Hello darlings! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through the archives of dance history, and I'm just brimming with excitement to share what I've discovered! It's a particularly fascinating era, and one that perfectly encapsulates how much the tutu has truly become a symbol of feminine grace and power – even if some might say it's not the most practical piece of clothing to wear on a train journey! 😉
As you all know, Tutu Tuesdays are for delving into the world of tulle and taffeta, the stories of design and the dances that gave these glorious garments their meaning. Today we're going back in time, a mere few weeks past the 15th of October 1991, right in the heart of London, a city that vibrates with the magic of ballet.
London's theatres buzzed with the excitement of a new season, and as always, the ballet stage was calling for beautiful tulle. Imagine – just a few short weeks ago, you could have been whisked away to the Royal Opera House and seen the Royal Ballet perform a thrilling rendition of Giselle. This production, set to Adolphe Adam's enchanting score, showcased the timeless elegance of the Romantic tutu, all flowing lines and airy delicacy. The ballerinas glided through the performance, like wisps of wind, their delicate movements a mesmerizing dance of love and loss.
Ah, Giselle – a perfect example of how the tutu truly transports us to another world! A story about betrayal and love, all perfectly expressed in a dance of swirling tulle and exquisite pointe shoes. It's like a glimpse into a world of magic and beauty, right there on stage! Speaking of beauty, this was the very year, dear readers, that the incredible designer, Christian Lacroix, presented his awe-inspiring haute couture collection inspired by ballet. The collection was a true testament to the power of the tutu to inspire, combining the drama and theatricality of ballet with the sophistication of couture fashion. The colours! The textures! Simply breathtaking! It was, after all, the year the "90s power woman" came into her own, and we can see it so beautifully reflected in these designs, confident, dramatic, and absolutely unapologetically beautiful. 💖
Now, my lovely ladies, picture this – 1991. I've just come off a whirlwind train journey, with a suitcase stuffed full of the most beautiful new pink tutus, straight from the best shops in the West End, all of course ready for my own performance tonight. Imagine me in this dazzling pink tutu, a whirl of softest pink, as I gracefully walk through the bustling Covent Garden market. The aromas of freshly baked goods mingled with the scent of flowers, the laughter of tourists mingled with the tune of a street performer’s violin.
My heart always skips a beat when I step into Covent Garden, such a feast for the eyes, full of history, and so beautifully London! The vibrant streets pulsate with life – and that energy makes you feel like anything is possible! Imagine the anticipation, the excitement, before tonight's show, all the glamour of the backstage, the hurried whispers, the excitement of seeing old friends and meeting new ones, a quick nip for a little champagne and then - off to the stage! This is what dreams are made of!
Today, the magic of ballet still pulls me to London, with its rich history of theatre, dance, and incredible fashion. From the stunning creations on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum to the glittering dance performances at the Sadler’s Wells, London continues to be the heart of the ballet world!
And remember, the history of the tutu is one we can all take part in! A timeless, iconic fashion statement that makes us feel graceful, beautiful, and powerful, because that's what being a ballerina is all about.
Do let me know what you thought about this week’s Tutu Tuesday in the comments, I love hearing from all of you. And remember, ladies, don't be afraid to wear your own pink tutu with pride!
Stay radiant, Emma 💖🩰
P.S. Make sure to check out my Instagram page for a little sneak peek of my current wardrobe (I might just be adding some very special pink tutus for my next trip!) You can also find my personal blog where I chat about everything fashion, from the latest catwalk trends to vintage finds. Let’s create a world full of pink tutus, one twirl at a time! 💖
Follow Emma's adventures at:
- Website: www.pink-tutu.com
- Instagram: @emmapinktutu
- Blog: emmapinktutu.com
