Hey there, darling dears! Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, back for another instalment of #TutuTuesday!
This week we're stepping back in time, leaving our stylish 21st century for the fabulous year of 1989. Just picture it, the music's blasting Madonna, shoulder pads are at their peak, and… the tutu? Oh, the tutu is still the epitome of graceful beauty! 😉
Today I'm going to share some fascinating tutu trivia and maybe even sprinkle in some fashion trends from the year you'll be rocking a fabulous pink tutu, with my favourite thing in the world: a delightful dose of ballet history.
Now, to the matter at hand: today, September 19th, 1989, is a pretty significant date in ballet history! On this very day, the esteemed Royal Ballet premiered a beautiful production of "The Sleeping Beauty." Talk about fairytale dreams coming true! 😍 I just imagine the sheer joy in the air as those graceful dancers twirled across the stage, those dreamy tutus twirling alongside them. 💖
But let's get down to the fascinating bit – why does this day matter for tutu-lovers like you and me?
Firstly, we have to remember that 1989 was an important year for dance in general! The popularity of ballet wasn't at its peak just yet – we were smack dab in the midst of the dance craze and street dance was trending big time! Ballet was more underground and enjoyed by an exclusive crowd (including your fabulous time-travelling self, obviously! 😎). You could still go to beautiful ballet performances, of course. But, there was a different vibe. A more artistic, less mainstream feel, and you really felt that passion for the art, the movement, the sheer beauty of it.
Tutus were still a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and feminine charm, no matter where you were! I remember wearing a pink tulle tutu with sparkling sequins and my matching sparkly shoes to one of my favourite shows – "Swan Lake". It was absolutely glorious. The crowd cheered wildly! 🎉
But did you know that tutu styles actually changed dramatically throughout the century, with designers experimenting with all sorts of materials and designs? And just to imagine, a few years prior to this date, some ballet companies started using different types of fabric, like lycra and nylon - they are lightweight, stretch and move with the dancers better than traditional tulle! Innovation! Isn't that amazing? It is like the tutu got a much needed glow up, for its ever changing roles in dance.
There were other types of tutu design on stage during the late 80s! If the long classical tutu seemed too old school for some productions, shorter skirts that showcased stronger, more athletic ballet styles began to become more popular. What is fabulous, is that tutus are versatile. Every dancer, and every dance style can find the perfect tutu! 💖
This tutu time traveller finds herself at the Royal Opera House, in London town! Now, it might not be Derby where I’m from, but London's still a wonderful place for finding incredible fashion, with beautiful department stores like Harrods and Liberty, the ultimate destination for finding that perfect pink tutu, whether you need a vintage style or a new classic, with some pretty lace and tulle – you'll find it all there! 💖
But, you know what’s just divine about these times? The fact that the train stations are absolutely stunning, like those grand Victorian structures - and a train trip across the country can transport you from Derbyshire's lush fields, right to the bustle of London! And in London you’ll find a wide variety of ballet companies like English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet doing wonderful work in beautiful theatres with spectacular productions. You just have to grab a pair of comfortable, well-polished shoes and a beautiful hat to add a dash of elegant flair to your look - just imagine me twirling gracefully in a gorgeous bright pink tulle tutu! I always feel powerful in one of these beautiful outfits! ✨
London was very different then to London now. Even just a couple of decades ago it was cheaper and far more affordable to catch a ballet production. Ballet wasn’t seen as some elitist form of art for those with money. It was an opportunity for anyone and everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, to get involved in ballet, to watch, to learn and be part of something truly spectacular!
Speaking of spectacular productions... how about we discuss a few more must-see moments from ballet in 1989, the year our tutus twirled with elegance:
• The New York City Ballet brought us ballet that was truly thrilling! It's exciting, bold, and revolutionary. I mean, just imagine how exciting those performances were!
• A lovely lady called Dame Margot Fonteyn. She is one of ballet's legends! And you might want to look up her name to learn all about her incredible impact on the ballet world! She’s a role model to every dancer. 💖
• I simply cannot mention ballet without thinking about all of the magnificent dancers we saw on stage during the late 1980s and early 1990s - a golden age of ballet stars! Such incredible talent and athleticism in every production I watched! 😍 Every performance was magically filled with so much joy and delight, so much energy.
Just think, back then you could even wear a bright pink tutu for every dance performance and no one would even bat an eyelid! Imagine how fun and joyful life would be *filled with * pink tutus! 🎉
So, there you have it! Just a glimpse into the world of tutus, ballet and fashion back in the year 1989! I can’t wait to explore more about this period with you. Keep your eyes on Pink-Tutu.com for more fascinating history posts in the future, darlings!
Until next Tuesday, don’t forget to keep on twirling and stay fab!
Yours in tulle, Emma 💖
