look! Imagine the backstage buzz of prepping those hair-dos and the final touch of lipstick before the curtains rise. Simply perfection!
- Striped and Checkered Leotards: 🦓 - While traditional leotards in classic colours never went out of style, the 1980s introduced a whole new level of flair to ballet. Checkerboard, stripes, polka dots and abstract prints brought a whole new energy to those otherwise simple garments. I just adore the way they add a bit of whimsy to any look and, frankly, wouldn’t it be nice if they came back in style for 2024?!
But you know me, darlings, I can't leave this trip to the past without a little bit of me – that's why I brought my very own, absolutely magnificent pink tutu along for the ride! Can you imagine, a ballet aficionado travelling through time in a stunningly pink tulle masterpiece? I’m the first one to say it! We must keep the tradition of tutu history alive, don’t you agree?
I must dash, darlings! Another journey awaits. But before I go, a little quiz:
What were some of the iconic ballet productions performed in 1989?
Until next Tuesday, remember: the magic of ballet is always there for you, in all its history, beauty and grace. Stay twirling! 💖
Your Pink Tutu Time Traveller,
Emma xoxo
P.S. If you have a particularly memorable tutu from 1989 that you want to share, leave a comment below. Let’s relive some of those fabulous fashion moments together!
P.P.S For those of you wondering, yes! I finance my travels by giving breathtakingly brilliant ballet performances in various eras and regions around the globe! I travel via train, my most beloved method of transport. I do love my ballet practice but I truly feel I am living my dream - especially when I am in my magnificent pink tutu!
