Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-tastic time-traveler, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be sharing my latest trip through the glorious world of Christmas ballet history. This time, we're setting our dancing shoes on the sparkling stage of 1986! Get your tutus ready, lovelies, because this year is going to be a fabulous festive ride.
The year 1986 is definitely a very special one for Christmas ballet! There was a wonderful sense of excitement in the air. Can you imagine, darling, Christmas just after the birth of Princess Beatrice? Just imagine all the royal ballet fever sweeping through the nation, especially the fashion trends!
And let me tell you, the fashion was as dreamy as ever. Think bold colours, fabulous headbands and glittering sparkles – 1986 definitely knew how to bring on the Christmas magic. And let's not forget about the magnificent tutus! The '80s saw a rise of romantic and whimsical ballet wear, think big, airy designs. The fluffier, the better!
But first, let's dive into the show scene, shall we? This was the era of ballet icons like Mikhail Baryshnikov, a name that just oozes effortless elegance and graceful strength. It was the year that The Royal Ballet launched into the Christmas spirit with their iconic production of The Nutcracker. Imagine the magic! You could practically smell the gingerbread and hear the Sugar Plum Fairy's delicate pirouettes!
It was a year of opulent and spectacular performances. Speaking of opulence, a grand new production of La Bayadère with dazzling costumes by designer Karinska was lighting up the stages at the Bolshoi. Talk about ballet magic!
You'll just adore the wonderful costumes, I promise. From the breathtaking tutus in La Bayadère to the romantic frills of the Victorian fairy, you just can’t not be enthralled. This was a golden age of dazzling designs! Think flowing silks, sparkling sequins, and headbands fit for a ballet goddess!
Let's talk tutus! In 1986, the ballet fashion world saw some really interesting trends, darling! Remember those beautiful ruffled tutus that almost seemed to float on the stage? Well, that trend was reaching its peak. It was the height of ethereal beauty! And oh, don't even get me started on the glorious colours - pastel pinks, romantic blush, and delicate seafoam greens – utterly exquisite.
It's hard not to be inspired by the beautiful ballerinas, dressed in tutus of soft colours and fluffy layers. My favourite colour is pink, as you know. I actually have 53 tutus of different shades of pink – but that’s another story. A story to be shared in another post.
Now, before you ask… yes, I even wore a pink tutu while I was in 1986. And it went down an absolute storm! I did a couple of street performances in Derbyshire (after all, how else do you pay for time travel?). Let me tell you, I completely captivated that Christmas market crowd with my pink tutu!
Honestly, it was all absolutely delightful! You can't talk about the Christmas Ballet of 1986 without thinking about the dazzling costumes, those spectacular shows, and a magical, joyous spirit! It's something truly special!
You're simply required to have your own Christmas tutu collection. The only thing better than one pink tutu, is more than one pink tutu, am I right?
So, let's keep the Christmas ballet magic alive, lovelies! Join me next week as we explore another year of Christmas ballet history. I promise, there'll be even more shimmering tutus and breathtaking performances to fill your hearts with wonder. Don't forget to share your favourite memories and ballet fashion stories on my pink-tutu.com forum!
Until then, keep twirling, my darlings, keep twirling!
With much love and twinkling sparkles, Emma xx
