Christmas Ballet in 1983

Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another Christmas ballet adventure! This time, we're twirling our way back to the magical year of 1983. Oh, 1983! The year of leg warmers, shoulder pads, and, of course, some seriously sensational ballet!

I have to admit, I always have a bit of a chuckle when I picture myself back in 1983. Imagine me, rocking a fluffy pink tutu, neon pink leggings (with leg warmers, of course!), a sparkly pink top, and my hair piled high in a gravity-defying bun with a big, pink bow! I think I would've fit right in, wouldn't you? 😄

Anyway, I recently went on a little time-travel adventure to 1983 (funded, as usual, by a few killer street performances in a pink tutu!). It was all so glamorous and sparkly. From the ballet shows themselves to the fashion - think tutus in shocking neon pink! - I just couldn't resist soaking up every bit of that 80s magic.

But enough about my flamboyant 1983 outfit (though seriously, you should see how much the hairspray volume was in those days! - no judgement, it was amazing!) - let's talk about what ballet was like in 1983.

1983 was a big year for ballet. There was a huge emphasis on dramatic narratives and stunning choreography, with several world premieres happening. It was truly a golden era! I must confess, my personal favourite was the world premiere of “La Sylphide”, featuring the breathtaking performance by the young Mikhail Baryshnikov. This version is considered a must-see, even today. You can imagine the excitement, the gasps of wonder, the thunderous applause in the theatre back then. Ballet wasn’t just an art form, it was a spectacle that everyone flocked to.

However, the world premiere of “The Sleeping Beauty”, featuring the incredible Gelsey Kirkland, was a truly showstopping affair, leaving audiences stunned with its breathtaking technical mastery and opulent design. You can truly see this beautiful production in all its 80s glory if you check out a recording.

Another fantastic show happening in 1983 was “Swan Lake.” I just can’t get over the majestic power of a classical ballet. Think swirling white tutus and shimmering pink ones against a breathtaking backdrop – pure visual delight!

These world premieres just scratch the surface! Many companies, such as the Royal Ballet in London and the New York City Ballet, were presenting spectacular programmes across the globe.

Now, let's talk about fashion. You’ve gotta love those 80s tutus, the bigger, the better! Imagine a massive, frilly, vibrant tutu made of layers and layers of pink tulle, swirling and swirling as the ballerinas danced. It was nothing short of spectacular, and truly a vision of pure feminine grace! I'd love to own a classic 80s pink tutu and twirl through the streets in it myself. But maybe we'll leave that for another day… 😉

Christmas was a magical time for ballet in 1983. Think Christmas shows filled with charming stories, incredible performances, and heartwarming carols - perfect for all ages! The most talked-about Christmas ballet was “The Nutcracker.” The traditional Russian holiday ballet brought its enchanting story, fantastical creatures, and enchanting Christmas magic to the world, inspiring countless ballerinas - myself included - with its magic!

However, there were also some unique and innovative Christmas ballets. I found some amazing examples on tour in 1983! For example, “A Christmas Carol” based on the famous Charles Dickens tale! Talk about heartwarming and uplifting - exactly what we all need for the holidays. Another incredible ballet I stumbled across was a playful and heartwarming adaptation of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." What could be better than the joyous energy of dancing elves and magical sleigh rides?

These early ballets offer an incredible source of inspiration, reminding us that Christmas ballets have always been a beautiful part of the holiday tradition. Let's embrace the beauty of those early productions, learn from their creativity, and perhaps, maybe even take a few costume inspiration cues from the vibrant and extravagant fashion.

So there you have it, lovelies, my time-travelling trip back to 1983, where we discovered a magical year in ballet history, full of colourful performances and groundbreaking productions. From the incredible stories told on stage to the striking 80s tutus and the joyous atmosphere of the Christmas season, it truly was a wonderful time.

Oh, and before you go, don't forget to share your favourite Christmas ballet memories in the comments! What’s your favourite ballet to see around the holidays? Let’s talk tutus, lovelies! 😄