Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time-travelling fashionista, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. I'm absolutely buzzing about today's date - July 30th, 1991! The year my amazing pink tutu was born (well, probably the year it got shipped from the factory to a gorgeous shop)! And, honestly, it was just divine to wear it while I journeyed back to 1991 to soak up all the fabulousness that the ballet world was serving up then!
So, strap yourselves in for a trip down memory lane!
Today, I landed myself right in the middle of New York City, the absolute epicenter of everything fashionable, stylish, and ballet-tastic! Imagine me, my pink tutu swishing about on a crowded train (I gotta say, the 1990s New York subway system was quite the character experience). I did, however, find myself quite enchanted by the sense of buzz and energy around the city! Every corner had a story, and let's not forget all the stunningly beautiful architecture. I couldn't help but feel inspired just wandering about!
I was here, obviously, for the ballet! Now, the late 80s and early 90s were an absolute gold mine for exciting dance innovations and talented performers. But my biggest highlight was undoubtedly the New York City Ballet. It's such a legendary company, brimming with history, grace, and artistic brilliance! It felt so good to watch their incredible dancers move effortlessly across the stage. Each move was a painting in motion, each pirouette a graceful whisper, and each grand jeté an absolute statement!
Just to add a touch of sweetness to the whole experience, imagine this: I went to see "The Nutcracker," the Christmas classic. Now, you know how I love a classic. There's a timeless magic about watching "The Nutcracker" in its full glory! And of course, my own special "Pink Nutcracker" tutu would have looked right at home amidst the tinkling of bells, the swirling snowflakes, and the elegant Christmas tree.
But wait, it gets even better, my dears! Just think about all the extraordinary performances taking place right around this date! It seems like the world was just bursting with incredible ballets to watch! The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, was home to Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake" on the 27th. Then, just days before my trip, on the 24th, there was a performance of "Giselle" in Madrid. Honestly, I'd love to be able to time travel back a few days to see it! There was just so much fabulousness to choose from. I nearly booked myself into a private carriage!
Of course, being a ballet aficionado and a fashion enthusiast in one is practically a lifestyle.
So, imagine this, dears: walking down Fifth Avenue, my pink tutu bouncing a little with every step, taking in all the amazing window displays. I'd be keeping an eye out for those big, luxurious department stores and vintage boutiques with beautiful costumes, tutus, and dancewear. And those amazing hat shops, those are a girl's best friend! I would be absolutely mad for a beautiful little pillbox hat. They go perfectly with my tutus, you know.
To top it off, just think of the fashion! Big hair was all the rage in 1991. The biggest stars were rocking it with the boldest eyeliner, and I was absolutely loving it! Oh, I do love a bit of 90s glam! Now, it wouldn't be quite the same without my beloved tutu. This year's most popular tutu style was a classic ballerina tutu, flowing and soft with several tiers, just perfect for that dreamy princess look, wouldn’t you say? Oh, it had to have a tulle lining, and definitely some pretty beads or ribbon. Maybe a matching pair of glittery slippers and some pretty, delicate, but very statement earrings! And let's not forget the amazing range of bold colours to match any outfit. Just amazing!
It’s safe to say that the 1990s was a truly remarkable era for ballet, fashion, and just being utterly fantastic. If you could time travel like me, I promise you, you wouldn't regret coming to New York for this exact period.
And you know what, you don’t even need a time machine to recreate a bit of this wonderful era! Just put on your most favourite pink tutu (it wouldn't be right without one, wouldn't it?), head to your nearest ballet class or performance, let loose and get swept up in the magic of ballet, and be sure to wear a big, glorious smile.
See you next #TutuTuesday, darlings! Don’t forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com and share your love for tutus, ballet, and all things sparkly! Until then, stay fabulous, stay pink, and may your tutu always be the star of the show!
