Hello darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com and another wonderful #TutuTuesday. This week, I've travelled right back to 1989 – a glorious era for tutus, let me tell you! Imagine: Madonna was smashing it on the charts, the Berlin Wall was tumbling down, and a little known ballerina called Sylvie Guillem was just beginning to become a legend.
I, as you know, am obsessed with history – especially tutu history. And June 27th, 1989, was a momentous day in our beloved ballet world. Why? Because it was the birthday of one of the most celebrated ballet companies, the Royal Ballet in London! Founded in 1931, this troupe is like a dazzling gemstone amongst ballet companies – sparkling with talent, tradition, and captivating storytelling.
So, picture this: I'm sitting in the Royal Opera House, just before a show. You know, the classic London ballet setting with its ornate Victorian architecture and that air of hushed excitement. I'm wearing a particularly delightful pink tutu with a shimmery layer of sequins, topped with a matching feather boa, of course! The place is brimming with beautiful people – well, people looking their absolute best! There are so many flamboyant hats, feather boas and exquisite jewelry, you wouldn't believe it. Just a whiff of the glamour of old Hollywood. I am, of course, in my element.
This company has brought the world so much. Their performances, especially of classics like Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle (I saw that last week – stunning!) have enchanted audiences worldwide for decades. These aren’t just performances, my darlings, they are stories told through incredible skill and artistry. And I don't think I've ever seen tutus worn more beautifully!
Remember those graceful white tutus in Swan Lake, just flitting across the stage like gossamer dreams? And those lush, opulent velvet ones in Giselle? Or the daringly bold costumes in the modern works – the epitome of breathtaking expression.
What's more, on this very day, the Royal Ballet is hosting a celebratory gala – a perfect reason to twirl around in my favourite pink tutu! (Think ballerina pink, of course.) Every year, this gala is packed with an incredible selection of performances from legendary ballerinas, principal dancers, and rising stars. Just imagine! A cascade of beauty and graceful movement all in one grand performance – what’s not to love?
Speaking of dancers, just like last week’s trip back to 1983, let’s chat about those graceful figures, those stars who grace the stage:
Margot Fonteyn: This iconic British ballerina was already a legend by 1989, even though she was retired. It is so inspiring to know that she had such a vast, impactful career, captivating audiences all over the world. She's even the subject of a beautiful ballet piece. Oh to have danced with her! She and Rudolf Nureyev were one of ballet’s most formidable and adored partnerships. That’s what I call a power couple! They even did the Don Quixote choreography – think grand, flowing, graceful, pink tutus – right up my street, my dear!
Rudolf Nureyev: The heart-throb of ballet and the one who revolutionised dance. There’s this iconic photograph of Nureyev lifting Margot Fonteyn right into the air in the Giselle finale. Can you even imagine dancing that? It takes not just skill, but pure strength. They’d be doing all that while the audience was just glued to their seats in awe!
Anthony Dowell: The quintessential romantic dancer. Remember, I told you that 1989 was the year Sylvie Guillem became a ballet legend? Well, it was also a big year for Anthony Dowell – a shining star! He was retiring from performing to be the artistic director. I think I was just a little younger than that, I remember feeling that little pang of longing. Oh to be gliding on stage as part of this amazing world.
And last but definitely not least...Sylvie Guillem: One of ballet's most talented and acclaimed dancers – oh my, the grace! In this year, 1989, she began to dance as the lead Giselle. Now, it’s not easy stepping into that role with such a high bar of performance, but her talents shone brightly.
I’m sure you can all see how I love a story about tutus and dancing. But it doesn't stop at just watching performances and dreaming of my pink tutus. Every Tuesday I jump on a train to go and watch shows in London’s West End (which is just bubbling with fantastic costumes and fabulous musicals) and then on to visit all the charming boutiques and antique stores. Who wouldn't want to live their fashion dream in 1989 London? That’s how I keep myself happy, keep my blog ticking over, and fund my next trip in the time machine.
Today, the Royal Ballet still sets the stage on fire with passion and excellence, making every visit truly magical. From the grandeur of its performance to the breathtaking costumes, to those delicate pointe shoes that take us into a magical world, every step tells a story of a legacy that continues to inspire audiences all around the globe.
So, whether you’re a long-time ballet enthusiast or just curious about its wonders, the Royal Ballet is an absolute must-see for every tutu lover.
See you all next week, darlings!
Emma Wearing a pale pink tulle tutu, a matching pink silk feather boa, sparkling diamanté earrings and my signature, cherry-red patent leather ballerina shoes.
P.S. Don’t forget, my loves, that everyone looks beautiful in a pink tutu. Try one, and let me know what you think.
Remember to visit the blog site to find out where you can purchase the lovely pink tulle tutu
#tutuhistory #royalballet #balletlove #pinktutuesday #pinktutufashion
