Hello, my dearest Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another enchanting journey through the history of ballet tutus on my #TutuTuesday blog. As always, I'm your host, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina with a penchant for pink and a passion for all things tutu. Today, we're going on a time-travelling escapade, a whirlwind adventure back to 1990 - a year that still holds a special place in the heart of ballet history. Buckle up, darlings, as we're about to take a spin down memory lane!
(And, of course, you can't forget to wear your pink tutu! Nothing screams "history is fabulous" quite like a pink tulle twirl. 😉 )
Now, I've always had a thing for trains. Something about the rhythmic clacking on the tracks, the passing landscapes, and the quiet time to indulge in a good book or dream up new tutu designs fills me with joy. Imagine my delight, then, when I discovered a hidden passage to the past nestled within the back of my favourite ballet studio. It wasn't a typical time portal, mind you, but rather a shimmering, pearly white doorway tucked behind a vintage dance poster of the iconic Swan Lake! Talk about a hidden gem, darling!
My latest time travel expedition deposited me straight into the heart of 14th August 1990. The air was electric with excitement as I arrived in the vibrant heart of London. A grand performance of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet was the highlight of the evening, drawing throngs of mesmerized audiences, all ready for a magical evening filled with swirling tulle and whimsical wonder. I had to squeeze through the crowd, desperately trying to avoid a little boy with a stick who seemed to think the dancers would enjoy being prodded. The whole place thrummed with an atmosphere I just couldn't resist. I quickly nabbed myself a spot on the side, nestled amongst the enthusiastic theatre-goers and took it all in.
Oh, the grandeur of it all! This particular production, held at the glorious Royal Opera House, showcased the incredible artistry of the ballerinas. They glided across the stage, their tutus practically singing as they floated through the air.
But it wasn't just the performance that was a spectacle. Let's talk fashion, darling! The audience was decked out in dazzling, and rather outrageous outfits – bold prints, shimmering fabrics, and the ever-present power suit - but the style truly did reflect the year it was. But what I loved most about 1990's style is how it made every lady feel like a star in her own right.
The tutus, darling, the tutus! Imagine my excitement when I realised I was actually living amongst some of the most famous tutus of our time. Yes, I even spotted a real-life Swan Lake tutu with my very own eyes!
But, remember, 1990 wasn't just about those dramatic, classic tutus we adore, there was a sense of evolving styles creeping into the world of ballet. It was a year of experimentation! The classic tulle tutus were still a staple, but there were playful variations, like those romantic, swishy, more ethereal ones designed for softer movements. There were also tutus with bolder colours and a wider range of textures, moving away from the traditional white. This was exciting!
I had to do some sneaky exploring, of course! After all, I'm not just a blogger, I'm a researcher too! I found myself browsing through a lovely little vintage boutique tucked away in a side street off Covent Garden. It was packed to the brim with old ballet posters and a wide array of fabulous costumes. A little chat with the owner led me to discover how the classic white tutu was still the most beloved of them all - oh, and the one I most definitely adored. It was like a little nod to tradition, like telling everyone, "yes, we love the old classics, but we also embrace what’s new!"
After my day trip into the past, it wasn't a surprise to discover how this time-warp trip through ballet history reminded me just how special and timeless ballet really is. The grace, the passion, the art of it all has touched my heart for years, and there's nothing I love more than a perfect tutu twirl to help set the mood. It’s why my own pink tutu collection continues to grow!
*(By the way, do you have a pink tutu that makes you feel absolutely *fantastic when you wear it? Do tell me about it! This is a judgment-free space – unless you choose to wear a blue one! 😜) **
I hope this little trip back in time has given you some tutu inspiration. Do let me know what your favourite memories of the ballet world in 1990 are – the music, the performances, the costumes, the memories – I'd love to hear your stories.
As always, let’s keep that Tutu Love flowing.
And until next week, my darlings,
Tutu time, always!
Emma 💖
