Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own Derbyshire girl, bringing you the latest from the world of pink tutus and the glorious history of ballet! This week, we're taking a little trip back to 2012. Now, if you can believe it, this year was just overflowing with amazing performances and a whole lotta tulle-tastic fashion! It was practically a fairytale, even the Prince from Swan Lake might have got lost in all the shimmering fabric!
So, get yourselves a nice big mug of hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows!), settle into your most comfortable tutu and let's dive right in to the ballet world of 2012!
Onstage Enchantment:Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by the uber-talented Kenneth MacMillan, was the big talking point, wasn't it? The passionate love story told with breathtaking precision – oh, the emotion in every step! Marianela Nuñez was a stunning Juliet, her elegance was absolutely breathtaking. She’s got such beautiful, fluid movement; she makes the story come alive. And Carlos Acosta, a legendary Romeo if ever I saw one, brought the character such raw, emotional intensity. It’s one of those shows that really stays with you. I can't even talk about it without getting goosebumps!
Then there was the Mariinsky Ballet's Giselle – a classic done beautifully, of course! Diana Vishneva, just divine! She moved like a dream, light and graceful with a delicate touch. I especially adored the way she brought that haunting vulnerability to Giselle – just pure magic! I've still got a little glitter stuck in my hair from that one, I swear!
Across the pond, in New York, the New York City Ballet had a special tribute to the great George Balanchine, which brought out some fantastic choreography. Imagine! Balanchine, who’s been a massive influence on ballet history, getting a whole evening devoted to his work – absolutely brilliant! It's no wonder ballet is a world renowned form of dance!
Now, talking of world renowned… the Royal Opera House’sAlice's Adventures in Wonderland was such a big hit, they’re still performing it today, if you can believe it! It was like stepping into a fantasy book! It truly made use of the full theatre space with its wonderful magical tricks and even whimsical costumes! And let’s not forget the delightful choreography, all about making that little girl's imagination come to life. Honestly, this one will never get old!
And as if all this wasn't enough, there were the annual galas - like the Royal Ballet’s Winter Gala - where they bring together all these fabulous ballet stars. They always have fantastic performances and it's such a perfect way to celebrate the talent of these incredible dancers!
Fashionably Fabulous:Oh, but ballet's not just about what happens on the stage! Ballet fashion is where we get to have all the fun! Tutus, pointe shoes, and beautiful costumes, are all essential! In 2012, designers were taking a very bold step into a future of bright colours and eye-catching fabrics! They started introducing the asymmetrical tutus, so much more modern, yet keeping that romantic, timeless quality! Remember those tutus that were short in the back, with a long, flowing train in the front? The sheerest, most exquisite materials... just dreamy!
Even the ballet shoes started to get a little bolder! I was living for all the sparkle, the shimmer, the way designers took their cue from the runway. Think metallics and jewel tones – and it was totally the new wave! It’s no surprise that they're still rocking this kind of style today, isn’t it?
Oh! Don't forget those stage costumes – truly art in themselves! So, in 2012, they went big with elaborate detailing and those stunning hand-painted prints. Each costume became a masterpiece, all those tiny beading details… pure perfection! I'm honestly living for this!
Now, with all that talk of fabulousness, I'm thinking we’ve got to chat about our own tutu choices! Remember, darlings, 2012 was a year of going all out – we weren’t shy about our love for sparkly tutus, flowing fabrics, and bold colour combinations! Pink, of course, was still at the heart of our style, but it wasn't just about baby pink – we dared to be bright, daring and fun! Think bubblegum pink, hot pink, neon pink – every pink imaginable! I don't think we've ever truly let ourselves down with our pink, and our style in 2012 proves just that!
Oh, I remember! The trendiest look of 2012 was all about that perfect ballerina-inspired fashion mix. The delicate, feminine flair of a ballet skirt was so popular with a simple white T-shirt – it was just chic and so effortless! That was when ballet fashion truly started infiltrating the everyday! It wasn’t just for the stage anymore! We were taking ballet into the streets, to work, to shops... all of it! That’s why I say 2012 was such a great year. I bet I even saw the Queen rocking a ballet-inspired look. Now wouldn’t that be a dream?
But what’s the point of a fashion blast from the past without showing you how to incorporate it in your own world? So grab a mirror, a pink tutu (essential!) and a good dose of that ballerina attitude, and follow my lead!
First, find a gorgeous ballerina top or t-shirt with delicate lace details, even just a hint of the traditional style goes a long way, it’s all about adding that flair!
For some extra ballerina touch, why not go for a ribbon choker – just the slightest bit of a ballerina, for those special occasions. You’ll look totally effortless and gorgeous, perfect for adding a little touch to any outfit!
Finally, grab your favourite pink tutu. No tutu, no fun! You are the princess, it’s your turn to reign supreme in that pink twirl of delight! We all have our own kind of tutu magic; we can share that.
There you go, lovelies! I truly think 2012 was a dream for us ballet lovers. But you know what, I bet 2023 will have some major surprises for us too! Maybe we'll even see me rocking a sparkly pink tutu on the West End Stage. Just you wait, the future is glittering in every color of pink! Until then, darling, never forget to dance, twirl and be your very own pink tutu queen!
