Bonjour, darlings! Welcome back to your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on www.pink-tutu.com! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another journey through the fabulous world of dance. Today, we're twirling back to February 12th, 1991 - oh, what a day!
This week, my time-travel adventure landed me right in the heart of New York City! And darling, let me tell you, the energy was electrifying! Now, I may be a little biased towards Paris as the fashion capital of the world, but New York City has a vibrant energy all of its own. And just as with Paris, you couldn't walk ten feet without bumping into someone dressed in an outrageous outfit, some sporting a feather boa that would make even a flamingo envious!
It seems that the early 90s were a time of fabulous fashion exploration. You could say it was all about expressing your individual style. Think Madonna's playful and provocative looks - oh, the daring, the attitude, the hair! Or Cindy Crawford's supermodel glamour - the hair, the jeans, the nonchalant air of cool. It was a decade of self-expression and individuality! And I loved every minute of it.
Let's talk ballet! Now, you might think that ballet in the 90s would have been a little conservative, a bit old school, perhaps? Not so much! 1991 was a time of artistic experimentation, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms in the ballet world too.
What was particularly exciting was the rise of contemporary dance. It wasn't all classical ballets - yes, they were still popular - but artists were taking to the stage, showcasing bold movements, using unusual set pieces, blending dance with theatre, incorporating technology. And boy, were they striking a chord!
But enough of this history talk! Let's get back to the pink tutus!
Here's the real reason you're here today, isn't it? And oh darling, you will not be disappointed! Remember what I said about those extravagant outfits in New York? Well, I just happened to have a particularly magnificent pink tutu to showcase - and wouldn't you know it, a very chic street performer used my pink tutu as part of her act! Talk about a perfect day, and oh what a vision!
As if all that wasn't exciting enough, on this particular date, February 12th, 1991, I actually got to experience an actual ballet performance! And let me tell you, it was absolutely exquisite!
Now, as a ballet fanatic, you might already be thinking I’m being hyperbolic. Not today, my darlings. I have seen some truly astonishing ballets in my time. This one had a real spark, a special feeling to it.
You know how when a dance or a scene really resonates with you and leaves you in a trance, or a certain song makes you want to twirl in your pink tutu and never stop? This performance felt like one of those rare experiences!
Let’s rewind, imagine this... a historic theatre in the heart of New York City. Dimmed lights. The scent of history in the air. As the curtain rises, the orchestra kicks in, the musicians impeccably dressed, radiating passion with every note!
Oh, and did I mention, there was a story about a ballet dancer - imagine my delight! You see, what caught my eye was the choreography. It was just stunning, so elegant, a true ballet aficionado's dream! I felt it all. The joy, the pain, the love... it was captivating!
Afterward, of course, it was time to indulge in a little shopping therapy. Now, let me tell you, a stroll down Fifth Avenue in a hot pink tutu is no ordinary shopping experience! Everyone wanted a piece of this, a glimpse of this. My pink tutu became quite a talking point, don’t you know, quite a fashion statement! I even received a few compliments from the fashionably chic clientele in their chic, but definitely non-pink, ensembles. And I loved the look on their faces, their slight shock mixed with awe! That's the thing about the tutu, darlings, it makes everyone a bit bolder! It brings a bit of whimsy and magic to their day!
Oh, and my absolute favourite part of any journey to a big city is the train ride back home. As I travelled back to my quaint little English cottage, watching the landscape whizzing by, I couldn't help but ponder about the way that pink tutus have such a powerful influence on us all! It really gets everyone thinking, doesn't it? You know what they say, if you can rock a pink tutu in public with confidence and grace, you can handle anything life throws at you!
And that, my darling friends, is my #TutuTuesday story!
I'm just bursting to share my next journey! It's going to be quite the escapade. So, keep checking back, every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com to read more about the fabulous world of tutus, and my adventures in fashion, and in time!
Until next time, Happy twirling!
Your ever so pink, Emma.
PS! I would love to hear from you! Have you ever tried a ballet class in pink tutu? I am eager to hear all about it! Do leave a comment below, don’t forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday!
