#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: 1989-11-14
Post number 8238
www.pink-tutu.com
Hiya lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-loving time traveller Emma here, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the history of ballet and, of course, those delightful tutus! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 14th November 1989, a day that saw some seriously fabulous fashion, ballet, and a certain world-renowned ballet dancer celebrating a birthday!
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, Iām always so excited to hop on a train and head off on a little adventure. This week, my destination? None other than New York City, the epicentre of dazzling style and, dare I say, a place where tutus have never looked more radiant!
Now, imagine it, 1989, the hairspray was flowing, and the leg warmers were definitely making a statement. We were just a couple of years from the fall of the Berlin Wall, but that didnāt stop us from loving those powerful dance routines. Speaking of powerful routines, can we just take a moment to appreciate the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, who celebrated his 46th birthday that day!
But letās get back to the heart of our tutu journey - what was the world of ballet like in 1989? Well, imagine a whole stage bathed in glorious, almost ethereal light. And think of the tutus: graceful, elegant, shimmeringā¦ Absolutely a sight for sore eyes.
One of the biggest ballet productions going on that very day in New York was "Giselle." A timeless classic, this story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice captivated audiences with its haunting music, intricate choreography, and yes, the show-stopping, oh-so-dreamy tutus! And did I mention the tutus in this production were simply gorgeous? The intricate hand-sewn embroidery on those tulle layers? Pure ballet bliss!
In a little nugget of fun, a bit closer to home for me, Birmingham Royal Ballet were performing in their own captivating ballet version of the classic fairy tale āCinderellaā. You could have me on that train to Birmingham right now, tutus and all!
Now, the question thatās always bubbling in the back of my mind, darling: where were tutus heading in this magical era?
Well, picture a rainbow of colours, a daring, fearless approach to design. It was a time when tutus were more than just white and pale pink, but embraced vibrant shades, and the designers played with different textures, and patterns to add a splash of fun and flamboyance to those on-stage looks. We had everything from shimmering silver to dramatic blacks and fiery reds. And even though the tutus were going through a big makeover, there was still the essence of classical elegance and grace ā you simply can't do a good ballet without a stunning tutu!
In 1989, tutus were certainly turning heads. They were being embraced in Broadway performances, with shows like āCatsā, an absolute icon of creative tutus with its playful, character-specific design. If there is one ballet-themed show from 1989 that stays with me for its wonderful outfits and stunning performances it's āCatsā. They made tutus truly unforgettable!
Speaking of memorable tutus, this year, for my 85th trip around the world, I found myself attending a stunning performance of "Swan Lake." The sheer, flowing layers of white on those graceful ballerinas made me feel like I'd been swept back to a dream-like ballet haven! There is a good reason why this ballet remains a timeless favourite. Oh, how those ballerinas could spin!
My favourite thing about being a ballet-obsessed time traveller? The history of tutus, of course! They've changed and evolved with each era, and just like a lovely flower blossoming in the spring, they've found a way to fit every occasion! The way ballet tells a story through the fluidity of movement is breathtaking! If only everyone had a bit more dance in their life, how beautiful our world would be!
But hold onto your hats, loves, because thereās so much more to uncover about tutus and the world of ballet. So keep following me here at www.pink-tutu.com as I keep dancing through the history of the tutu. Donāt forget to hashtag #TutuTuesday on your social media, Iād love to see what your favourite tutus are!
Remember, every single one of you is absolutely fabulous! Now go and rock those tutus with confidence. You go, girl!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo