Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back for another fabulously fluffy #TutuTuesday! It’s time for another exciting foray into the past, travelling to a world full of glittery ballet dreams – June 8th 1993!
I always say, a little trip back in time does wonders for the soul. It’s a tonic for the spirit, a reminder that tutues were always stylish! I even manage to fund these time travels with a bit of elegant ballet dancing! My most recent stint was with the wonderful Paris Opera Ballet, performing a truly gorgeous Giselle – I practically soared!
I love arriving in new eras in style – of course, no less than my signature hot pink tutu! Today, we’re exploring the ballet world of 1993 – imagine, no TikTok, just VHS and the magic of Live Performance! Now, before I set you up for some ballet enchantment, let’s discuss… Trains!
The great thing about time travel is the train journeys, I am telling you! Today’s trip was through the Chunnel! This magnificent marvel of engineering brings you across the sea into this amazing city: Paris!
Think classic cafes, beautiful boutiques and, oh, that scent of freshly baked pastries! (and maybe a little bit of perfume) Today was the day, 8th June 1993 – the Parisian air buzzed with a beautiful kind of energy. You can always tell you’re close to a show, just feel it in the air!
It was also International Museum Day! It seems so fitting as today’s focus is Ballet, Beauty, and History! (Isn’t that a rather splendid title? I’m rather proud of myself for that one!).
Now, I want to whisk you to the Palais Garnier! This Grand Opera house! Have you ever experienced it’s majesty? Let me tell you, just steeping in this opulent, gorgeous interior…you feel like you are part of a show, just by standing in the foyer. It feels magical.
Imagine – this building is just as vibrant and wonderful as the day it was built. Let me just remind you - it was opened by Empress Eugenie of France herself! Imagine… a pink tutu’d girl like myself having tea with an Empress!
Now, let's go back to the year 1993 and take a peek at the amazing ballet history in the making, shall we?
The Paris Opera Ballet (not to be confused with the Opera Ballet of the Bastille, a different but equally exciting place) has this very grand, dramatic repertoire that I am simply mad about.
June 8th was a Thursday night and that very night Don Quixote was the piece being danced in that legendary Parisian ballet temple.
Oh, it’s just one of those captivating stories. The ballet begins in old Spanish city of Toledo, which gives it such a colourful ambiance! Kitri is a beautiful gypsy girl, who has caught the eye of Basilio! Their love story isn't all hearts and roses though, it’s a bit more complex! But fear not, these two determined lovers will outwit everyone to find their way to happiness, which just makes it even more delicious and fulfilling, right?!
Don Quixote (who's just the best at his game of love and adventure) also has a central part in the play (and who is more important than a dreamer in the story of love, anyway! ). Just remember the dramatic ending scene! And the beautiful choreography – so captivating! I must have seen Don Quixote a thousand times… and every time it feels completely brand new and enchanting. It just is so fabulous and the dancing! Oh, those pirouettes! So dazzling! I'm absolutely smitten!
Speaking of pirouettes and gorgeous, swirling ballet moves, we have another spectacular event in 1993… A most exciting night for dance lovers indeed! June 8th 1993 marked the opening night of "The Magic Flute, a new Mozart ballet, performed by the New York City Ballet. So glamorous, it's making me swoon just thinking about it! I have so much affection for Mozart. And let me tell you – seeing it brought to life with the exquisite movements and artistry of ballet... It’s like experiencing magic twice!
Think of all the costumes! A ballet performance in 1993 was like a dazzling parade of silks, velvets, tulle, feathers… oh, and a delightful smattering of pink tutus. Let’s just be perfectly honest, this isn’t just ballet, it’s a Fashion Spectacle!
If you’re interested, and you absolutely should be, check out some photos from the 1993 NYCB “The Magic Flute”!
I would have been so ecstatic to be at the New York State Theatre to witness this premiere. *Oh, how I love those grand New York shows. *They just have that certain flair.
Imagine the electric anticipation before the curtains rose! A feeling so utterly irresistible, it’s hard to describe – except with "it’s a love affair". Such a truly breathtaking combination of beautiful choreography and Mozart's music makes it one of my favorite dance experiences of all time. And just the atmosphere in the theatre! Such buzz of excitement! I can still feel that feeling as if I’d just been in the auditorium with those dancers! The thrill, the delight - pure ballet magic, wouldn't you say?!
Oh! Remember this era, my darlings! It’s important to go back to these roots because we really cannot take those times for granted. Dance was a passion, not just a trend – a whole world of artistic, creative expression! The costumes were inspired, the music - enchanting and powerful. A whole, incredible atmosphere!
But, let's remember, tutus are not only a part of Ballet History; they have become more and more a part of everyday life over time! You can find tutus popping up in all sorts of places nowadays - from fancy fashion shows and art installations to ballet festivals and of course the stage.
Speaking of festivals… Have you been to a ballet festival lately? There’s just something wonderful about these occasions, everyone has such energy, such appreciation and joy – not to mention that the feeling of being surrounded by all those incredible dance lovers!
They have these massive stages with dancers whirling around…it’s the best, and oh! So many beautiful, colorful tutus dancing around – It’s simply a delight!
And this week, my dearest followers, I will have the pleasure of visiting the Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden.
Ooh, such wonderful tutus, so many to see, it is such an inspiration! This truly iconic theater is a dream come true – a stunning architecture of exquisite design with wonderful performance and history - oh my word, the fashion! Just remembering makes me a bit giddy. And they’re going to be performing La Bayadère, which features one of the most spectacular and challenging ballet scenes – the famous Kingdom of the Shades. So inspiring! And the costumes? They have such delicate and enchanting tutus... just wonderful!
I can’t wait for you to see my pics, so stay tuned for that on Instagram.
For now, please take a moment to think about these ballet events. And remember: every moment has a ballet tutu moment within it, even those long, long ago!
We must continue the wonderful legacy of dance – and tutus. You can wear one any time – if you really want to, every day!
Let’s show everyone just how beautiful it is! Remember… A Pink Tutu a Day keeps your joy at bay… See you next TutuTuesday! *
