Hiya, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and I'm back with another #TutuTuesday!
This week, I've landed in a gloriously sunny January 1994, a world just beginning to be captivated by the sheer magic of the internet. (I'm slightly bummed about not having access to my beloved online shopping though!). I can almost feel the energy crackling in the air - the thrill of a new dawn, a sense of unlimited possibility... Just like when you first put on a perfectly pouffed-up tutu, eh? 😉
Now, where did I leave off in our journey through tutu history? Oh, right, let’s spin back a few decades, shall we? Today we're heading back to the era of shoulder pads, oversized jeans, and oh, that iconic ‘90s grunge vibe! Who remembers the iconic image of the red and black plaid flannel and ripped jeans?! I mean, come on, the '90s were just bursting with bold style, but we're focusing on tutu history today, aren't we?!
1994: Tutu Timelines and Turning Points
Believe it or not, 1994 was actually a pretty huge year for tutus. You see, not only did some of my absolute favourite contemporary ballet pieces come into the world (which, of course, means more spectacular tutus to gush over!), but it also marked a tiny little turning point in our history. Ballet itself became slightly more...dare I say it... accessible!
It's a common misconception that ballet is only for the rich and posh - but I say phooey! It was, however, a tad intimidating back in the early '90s, don't you think? But don't worry, my darling Tutu Tribe, I'm here to bring the ballet back to the people! This era brought with it a focus on accessibility, bringing in community projects and educational outreach that encouraged more people than ever to get in touch with their inner ballerina. Isn’t that fabulous?!
This was also the year that my all-time favourite ballet choreographer, a true pioneer, was in the news... Now, everyone loves a bit of gossipy ballet news, right? It was this very year, ladies and gents, that the brilliant, eccentric genius that is Wayne McGregor unveiled his first full-length production, 'Chroma'! The tutus?! Absolutely incredible. A wild explosion of color and creativity, completely different to the more classical tutus we've previously explored. Remember that "less is more" mantra? He literally threw it right out the window! Imagine beautiful shades of plum, crimson, and the most electric pink imaginable woven into one spectacular garment. Talk about tutu inspiration, eh?
This explosion of colors and artistic freedom was absolutely groundbreaking. And this brings me to another interesting historical tutu fact that we can explore today…
1994 and the Ballet Street Explosion
In a world before social media (can you believe it?!), dancers had to use their imagination to find new avenues for showing off their amazing dance skills. What was the result? Ballet Street emerged! Imagine tutus spinning through bustling, urban environments, gracing gritty sidewalks with grace and a sprinkle of pink tutu magic! What an era for dance to go mainstream and challenge traditional perceptions!
Where Ballet Fashion is Born
And I have to mention how many brilliant ballet costume designers were truly coming into their own in the '90s! It was this kind of creative energy that paved the way for incredible partnerships between ballerinas and designers - collaborations that were just begging to be explored! If only you could see the kind of amazing work coming out of, for example, the English National Ballet...
Speaking of inspiration, you should see the amazing selection of tutus at the Sadler’s Wells theatre in London. It's like stepping into a kaleidoscope of tutu delight! Not to mention that it’s right on the London Underground! You're almost always guaranteed a showstopper on the stage at the Sadler’s Wells.
Don’t just take my word for it, folks! You need to see this spectacular spectacle for yourselves, darlings! But before you go, make sure you pick up some new dance shoes to match your favorite tutu. London is home to so many fantastic shops, don’t you know! This might even give you a chance to put together your new outfit for the next time you’re travelling by train (as if there's anything better!) to a dance show. I’ve discovered some lovely shops near Regent’s Park, you know, which isn’t too far away at all…
I think it’s high time that we stopped for tea…
London Loves Tutu Time… or does it?
Remember, when it comes to tutu history, nothing stays static for long, right? We have to consider, however, the ever-changing public perception of what ballet means, and what tutus mean to us.
Take London for example, right? This beautiful city with its royal history, the stunning art museums and theaters…
I could easily picture myself doing some shopping, then hopping onto the tube for a quick train journey to see a breathtaking performance, possibly even at a lovely old-world theater... but you see, this city can also be quite a... dare I say, it… stiff place sometimes. Sometimes a little rigid. They call themselves the center of the world! Oh, how very London of them. But you see, this sometimes causes a slightly traditional outlook to pop up, sometimes even leading to an almost stubborn, "we're never going to change!" mentality. Well, I've got to call them on that one! My love of pink tutus is the fuel that's pushing change and spreading positive vibes around the world!
But tutus… can’t we just leave them alone for a moment and move onto more relevant fashion choices, you might say?
Well, to be honest with you, it's about time we embraced the diversity of ballet history, including how those wonderful tutus have become an ever-changing symbol of both change and tradition, right?! The beauty of these fluffy creations - their evolution into amazing, avant-garde pieces! What makes it even better - they’re just perfect for that pink tutu lifestyle, aren't they? It's not a trend, it's a state of mind, my friends.
*Now let's get ready for a *fabulous trip into tutu history tomorrow!* See you next #TutuTuesday, my beautiful friends!
Yours always,
Emma 💖
