#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1989-07-11

Hello my darlings!

It's Tuesday again, and you know what that means! Time for another dive into the glorious history of tutus, my absolute favourite piece of clothing. Today, we're heading back in time, all the way to the 11th of July 1989. Fancy a trip? Jump aboard my time-travelling, pink-hued train (don't worry, there's plenty of room for everyone)!

My pink tulle outfit, hand-sewn by yours truly, is all aflutter as we approach the station. Just like back in Derbyshire, we’re all about the tutus today, girls! I even spotted a charming group of lads in bright, pink-striped sweaters outside, enjoying a good laugh over a takeaway cuppa. Clearly, pink isn't just for princesses here!

Oh, I’m so excited for today's journey! 1989 was an absolute golden age for the tutu. Think iconic ballet performances, spectacular costumes, and those oh-so-dreamy pastel colours! It’s the era that really cemented the tutu’s place in the heart of dance and fashion.

Our first stop on our journey back in time is Paris, where the Eiffel Tower is glowing pink under the twilight sky. We're here for the Paris Opera Ballet performance. Now, you just know that the Parisian tutus are going to be absolutely phenomenal. The air is buzzing with anticipation as we approach the magnificent Opera House.

As we settle into our seats, our eyes light up with a collective "ooh" at the majestic backdrop, bursting with silhouettes of tutus, all shades of peach, blush and rose, fluttering in the wind. A grand, swirling melody fills the air.

Tonight, the ballet performance brings to life the story of Giselle. Every movement tells a story, every leap evokes emotion. And of course, the costumes? Dreamy. We're seeing the traditional white tutus, and the tulle is shimmering like moonlight on a crisp winter's night. They are perfectly cut and shaped to highlight the elegance of the ballerinas' movements. I’m making a mental note to recreate one myself – maybe with some extra embellishments!

Oh, and the final performance - those leaping, spinning ballerinas? Absolutely breathtaking. The entire audience erupts into thunderous applause, their hands aching to clap even after the curtain has fallen.

You see, dear readers, back then, the tutu was everywhere! The tutu had become a true icon, symbolising grace, freedom, and artistry, influencing fashion on the streets as much as on stage. Think about those fabulous vintage photos you see of your mum and aunties, their clothes a testament to the beauty of the era! We’re talking bright pastels, voluminous silhouettes, and tulle galore!

Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if a vintage shop popped up around the corner – a vintage tutu would make the perfect gift for any true ballet enthusiast! In fact, a fabulous little vintage shop might be a perfect spot to start our afternoon adventures.

Speaking of fashion, don’t forget those iconic designer collections! Tutuline tulle features heavily on runways and even more so in magazine shoots, all those gorgeous textures and colours inspired by the timeless grace of the ballet. Think of it as high fashion meets high art - two worlds seamlessly merging to create something magical!

What a day we’ve had! But it’s not over yet. It's time for another time-travelling journey, a whistle stop at New York! Our journey on the train feels like a journey into a romantic painting with fields of bright yellow wildflowers. A soft tune plays, perhaps on a music box, perhaps it is simply a melody of nature as the train whistles and chuggs along the railway lines. The perfect time to imagine those iconic New York scenes.

I can just picture it – Times Square bustling with energy, the air filled with a blend of jazzy tunes and the chatter of street vendors, with every billboard boasting the most fantastically detailed images of tutu-clad dancers. Just imagine that!

A special ballet performance is being held at the iconic Lincoln Center. Can you picture those beautiful tutus in front of the towering skyscrapers, with the sky ablaze with the city's neon lights? It's a breathtaking mix of tradition and modernity, reminding us just how influential tutus have become.

Of course, in the New York of 1989, a tutu isn't just about ballet. From department store windows filled with tulle and layers, to the fashion streets where people rock colourful and daring tutu inspired outfits – everyone wants to wear a piece of the magic. It's all about individuality and a love for something fun and feminine, much like how we feel about it today.

I know we all love our street fashion. I’ve seen so many talented, creative people out and about expressing themselves through their unique, tutu-inspired looks. So I’m thrilled that the Tutu remains a vital part of contemporary fashion, reminding everyone about a bit of sparkle, and reminding them how wonderfully magical the tutu can be.

We have been on quite a journey! But just wait, there's still more to come. The magic of the tutu spans decades and continents! I'm planning future blogs on the history of tutus in different eras and in different cultures! Let me know where you’d like to travel to next!

In the meantime, go forth, embrace the magic of tutus, and rock those beautiful, bright colours! And don't forget to spread the word and let’s work together to bring the glorious history of the tutu to a wider audience, and bring even more tutu fun to the world. Remember to check back next Tuesday for our next Tutu Tuesday Blog, with more travel and more fashion!

Love, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com