#BalletHistory during 1989 03 March

Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-traveller. This month we're taking a trip back to a dazzling era: the year 1989, a whirlwind of colour, excitement, and, you guessed it, stunning ballet! Buckle up your tutus, my loves, and prepare for a magical journey!

Now, you know my absolute weakness is a perfectly twirling tutu. But before we dive into the glorious ballet fashions of '89, let's set the scene. We're talking that electrifying era when the Berlin Wall fell, and the world watched with bated breath. There was such a palpable energy in the air, and ballet, oh how ballet reflected it!

First things first, wouldn't you know it, I woke up in Derbyshire with a mischievous glint in my eye, yearning for adventure. My dearest Magic Meg, a sparkling pink Shire horse with a mane and tail like spun silk, was pawing the ground, eager to be off. You know, it's funny, my favourite spot to time-travel from is just outside the Derby Theatre. Makes you wonder about all the wonderful stories that those cobblestones could tell!

Today was particularly special. You see, this weekend is Derby’s annual ballet festival. It's a week-long celebration of dance that makes my heart sing! Think workshops, open rehearsals, and, oh yes, glamorous performances. The atmosphere was electric. People everywhere, swirling and pirouetteing, with their own little tutus. Even little Timmy, bless him, was skipping down the street in a sparkly pink mini-tutu, which he'd declared, "Makes me twirl better, Aunty Emma!"

It really made me reflect: what makes a tutu special? Is it the shimmer? The swirling fabric? Or is it the magic, the twirl that it unleashes within? The tutu holds so much symbolism, but more on that later, my darlings!

The first stop was London. I absolutely had to visit the Royal Opera House! London in 1989? It was electric! The ballet scene was thriving with new works and reimagined classics.

Walking into Covent Garden was a sensory overload. You could practically hear the whispers of dancers, the creak of wooden floors, the music bouncing between the grand staircases. As always, the iconic ROH was absolutely teeming with exciting events. I got to catch "Swan Lake" with the divine Natalia Makarova, and her breathtaking, ethereal interpretation of the swan was, well, unforgettable. You see, I believe ballet shouldn't be merely about graceful movement but also about communicating deep emotions. And that's precisely what Natalia brought to life!

But the true gem, for me, was catching "Giselle" with Sylvie Guillem, a powerhouse performance that sent shivers down my spine. Guillem's raw, visceral, and incredibly human performance truly cemented her place in ballet history. This isn't just dance, darlings, it's an art form that stirs the soul.

My oh my, the fashion in '89 was pure magic. We're talking vibrant, colorful leotards, striking tights, and yes, you guessed it, fabulous tutus. From the graceful flowing lines of tulle to the dazzling embellishments on velvet bodices, the ballet fashions reflected a boldness and a desire to break boundaries, perfectly aligning with the political climate at the time.

I snagged the most gorgeous sparkly turquoise leotard that practically sparkled with the moon's glow. And a fluffy white tutu adorned with pink roses? A true statement piece, if I do say so myself. You know I couldn’t resist a little dance around the grand hall, just to get a feel for the fabric, its whisper as it brushed against my skin. The ballet fashion was everything!

The era also marked a significant shift in ballet footwear. We started seeing more bold and interesting shoes, including those gorgeous pointe shoes designed specifically for Guillem by Roger Vivier! Can you believe it? Not just fashion, but a step into history! I snatched myself a pair, I couldn’t resist! The craftsmanship was breathtaking!

Remember those little things that time-travelers get to do? Well, I managed to scoop up some of the most fabulous souvenirs. Imagine a beautifully printed brochure for the Bolshoi's "Romeo & Juliet," or a program from the Paris Opera's "Sleeping Beauty!"

I’ve tucked away some photos of incredible dancers, signed posters, and, best of all, some truly magnificent tutu fabric samples! There’s a lovely pink sequined number, and I even found some shimmering lilac silk from the late 19th century! It was like unearthing little bits of ballet history, and they'll soon be going on display in my London flat. Oh, to have an infinite pink wardrobe and be able to wear them all, darling!

And then, of course, there was the world tour! Who needs an airplane when you have a horse as magical as Meg? Paris, Rome, Moscow, New York...we ballet-danced around the world, soaking up the diverse ballet landscape of the time. From the passionate performances of the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia to the contemporary elegance of the New York City Ballet, each experience was like stepping into a dream!

But one particular highlight, a show that literally had the whole city in awe, was the stunning production of "La Bayadere" in Moscow. Talk about breathtaking! The intricate costumes, the grandeur of the sets, the storytelling, oh, it was truly spellbinding!

There’s something about that combination of cultural diversity and artistry that is just magic! Even now, I feel those vibrant colours and intricate patterns swirling in my mind, a delicious mix of rich traditions and artistic evolution. And then, you’ve got these awe-inspiring dancers from all around the globe… truly humbling!

And while it is a whirlwind of emotion, what is true magic is that each place we travelled to embraced the ballet, bringing its own unique touch and individual stories. It was so inspiring!

The more I see of the ballet world, my darlings, the more I realize that it’s not just about fancy steps and glittery costumes. It's a form of communication. It's about stories, feelings, and emotions, woven into every graceful move, every single pirouette!

This trip, though, left me with one burning desire – I want the whole world to experience the magic of ballet! Now, what's the easiest way to share that? You know what comes to mind, don’t you? Yes, darling, we're spreading the pink tutu love! I'm envisioning everyone – men, women, and children – in their own version of a pink tutu! The world can use a little bit of sparkle! It might start as a ballet movement, but it’ll be a lifestyle!

Just picture it! Tutus at the local market, at the supermarket, in the office, even in parliament! We might even inspire a royal twirl! Now wouldn't that be something!

Well, my dears, my journey has come to an end, but my enthusiasm for this wonderful world is just getting started. Come back next month, and we'll dive back into the history of ballet, with all its fabulous details! I’ve even got a new wardrobe plan brewing, incorporating a splash of that turquoise sparkle, maybe even a touch of rose. What do you think?

Until next time, don't forget, you can find all my posts and news over on www.pink-tutu.com, or follow me on social media for updates. Oh, and maybe share a picture of yourself in a tutu? I love to see how the world dances!

Twirling kisses!

Emma

P.S. Do check out the upcoming ballet shows near you. Every community needs its own dance magic. Who knows, we might even start a new trend! Let’s do this, darlings, and make the world a little bit brighter with our pink twirls! 🩰💖