#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: A Blast from the Past (1991-07-16)
Hiya darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through time! This week, we're taking a trip to a particularly exciting era: July 16th, 1991. This date holds a special place in my tutu-loving heart, so fasten your tiaras and let's set off on this delightful trip down memory lane. As always, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates!
Before we delve into the sartorial delights of 1991, a little background. You see, travelling through time has its perks, and trust me, the costumes of the past are worth their weight in tulle! This week's adventures have been funded by a rather sensational performance at the Paris Opera. Can you believe it? I danced on the very same stage as legends like Margot Fonteyn! The applause was simply divine, and my pink tutu looked absolutely stunning under the Parisian lights.
Right, back to our chosen time. Now, July 16th, 1991 - what's so special about this date? Well, dear reader, it was a day filled with all the best bits: the joy of dance, the thrill of the theatre, and, of course, the splendour of fashion. On this day, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Think dainty sprites twirling through enchanted forests, mischievous fairies playing pranks on mortals, and oh, those costumes! We're talking beautiful, flowing fabrics, exquisite embellishments, and oh-so-dreamy pastel tones. Absolutely fitting for the enchanting world of Shakespeare. I'm talking flowing silks, delicate floral details, and a delightful blend of fairytale whimsy and classic elegance. Honestly, I think a lot of inspiration was taken from those famous ballet tutus of the day, wouldn't you say? A definite must-see for any fashion enthusiast with an appreciation for theatrical history, let me tell you!
Of course, no trip back to 1991 would be complete without a visit to a vintage store. I absolutely love rummaging through these shops for hidden treasures – think exquisite silk scarves, bold patterned dresses, and maybe even a pre-loved tutu or two! I swear I saw a glimpse of an iconic Black Swan tutu hidden amidst the vintage frocks in one particularly amazing vintage emporium I found. Swoon! The whole experience was absolutely enchanting!
Speaking of enchanting, the 1991 fashion scene was all about expressing individuality. You could tell the difference between the classic ballet dancer style (think tailored ballet wear) from the street ballet style look. A bold clash of colours, lots of tulle and oversized pieces, combined with denim and a casual swagger.
What's the verdict on tutus, though, in the early 90s? The answer? They were everywhere! Just look at those iconic Madonna and Cindy Crawford photo shoots from around that time, or all those iconic pop music videos of the era. I think we can safely say that tutus were certainly having a moment in 1991, just like now. I like to think I have a tiny part to play in that, too, even if it's just reminding everyone what a wondrous, twirly and fantastically fun item of clothing they truly are.
Now, don't think I was solely focused on shopping and fashion! Remember, dancing is my true love, and 1991 offered an array of incredible ballet productions. One that absolutely stole my heart was The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House in London. Imagine twinkling snowflakes, the magical Land of Sweets, and that enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, with a tutu that would make your head spin! I felt like I was truly stepping into a fairytale.
Speaking of which, remember those stunning vintage ballet shoes I snagged for my time-traveling collection? They were practically begging to be worn! I spent an entire afternoon perfecting my pirouettes in those elegant leather pumps, channeling my inner Clara and twirling with the joy of a thousand dancing snowflakes!
And just imagine! 1991 saw the rise of ballet streaming, too! Oh, the thrill of finally seeing Swan Lake at home on the big screen! Of course, this was all black and white back then (just imagine!) It’s really quite miraculous how far we've come since then, isn't it?
So, to sum up our time travelling escapade, let's give a shout-out to this lovely little corner of the past – a time filled with beautiful tutus, enchanting dance, and a passion for all things ballet. I absolutely loved experiencing it all, even if I had to leave my fancy modern wardrobe back at the pink-tutu headquarters!
I hope you enjoyed this delightful journey back in time, darling. If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out our collection of fabulous pink tutu's and visit www.pink-tutu.com. I’m sure there’s a pink perfect tutu just waiting for you there. Don't forget to share your favourite memories of tutus from this era in the comments!
Until next time, keep twirling, keep sparkling, and always embrace your inner ballerina! Remember: everyone looks gorgeous in a pink tutu!
Emma xxx