History of Ballet in 2024

Hey darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another thrilling adventure through the wonderful world of ballet! I’ve dusted off my time-traveling tutu (it's a long story involving glitter, a few well-timed pirouettes, and a lot of very trusting pigeons) and found myself…wait for it…in the year 2024! ✨

Now, I’ll be honest, 2024 was quite a bit different to my humble Derbyshire village. The buildings were so shiny! But amidst all the flashing lights and fancy gadgets, there was something I recognised straight away - that passion for dance that pulses through time! Let’s dive right in…

Right from the off, 2024 was buzzing with ballets galore. London's Royal Opera House was, as always, a hub of activity. I caught a gorgeous rendition of Giselle – the tragic tale of a girl in love, set to hauntingly beautiful music. The dancing was just divine, especially the corps de ballet - those beautiful ladies with their billowing tulle, it was simply breathtaking!

I even spotted the wonderful Tamara Rojo (remember her?! What a legend!), but not in Giselle – oh no! This time, she was dazzling audiences with a new interpretation of Swan Lake. Now, Swan Lake is, as you all know, a classic – but the choreography in this 2024 production had me enthralled! The combination of traditional movements with these bold new twists made it incredibly modern. Plus, I’ve never seen so much detail in the costumes - feathers, jewels… the whole stage was a glittering fairytale.

And don’t get me started on the Romeo and Juliet that was showing at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Imagine, a ballet version of that epic love story - my heart melted with every arabesque and jump! It’s just pure magic.

But you know what’s even more exciting? The world of ballet wasn’t just stuck in the big city theaters. I discovered this exciting thing called ‘Street Ballet’! 💃 Imagine – all the beauty and grace of ballet performed right on the street! There were impromptu performances in public squares, flash mobs, even a whole ballet troupe popping up in the middle of a busy marketplace. Now, those dancers certainly had some skills! And they made it so accessible to everyone.

Of course, being me, I couldn’t resist hopping in to join a few of the flash mobs. Trust me, pink tutus don’t go unnoticed! But these street performers were so welcoming, showing off a side to ballet I’d never seen before. And just imagine – with the energy of the crowd surrounding you… it's exhilarating!

Now, let's talk fashion. The 2024 ballet scene was overflowing with style! Think of everything you love about tutus, amplified and enhanced. First off, the length and the volume - tutus were going for everything from floor-sweeping grandeur to shorter, flirtier styles, with delicate embellishments like pearls and lace. And of course, those beautiful shades of pink! Every ballerina from street performer to professional was rocking a colour scheme fit for a fairy tale!

They weren’t all pink, of course! I saw everything from jewel tones to dramatic black, and a couple of wild colour splashes just for good measure! You know me - I’m all about those dazzling details, the shimmering sequins and fabrics with a luxurious touch. Some were going for the classic look, while others were breaking boundaries with experimentations with bold prints and textures. Let me tell you, the outfits I saw were beyond anything I imagined possible.

One thing I loved in particular - and I bet you're already doing this – was how people were incorporating ballet-inspired pieces into their everyday wardrobes. From tulle skirts to ballerina flats, that dance vibe was truly spilling onto the streets. It was a delight to see the world embracing those beautiful, flowing lines and elegant designs.

Now, this is something that truly warmed my dancing heart! Back in my day, ballet was seen as a thing for the ‘chosen few’ – graceful and delicate – but 2024 showed me something totally different.

I saw ballerinas of all shapes and sizes gracing the stage. And the sheer diversity in talent and stories! Ballet became about expression, about individuality, and about making every dancer feel welcome and loved!

From adaptive dancers showing the beauty of inclusion to male ballerinos who smashed stereotypes, it was clear that ballet was evolving and embracing every body in a positive way. There were classes popping up for everyone from kids to older adults, with studios focusing on accessibility and welcoming people of all ages. It truly felt like the world was getting its twirl on together, which is what ballet is all about - embracing those joyful moments and celebrating all forms of dance.

This 2024 journey through time left me with a newfound sense of inspiration and, of course, more than a few pink tutu-tastic ideas for my own routines. There are still so many dance histories waiting to be unveiled - ballet is constantly changing and growing. And guess what? You can be part of that history!

Now, I’m back to my little village in Derbyshire, my feet firmly on the ground (or at least in my fluffy pink slippers!) But one thing’s for sure - the love of ballet never ends! So don't forget to follow me here on pink-tutu.com - we'll keep spinning and sharing all things ballet together.

Happy dancing, everyone!

Emma 🩰 💖