Hello lovelies!
Welcome to another week of Tutu Tuesday, where we're whisked away by the swirling history of tutus! I'm your resident tutu enthusiast, Emma, back from another dazzling trip in the time machine. This week we're landing smack bang in the middle of November 10th 1992 – a truly exciting date for the world of dance!
So, why 1992, you ask? Well, darling, let me tell you. The world of ballet was buzzing with excitement. Imagine – not just one, but two groundbreaking ballet companies making their debut in the vibrant cultural melting pot of London. You’d be right to imagine tutus of all shapes and sizes being worn – the classic romantic tutu and the swishy, floaty, more contemporary ballet style ones with extra, extra ruffles – oh, I just can’t get over those!
One of the companies gracing the stage on this momentous November 10th was the Birmingham Royal Ballet, known then as the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Imagine, my darlings, the spectacle! A new ballet company filled with the next generation of stars ready to capture hearts and dance their way into ballet history! That year they performed a mixed bill which featured one new, exciting piece. And imagine, the thrill of being the first to see it. I can practically hear the gasp of the audience and the hushed hush of reverence as the stage lights come up! It’s like being part of history – which I have to say is a regular feeling for a time travelling, pink tutu-wearing ballerina such as myself!
The second big event for ballet on the 10th of November 1992, my darlings, was the debut of the Scottish Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! How’s that for glamorous? For an opening gala performance they even pulled out the classics – the beautiful ballet Giselle was on the program. Just imagine being swept up in the Romantic era through the delicate, ethereal, dreamy movement of ballet in the grand surroundings of Covent Garden. I’m just going to take a minute to admire the artistry and genius that this breathtaking work holds - absolutely beautiful and so elegant. It really is a ballet that must be experienced - one that has the power to transport you right back to the early days of ballet, and you know how I feel about history.
Just as well that this week my train arrived in London, it certainly was a feast for the senses with so much going on and such stunning dance performances taking place. The Royal Opera House is quite a sight, too, with its striking Italianate facade and grand staircase - such architectural splendor! Now that’s a dress rehearsal for the ultimate outfit to wear for a trip to the theatre! If only I could be a fly on the wall – just imagine the anticipation as the dancers prepared, the butterflies as they warmed up, and the rush of excitement as the curtain goes up. That energy would have been intoxicating!
I’m thinking about what the ballerinas might have chosen for their costumes. A traditional, delicate romantic tutu would have been a fitting choice for a classic ballet such as Giselle - so wonderfully poetic and perfect for expressing the pure essence of femininity - truly captivating. It would be exciting to see which designers the company collaborated with, just the kind of inspiration to give my latest creations. My creative spirit is running wild, just thinking about those amazing tutus! And you know, it’s such a unique piece of attire - the tutus, I mean – it says “ballet” like nothing else can. They're graceful and feminine, and it’s definitely the item to reach for to create a ballerina inspired ensemble, with a bit of imagination they can also create the most whimsical outfits! They really are the crown jewels of ballet and essential for creating a stylish, dramatic statement look.
However, while I'm here to encourage all the love for those elegant, flowing, romantic tutus I always love seeing the diversity in dance and am really interested in the contemporary tutus, with a strong, bold structure to really express contemporary ideas through dance. Imagine my thrill to have seen all those creative costumes in Covent Garden and in the wonderful city of Birmingham, those must have been inspiring!
The other joy of this era is seeing what is hot in the world of fashion! This period had so much to offer, from power dressing in vibrant colors with sleek lines – great inspiration for outfits that command attention to a more bohemian look that exuded comfort and individual style - that’s my kind of style and perfect for wearing a pink tutu! This really does remind me, darling, about what we must talk about – fashion trends – and in 1992 those high-waisted jeans were simply ubiquitous. Now this era gave us the fabulous 90s trends – we saw those wonderful slip dresses! These could have been seen all over the town and were especially favoured in those chic Notting Hill shops on Portobello Road, where all the movers and shakers bought their stylish finds! Imagine, oh the joy of picking out the perfect outfits, shopping till you drop and looking oh-so-gorgeous for a night at the theatre – those memories have come back in a flash - I loved the shopping then!
To my lovely readers, you know how much I love taking in all those vintage looks and trends and combining them to bring back the glamour! And then you just have to throw a touch of magic over it all – sprinkle some fairy dust and magic – what else – my fabulous, glamorous pink tutu – and BAM!
It's easy to say I've really had a delightful trip this week. I can already picture myself twirling to the music of those great ballets in that incredible theatre – the grandeur and majesty of those two iconic venues would have taken my breath away! Now I’m off to write down my shopping list. And of course, as it is Tutu Tuesday I have been trying out some fabulous tutus with the ultimate intention – to inspire all of you, my lovely followers, to take up ballet and wear your own tutus! Don’t be shy and don't forget your #PinkTutu!
Let me know your favorite 1992 style picks in the comments below. What are your favourite tutus, my darlings? I’d love to hear from you, my beautiful ballerinas, about how you’re adding those whimsical touches to your outfits!
*Keep dancing, Keep sparkling! *
See you next week, my lovelies!
Emma xx
