Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back again for another dose of #TutuTuesday history. This week, we're taking a trip back to the 23rd of November, 1993.
I’m writing this post from Paris, oh, it is absolutely divine. I just saw a fabulous show at the Opéra Garnier – Giselle with the Paris Opera Ballet – what a stunning performance, the tutus were utterly magnificent. You just know it's a Parisian ballerina who's wearing a gorgeous, cloud-like tutu, right?
Anyway, where were we? 1993! I mean, we're talking before Strictly Come Dancing even began! I was barely a teenager then, dreaming of those romantic ballets and fluffy pink tutus! (Although, even back then I realised that a true ballerina needed more than a pink tutu to achieve her full potential! More on that another time.)
Back in 1993, tutus weren't quite the statement they are today! You didn’t see them cropping up in fashion shoots, there weren't entire Instagram pages dedicated to tutus, no #tuturush, not yet! That was all in the future!
Of course, ballet was still, and always will be, a timeless art form. Back in the day, tutus were almost exclusively found in the realm of the ballet stage! So, where were tutus worn on this day in history, I hear you ask? Well, I know just the spot!
The 23rd November 1993, marked a particularly noteworthy event at the New York City Ballet, with the opening night of their season. They were presenting Jerome Robbins’ ballet, The Concert, with a gorgeous suite of five short dances in one program, including Robbins’ Afternoon of a Faun and his ever popular Dances at a Gathering - one of the first ballets I saw, oh, the thrill! So exciting! But this one had a tutu that I just adored, oh it was gorgeous. Now, I'm going to look for this lovely show next time I time-travel.
The tutu worn for this was nothing less than magnificent, and while a bit on the romantic side, it’s not something I would feel comfortable wearing on the streets of London – I’m keeping that classic tulle tutu style for the ballet studio. But for a real dancer with grace and style, this one’s a true statement! It was, like many in those days, white, classical and perfectly elegant. I wouldn't wear that white in my real world though. Oh, no, never! I'd have to add a splash of colour for sure. That classic tutus for classic dancers - I’m very old school in my style. But white tutus were absolutely fashionable at this point in time.
For me, the allure of a ballet tutu is a reflection of a timeless art form. From the grand stages of Paris, New York, London and beyond, the magic of ballet remains unchallenged, and tutus, much like my pink tutu, are a testament to its eternal enchantment.
As always, feel free to join in the fun on our Pink-Tutu Instagram page (@PinkTutu) with #TutuTuesday – Let's chat, dance and share the joy of tutus.
Until next week! Remember, every day is an opportunity to embrace the beauty and creativity of a tutu, whether you're in the ballet studio, on a night out or just in your living room. Stay fabulous, and wear a pink tutu!
With love, Emma
