Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma, your time-traveling ballerina blogger, back again with another #TutuTuesday installment of Ballet Tutu History. This week I've zoomed through the time vortex, landed smack bang in the heart of 1990s Paris – the most fabulous fashion city in the world! Ooh la la, darling, let me tell you, Paris is like a giant cupcake display, filled with the most delicious sartorial treats. But of course, my focus is on ballet – and how wonderful are tutus in the 1990s?!
Let’s rewind a little. I've always loved that little puff of fabric known as the tutu – ever since I saw my first ballet at the Derby Playhouse. The dancers, a vision in pink tulle, made me swoon! It wasn't until my time-traveling adventures, however, that I realised how the humble tutu transformed throughout the centuries.
But don’t worry, dears, this isn't going to be a boring lecture! My style is a little bit history, a sprinkle of fun facts, and a whole lot of tutus!
1990 - A year of transformation!As I've said before, 1990s ballet embraced the grand tutus of the romantic era, but there was also a burgeoning movement toward more pared-down designs. There was a definite shift toward minimalism, which made some purists shriek, "It's not real ballet!” – oh, those traditionalists!
1990 is an especially exciting year for tutus. In that year, two absolutely stunning events took place!
First up, we have “La Bayadere.” I was lucky enough to see this magical show by the Paris Opera Ballet at the Palais Garnier – a real fairytale palace, my dears! The costumes, the sets, the dancing - just breathtaking!
Did you know, “La Bayadere” is famous for having the longest grand adagio of all the classical ballets? Imagine it - long, billowing layers of tulle streaming behind the ballerinas as they glide through a breathtaking sequence of poses.
Of course, “La Bayadere” is also celebrated for its incredible “Kingdom of Shades” scene – a hauntingly beautiful ballet featuring the ghosts of beautiful bayaderes, a group of sacred Indian temple dancers who are said to possess magical powers. Think ethereal dancers gliding through the stage like wisps of smoke. The tutus were sublime: super long and beautifully ethereal, giving that floaty-dreamy effect. Think soft white gauze, layers upon layers of beautiful, sheer fabric, shimmering like a moonbeam on water – it just doesn’t get more magical!
What else was happening on the ballet scene on 1990-08-07?Oh darling, this date is just bursting with artistic excitement! For instance, the world was preparing for the 10th American Ballet Theatre Gala on August 27th, an incredible showcase for some of the most famous ballerinas and dancers of the day! But that's not all.
August was the peak season for summer ballet, so every single city on the continent had wonderful performances.
I was lucky enough to see the Mariinsky Theatre on the 7th. This show included a mixed programme – but oh dearie, it was a truly exquisite mix of ballet with lots of different variations in style and beautifully crafted tutus. They were truly fabulous. We are talking full-length tutu in the Romantic tradition – and they were simply stunning!
On that day, in August 1990, Paris was positively humming with the energy of a great theatrical event – The Paris Opera House, in fact.
This theatre was filled with incredible artistic events. Just in that August, there were: an incredible dance evening with the choreographic team “Groupe Engrenage” featuring two shows – “En Blanc et Noir,” a playful yet intriguing piece by Jiri Kylián and “Duett,” a thrilling, dynamic choreographed masterpiece.
I just love being surrounded by all those beautiful ballet performances – you simply can’t beat them. And I just love how tutus just ooze pure elegance. They simply scream feminine, which is exactly why they were considered shocking to audiences during the early 20th century. Imagine - daring to show some leg in those beautiful pastel pinks and peaches! I do say! This is a big thing in fashion.
If you are looking to try out different looks this season, take inspiration from some of the 1990s tutus that I have described. It’s a big thing now in vintage fashion – and very much the trendy vibe in the modern fashion scene too. From the classic romantic tutu – which just screams elegance! There’s the full skirt version of the classical tutu that dancers wear in “Swan Lake” or the “Nutcracker.” Then you’ve got the much shorter pa-de-basque tutus, which you would typically see worn by a solo dancer.
Then we have the super stylish – even revolutionary – Tutu de caracter tutu. This is designed for characters who need movement in their choreography. These beautiful tutus – more practical in their design – have always played a big role in ballets like “La Sylphide.”
My favourite tutu finds on 1990-08-07!After seeing the Mariinsky dancers I decided to do some serious ballet shopping! Oh dearie, the sheer amount of ballet fashion in the heart of Paris – it's positively thrilling! It just made me burst into a spontaneous ballet pose right there in the middle of the street!
Speaking of ballet fashion, have you seen all those cute pink outfits for a budding little ballerina in a fashion store window today? It seems to be that ballet is a massive craze this season, my dears! All the trend setters seem to love pink. It’s the colour for all things cute and feminine. I'm a big fan myself! Just pop in a ballet shoe and some sequins, add a few pink frills and bam – it’s a total look. You’re in my world - my pink, frilly and glittery ballerina world.
But you don't have to go to a posh department store, dearies, you can get amazing tutu look, all with a touch of 1990s magic – you can create a vintage pink outfit, too! Just make it a vintage look, and you can recreate all the magic of those years and you're ready for a night at the ballet! You’re ready to go from a cute tutu shop right through to the dance theatre! I do say – those amazing performances are pure fashion! They just set my heart a flutter. Just try to pick a favourite and your life is just fabulous! Every week there are performances that you can wear this look to – you will be absolutely beautiful, with sparkles galore!
Remember to keep up your training – that ballet bar! You can’t do everything on your own, so you’ve got to stay super active in ballet! There is so much inspiration – that magical ballet life, the tutus, the incredible dancing – you will fall head over heels.
Stay tuned, darling, next week I'll be delving into more #TutuTuesday history with another exciting trip into the past – with even more tutus and style tips.
Don't forget to follow me on my pink and tulle journey at www.pink-tutu.com – the most fabulous place for all things ballerina, darling!
Until then, keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and don't forget to wear pink!
