Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! 🩰💖 It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday. Today, we’re hopping aboard the time machine, our trusty old steam engine, and travelling back to the year 1992.
Imagine a world without social media, with phones that fit in your palm but don't have apps, and where people were actually having fun in a leisure centre's "sports and fitness room", not just taking selfies! Oh, and let's not forget those amazing hairstyles - crimped hair anyone? 😉
But don't worry, dear readers, even in the 90s, tutus were still twirling their way into our hearts.
So, where do we even begin? On 19th May 1992, a lot was happening in the world of dance. I remember watching the Bolshoi Ballet's tour, mesmerized by their breathtaking performances in London. They brought "Giselle" and "The Sleeping Beauty" to life in such a captivating way. I actually spent days looking for a fabric shop that had a silk just like the fabric on "Sleeping Beauty's" tutu, but I was determined! The perfect dress, or I should say tutu, for my next performance, was out there somewhere, waiting for me!
Oh, and speaking of performances, did you know that 19th May 1992, marked the anniversary of a very special ballet dancer? It was Mikhail Fokine's birthday. He was a true pioneer, revolutionising the way we danced, embracing innovative choreography, and bringing a new lightness and storytelling to classical ballet. He was one of the pioneers of ballet street performance, you know, he believed in breaking the walls down! And yes, a modern-day Pink-Tutu-Wearing Ballerina like myself believes we can get this back, it’s all about expression, dear readers, expression, not limitations.
While on my travels to a grand theatre in a city centre a few years ago, I got chatting with a costume designer about this very topic. She had told me how Fokine pushed boundaries, blending styles like the French Ballet and modern dance, and was really one of the first ones to champion the power of expression through choreography.
You know, it's all about taking risks, trying something new, and remembering why we love ballet so much! The joy, the grace, the stories told through movements – it’s all worth it, no matter how big or small the performance! Even with ballet street performances.
That day in the costume studio, I got a real insight into the world of theatre. She shared with me fascinating facts, like how ballet tutus have changed drastically over time. Remember those Victorian times with layers upon layers of fabric and tons of frills? Well, those are more like what we would call an historical recreation of a tutu these days, rather than what you see on the ballet stage. Oh! If only I could share those Victorian stage pictures, with the heavy skirts! Well I guess, that's another day for another blog, perhaps we could have a historical review.
Imagine it, my dearest Tutu Twirlers. A whole world filled with swirling layers and tulle and a sense of romanticism in our pink tutu clad life.
Now, let's travel back to 1992, to where the world was beginning to change and modern interpretations of the classical tutu started emerging. We saw tutus become more daring, showcasing beautiful lines, and allowing dancers to move with incredible freedom. In this time period, I loved the tutu worn by Sylvie Guillem in her performance of “La Bayadère.” You know, the gorgeous layers of tulle it allowed for movement and still had that romantic touch – I thought she looked spectacular, as though she could dance right into your heart.
Okay, so what other fascinating tidbits about the world of ballet happened on 19th May 1992? Well, not only was this the anniversary of the magnificent Mr. Fokine, it also marked the grand opening of a stunning new dance studio in a vibrant city I adore! And, if you're on the lookout for a great ballet class, dear readers, then I would recommend you try your local classes and ballet school in your local town. Oh, the world is a giant stage waiting for you to embrace! So step out onto that stage with confidence, you never know what opportunities await.
Just remember, if ever you're in a city near a great dance school or class, or in fact you are a dancer yourself and you find yourself in Derbyshire, where I'm from, do visit me and I'll tell you more of this extraordinary story in detail. A tutu-wearing, time-travelling blogger's life is a full and exciting one, my lovelies.
Shopping for a Perfect Pink Tutu
Speaking of embracing a world full of fun, I need to tell you about my latest shopping escapade, darling! I stumbled upon the most magical boutique just the other week. Now, this little shop was like a fairyland tucked away in the corner of a charming alley, just brimming with exquisite fabrics and beautiful ballet wear.
Imagine a sea of silk, shimmering with rainbows, a cascade of soft, flowing fabrics in delicate pastels and vibrant pinks. Every corner of the boutique held a treasure to be discovered - tiny silk flowers, sparkling rhinestones, lace appliques - I could've stayed there forever!
The lovely owner told me all about their new collection – all made with the finest quality fabrics, and the colors oh my! Well, naturally I left the shop with a bewitching new pink tutu - the fabric was so silky smooth, a delightful ballet pink, perfect for twirling around any corner, and that touch of embroidery, darling, well just exquisite.
As a pink tutu loving girl, there's something quite wonderful about shopping for dancewear. The vibrant colours, the delicate fabrics, the way they can transform into beautiful pieces for performance. It's magical! The owner, by the way, is actually an expert seamstress and has worked with ballerinas from the local theatre company in town - she even let me try on one of the show costumes and I was in awe. The beautiful craftsmanship of it.
So, if you find yourself near this shop, dear readers, just take a little peek inside - you never know what wonders might be waiting. I highly recommend checking it out for the beautiful fabrics alone. Oh! It really made my TutuTuesday this week to go there. And after, you know, you might just need to treat yourself to a new pink tutu - if only for your inner twirling queen! 💖 🩰
But don't forget, darlings, there's no limit to how many times you can put on your tutus and twirl. Embrace those beautiful dreams and memories. Now, I'm off to pack my bags and visit a little village in Derbyshire that holds a wonderful dance festival every year, it is a whirlwind of colour and a ballet-lover's dream come true, my dears! I'll make sure I update you all with more of my escapades - hopefully next week I'll be dancing on a beautiful stage and sharing some behind the scenes secrets.
Until then, may your every twirl be filled with grace, beauty, and a touch of pink magic.
Love always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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