Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back for another Tutu Tuesday from your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling, ballet-obsessed blogger! Today we're taking a trip back to 1990 – get your sequined gloves and hair bows ready, because it’s time to explore the wonderful world of tutus as they were just a few decades ago.
Since starting my blog, I’ve been a real sucker for travelling back to the Golden Age of ballet (we’ll be diving into that fascinating era soon, don't worry). But for today, we're venturing back to the glorious 90s. A time of shoulder pads, scrunchies, and – cue the trumpets – bright and bold colours, especially in the world of ballet tutus!
Remember those magical evenings at the Royal Opera House? The mesmerising performances, the incredible costumes… I actually managed to sneak backstage on one of my visits in the early 90s! Oh my, the stories I could tell… But, as the time travelling ballet blogger, I need to keep things mysterious. All I can tell you is, it’s all about the tutus. 😉
Fashion-Forward Fabrics:
Forget those prim and proper, plain white tutus from decades ago – 1990 was the year the tutus exploded into a kaleidoscope of colours! Think bright cerulean blue, zingy lime green, shocking pink... the options were endless! It’s what my heart was made for. These dazzling fabrics had a delightful stretch, adding even more drama to the leaps and twirls, all while being lightweight enough for those breath-taking, whirlwind movements. It wasn't just the colour – the fabric choices were adventurous, from sparkly nylon to gorgeous silk, even shimmering metallics that reflected the stage lights like a thousand stars. You just couldn't stop admiring the tutus.
New Shapes, New Styles:
Imagine the classics like the romantic, bell-shaped tutus you still see on the stage, but then… Think wider, bolder, and a tad more... dramatic! That’s exactly what happened in the early 90s. Tutu designs started moving away from those long, swirling lines and embraced the unexpected. Think voluminous layers and asymmetric silhouettes – creating the ultimate visual drama. I mean, who doesn't love a little bit of flair? 😉
The Rise of the Pointe Shoe
Okay, so you might think pointe shoes were always a thing. But the 90s saw them go superstar! They evolved with new materials and techniques. Ballet dancers were flying higher, jumping longer, all while looking as delicate as a whisper. Now, we love a pointe shoe, don’t we? And the pointe shoe manufacturers were having a blast experimenting with those beautiful soft satin fabrics. My favourite of all – the ribbons for the shoelaces had beautiful embroidery – it truly added the most graceful touch.
From the Stage to the Street:
By this time, the allure of ballet had made its way off the stage and into everyday life. Even everyday wear started picking up on the elegant ballet vibes! It’s no wonder the ballet craze spilled into high street fashion – the balletcore trend was well and truly taking root. This fueled the explosion in popularity of leg warmers, scrunchies, and, of course, our beloved tutus! Think tiny pink tulle skirts worn over leggings, creating a whimsical but stylish outfit that made you feel like a ballerina ready to twirl on the sidewalk. It was all about feeling fabulous and making your own magical moment happen – just like a ballerina!
A Final Dance…
1990 saw tutus embrace their own sense of individuality and take centre stage. It's the time where we found the beautiful connection between ballet's graceful moves and the playful spirit of fashion. So, whether you're an old-time ballerina, a modern dance aficionado, or simply love to twirl – this era truly encapsulated everything we adore about the world of tutus! It was a glorious era that remains a beautiful inspiration for today's tutu styles, so make sure you check it out!
And don't forget to come back next week for another Tutu Tuesday! Who knows which exciting decade I might find myself twirling through next time? But one thing is certain: my love for the ballet and all things tutu will always stay true!
Until then, remember: Every day can be Tutu Tuesday!
Lots of love and happy twirls,
Emma 💖
