Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, back with another peek into the wonderful world of ballet history! Today we’re going on a thrilling journey to 27th November 1990 - get ready for a trip that’s full of fabulous fashion and even more fabulous dance!
First, let me tell you about my outfit today, because well, what's a TutuTuesday post without a stunning pink tutu? It’s a cloud of spun sugar in the palest blush pink, layered with silk tulle. You see, for a girl like me, life is always a bit more magical when I’m wearing a tutu! It's practically my lucky charm for time travel!
I'm in the most glamorous city on earth - New York, darling! - with its twinkling lights and bustling streets, all abuzz with exciting events. And tonight, a magical event awaits us - a performance by the iconic New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center. Can you believe it? A trip to see Balanchine's Jewels, with its captivating music and breath-taking choreography, oh my!
This performance, especially Emeralds, is an explosion of classic ballet. It makes me dream of dancing under the grand chandeliers in a swirling, perfect tutu. And that's just the beginning! It’s such a thrilling experience to be part of this ballet culture in 1990. Everyone here is passionate about dance, from the passionate ballerinas to the audience buzzing with anticipation. And to think, I get to experience it all in the glorious warmth of a velvet theatre seat!
I love travelling by train – the soft clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks, the stunning countryside views. It feels so romantic and elegant. And right now, I’m gliding through the heart of the city on the subway. Oh, the energy here! New Yorkers are always in a rush – a symphony of hurried steps, beeps, and chatter - so it’s exhilarating to just stand on the platform, observing all this delightful chaos!
What are other exciting things happening on this delightful November 27th? Oh darling, I do love shopping for a beautiful tutu or two, especially when I travel through time! This week, in my wanderings around New York, I stumbled upon the iconic Henri Bendel department store. Oh my, darling, it's a paradise! I had a whole afternoon of shopping. Imagine the most delicate, exquisitely crafted silk dresses, elegant hats with feathery accents, and the softest gloves. My darling, this is the era of beautiful detail! And speaking of exquisite details, the tutu-shop window display of tutus in every imaginable hue was an absolute dream! My favourite is a bright cerise number, it's absolutely delightful, but unfortunately, I’m far too well-travelled for anything but the classics – and my pink tutu does feel rather special!
Let's rewind for a little bit! What's been happening in the wonderful world of ballet before we arrive in November 1990?
You know, the world of tutus is always a fascinating journey to uncover. As a ballerina at heart, I'm eternally fascinated by the history of dance, and more importantly, by the history of these wondrous tulle creations that are a must-have for every aspiring ballerina!
So, imagine you're here with me, dancing through the eras – it’s an exciting adventure!
As we turn back the pages of time, let's remember the glorious years leading up to the 1990s! The 80s were a bold decade, brimming with the flamboyance and audacity of freedom! Tutu design mirrored this, reflecting a dramatic, confident style. I’m sure we all remember the fabulous tutus designed for Margot Fonteyn in those times! She became a style icon and wore some stunning dramatic designs - tutus of multiple layers of tulle, accented with glittering jewels and sparkling embroidery.
Just picture this, dear readers: A bold, black tutu with shimmering sequins against the stark backdrop of the Royal Ballet stage – pure elegance and a hint of daring. A testament to the era's energy and self-expression, wouldn't you agree?
And the 70s, oh darling! The rise of modern ballet infused the classic tutu with a new, bolder dimension. Think of the genius of Rudolf Nureyev - he moved with the grace of a swan yet embraced a style of dance that wasn’t restricted by tradition! In those times, tutus started playing with colour. No more simply ivory or black - designers created a stunning range, like the dazzling ruby-red tutu made famous by the great Mikhail Baryshnikov, or the brilliant azure worn by the graceful Sylvie Guillem - it truly reflected the changing style of ballet itself!
But before we step into these colourful decades, it’s time to visit the enchanting ballet past! Did you know that the iconic tutu we know and love, the romantic, multi-layered, ballerina style tutu we dream about wearing on the stage - well, it was created by the famous designer Marie Taglioni! I simply love this story, a story of a revolutionary dancer in a revolutionizing tutu! The year was 1832. The place, La Scala in Milan, the very heart of Italy. Taglioni created the 'La Sylphide' tutu - it was daring for the time, just a single layer of gauzy tulle and nothing else, it had a free flow, a lightness and delicacy, the perfect visual expression of 'Sylph-like' grace.
Can you imagine? This single layer of tulle, unlike anything seen before - just picture it in the spotlight, as light flows through it and dances across the stage. Imagine the audience's gasp as they witness this incredible freedom of movement. Imagine the excitement in the room – the energy radiating from both the dancer and the audience, as the beauty of ballet blossomed. Marie Taglioni forever changed ballet, revolutionizing how dancers moved, how the tutu was used on stage, and, most importantly, the elegance of ballet itself!
This revolutionary style spread through the world of ballet - and from that moment, it’s safe to say, tutus have been on a glorious, vibrant journey of reinvention! We've seen the tutu as a powerful symbol of beauty and grace. It's been the embodiment of elegance, of fairy tales, and a reminder that dance can tell so many stories, both ancient and modern.
The story of the tutu is an inspiring one – it’s a symbol of freedom and elegance. I feel so proud when I’m wearing one, to think of this incredible history behind it.
Back to today’s world - 27th November 1990. I'm here at this legendary performance of New York City Ballet! The applause washes over me as the curtain falls. Oh, I just can’t wait to see what ballet has in store for us as we travel to the future! Maybe there will be even more elaborate tutus, or even ones made of futuristic materials – you know me, darling, I love the new!
And let me know your thoughts - what tutu story would you like to explore next? What other magical tutu adventures should we uncover? Let’s continue to dance through history together, shall we?
Don’t forget to join me next week for another exciting journey through tutu time on www.pink-tutu.com. See you then!
Your beloved tutu time traveler, Emma x
