Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here with post number 8234 for my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. This week we're stepping back in time to October 17th, 1989, and oh, what a fabulous time to be alive! I practically hopped off the train at Grand Central Station and was whisked away to the world of sequins and pirouettes.
I just have to say, it was absolutely exhilarating to be in the heart of New York City! I'm still so charmed by the bustle and energy, and let me tell you, New Yorkers love their ballet! Just imagine - tutus on every corner! But alas, let's get back to the tutu history, shall we?
The World of Tutu on 17th October, 1989
Now, back in 1989, the ballet world was buzzing with exciting news! The legendary American Ballet Theatre was gearing up for a whirlwind tour of the United States and Europe. Can you believe it? Their production of Giselle with the ever-so-talented Julio Bocca was captivating audiences across the globe! The excitement was almost as palpable as the blush of my pink tutu!
Speaking of blush, have you ever considered wearing pink to the ballet? You'd be surprised how much it brings out the vibrancy of the stage! And let's be honest, we all love a little colour and flair at a performance, don't we? Even those wonderful men in their grey tights can do with a touch of pink - a bow tie, perhaps? wink wink
Ballet Tutus - A Glimpse Into 1989
The tutus worn in the late '80s were, shall we say, quite dramatic! They were bigger than ever! Imagine the sheer amount of fabric, the ruffles, and the shimmering sequins that adorned those iconic costumes. And it seems they were inspired by, drumroll please… Marie Taglioni!
Now, darling, this legendary ballerina is not just a name you might find in a dusty history book. She was the original tutu trendsetter back in the 1800s! This talented and fashionable beauty decided a more practical costume would work better than a heavy gown for ballet. She envisioned a light and ethereal look and created what we now call the "Romantic Tutu". And let's just say, this style of tutu has inspired the designs of generations of dancers!
And even if we have moved on to new and exciting designs over the years - like the tutu de pointes that gave ballerinas so much freedom - we still see a nod to the Romantic Tutu's timeless design. You know, in those fabulous flowing, full skirts that give us that magical feeling every time we see them swirling onstage.
Shop 'til you Drop for Tutu Flair
Of course, while you are experiencing a blast from the past through your travels - like I am doing in the fascinating city that never sleeps - remember to indulge in some shopping, darling! There is just nothing like it! There are many places for that special sartorial fix!
After your Ballet adventure on this delightful trip back in time, check out Bergdorf Goodman, the very fancy department store, where you can find everything your heart desires for your next glamorous night out! If you are lucky enough to be in London, then go down to the original, Liberty London, it’s just fabulous! Don't forget a stop at a vintage shop, and you might even find a stunning vintage tutu that's begging for a revival.
Time Travel to a Tutu World!
Oh, darling! My love for tutus is infectious, I think! You can find them absolutely everywhere in 1989! I’m absolutely amazed by all the styles - the fluffy romantic tutus, the delicate pastel tutus, even a few in hot pink - the best shade! It just seems like every dance studio is teeming with these little pieces of dance history! I hope that I will inspire you to get involved! Join my ballet family and spread the pink tutu love. We have just scratched the surface on the history of the tutu, but if you want to learn more about the evolution of the ballet tutu from the Romantics through to the 21st century, make sure to tune in each week.
Until next time, darlings. I'll leave you with a lovely little quote that I heard during my travels in New York City: “Ballet is like life — full of elegance, passion and grace”. How perfect, wouldn't you say?
Until next Tuesday, Emma x
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