Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back again for another instalment of #TutuTuesday. Did someone say history lesson? Because I’m taking us back to 1993! You heard that right. This week, we're hopping on the time-travelling train (sorry, can’t resist a good railway metaphor, I’m from Derbyshire after all!) and heading back to the era of grunge, the rise of the internet, and of course, the tutu!
It might sound crazy to you lovely lot, but yes, your beloved tutus were still holding strong in 1993. Ballet was thriving, the dance world was bursting with new talent and it was a time of wonderful excitement for fashion.
This past week I was in New York, a truly magical city, which I visited specifically for the premiere of The Sleeping Beauty with American Ballet Theatre, a highlight of my current ballet pilgrimage, and so on-trend! Such gorgeous, elegant tutus, I simply had to photograph them!
It's funny, isn't it? Sometimes when you travel back in time, the smallest details are the ones that stand out the most. For instance, a particular detail that truly impressed me in the tutu world of 1993 was the revival of that most fabulous of designs: the Romantic tutu. You know the one, the one with those beautifully long layers that shimmer as the ballerinas gracefully move, evoking the image of a mythical fairytale princess. And let's not forget the shimmering silk, the carefully placed sequins, and the cloud-like volume! Ah, the sheer beauty and romanticism!
Now, whilst The Sleeping Beauty premiered way back in 1890, 1993 was a time when people really started embracing the classics, especially in terms of costuming and style. This revival of the Romantic tutu made a huge statement. It signified not just the timeless elegance of classic dance, but also a love for detail and craftsmanship, values we still hold so dear today, my darling tututistas.
And speaking of craftsmanship, remember the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov? 1993 was a landmark year for his White Oak Dance Project, which included a sensational dance theatre production The 'Nutcracker' Project. It wasn't your typical Nutcracker production. Baryshnikov himself described it as a 're-examination' of the classic ballet! This reimagining of the story and costumes took a daring approach and made a huge impact. The innovative designs included what looked like modern interpretations of the tutu - an innovative twist on the original. It's so wonderful how this classic has stood the test of time and can be constantly interpreted! In terms of ballet costumes, you simply can’t go wrong with a good tutu!
1993 was also the year of Sylvie Guillem's triumphant return to the Paris Opera Ballet after her 4 year absence, a thrilling spectacle that completely captivated the world of ballet. The press went wild! A major highlight of her performances were the magnificent costumes she donned - you guessed it: tutues! Sylvie always knows how to pick a fantastic tutu. Her outfits included stunning pieces designed by Christian Lacroix who took his inspiration from the French Belle Epoque, an era that's synonymous with romance and glamour. And, of course, that meant fantastic tutus! This revival of a bygone style, reminiscent of the days of The Nutcracker, is evidence of how fashion, in ballet and beyond, recycles trends over the decades in a truly exciting way!
Back in 1993, fashion was all about colour! Bold colours played a big part in both the haute couture world as well as on the dance floor, and let's not forget, this also meant that the humble tutu took a dip into a whole palette of colourful hues! There was this amazing blend of classic elegance, with that added sparkle and vivid colour.
Remember, dear readers, 1993 is the year when fashion went retro - brightly coloured clothing with chunky trainers, a far cry from the minimalist trends of today! Yet still, we find these influences re-emerging! For example, look at all the fabulous fashion houses experimenting with oversized dresses and tulle, not unlike the gorgeous romantic tutus worn by some of the world's best ballerinas in 1993.
The ballet tutu, in 1993 and onwards, remained a timeless icon of elegance, showcasing both tradition and innovation in dancewear. The magic of the tutu was still in full effect. There was this remarkable evolution in design and aesthetic, which is why, you know, I’m a big advocate for travelling back in time to take a peek into the fashion scene, be it on the streets or at the ballet. Because when you see those tutus, well, let's just say that tutus are never going out of style!
Speaking of style, let me show you my amazing new pink outfit! Isn’t it just wonderful? This vibrant pink tutu is one of my new favourites, the fabric is so lightweight, and you know how much I love my tutu skirts! It feels wonderful against my skin, and the little details on the skirt – the intricate pink ruffles - are just the cutest! And of course, it’s pink!
My time travels are becoming a little easier, you know, since I started funding my journeys through ballet performance. Performing at the ballet theatres allows me to afford my favourite pink tutus! And I’ve even started making extra tutus, in shades of pink, of course, and they’re going fast with other budding fashionistas like me, which is fantastic! This year I’m planning on putting together a full pink outfit: matching shoes, handbag and all. A girl’s got to have goals!
But before I get carried away planning future fashion designs, I want to end this Tutu Tuesday on a positive note:
It’s amazing to witness the legacy of ballet costumes through the decades, but you know what's truly special about fashion? It's how it reflects the times in a unique and wonderful way. And what’s even more wonderful is that, no matter what decade we find ourselves in, the love for the classic tutu has stood the test of time!
I can’t wait for you all to join me next week, for the next Tutu Tuesday, when I'll be diving back into another exciting piece of ballet and fashion history!
In the meantime, don't be shy to share your thoughts, opinions and, of course, your love for tutus in the comment section! And remember, the world would be a much more beautiful place if everyone wore a pink tutu, wouldn't it? Isn’t it just the best colour?!
See you soon!
Yours truly,
Emma
xx
