Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous trip through time with my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog!
This week, we're hopping on a (pink-themed, of course) train and heading back to a time when grunge was the big thing, Tamagotchis were all the rage, and that Friends episode with the "moist maker" still made people giggle. Yes, my darlings, we're waltzing back to the glorious 5th of July 1994!
Now, you may be thinking, what could a little ballerina like myself possibly find to chat about in a time when oversized jumpers and Doc Martens were all the fashion? But let me tell you, even amongst the flannel and the flares, the tutu has always had its own special sparkle!
This date, my friends, is packed with theatrical delights! The National Ballet of Canada, nestled right in the heart of Toronto, was giving its audience a glimpse into the romantic and poetic world of "Romeo and Juliet," while the Royal Opera House in London was swirling with the drama and emotion of "The Trojans," a masterpiece of French opera that truly sets the stage on fire. Fancy yourself a true opera fan, you ask? Then why not visit the Royal Opera House themselves - that's exactly where I found myself today, twirling with excitement and absorbing the history of one of the world's most iconic performance venues.
But it wasn't just the opera houses that were filled with vibrant performance that day. In America, a delightful Broadway show by the name of "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" was entertaining audiences, while in England, the enchanting musical "Aspects of Love" was charming the London theatre scene. Talk about a time when the stage truly came alive!
My darling friends, what is a trip through time without a dose of fashion history? Now, the 90s are renowned for their love of everything oversized and comfy - but when it comes to ballet, the trend was far more glamorous. Remember those gorgeous tutus worn in the 1990s by the likes of the glorious ballerina Sylvie Guillem? A blend of tradition and contemporary flair, these tutus, with their flowing, almost billowing skirts, were an absolute dream to behold! Think soft colours like pale pinks, powder blues and sunshine yellows, delicate beading, and a focus on lightness and grace. They were a far cry from the dramatic, sculpted tutus of the classical era, and I loved every single moment of the transformation!
Speaking of trends, I stumbled upon the most fascinating news! You know how we love to stay updated with all the latest dance news? This week's Dance Magazine features a story about the "Balanchine revival," which I absolutely adore! Mr. Balanchine, a true visionary and titan of the dance world, has had a profound impact on modern ballet, and it was an honour to learn about how his works were being brought back to life in all their vibrant glory.
And because I’m a girly girl, my time-travel adventure wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping spree! Thankfully, in 1994, a certain high-street fashion chain (you know the one with the sparkly bags!) had a limited edition pink collection. Talk about hitting the fashion jackpot! Now, I do think pink should always be an option when it comes to tutus, so you can just imagine how delighted I was to pick up a couple of items from the collection to take back with me as souvenirs.
Oh, but there’s one last thing. As a devoted tutu enthusiast, you might wonder about my tutu outfit for today’s time-traveling adventures. This time, I went for a romantic and whimsical vintage style, a blush pink tulle with a sprinkle of glittering sequins. It was a true 1990s delight, evoking a feeling of vintage charm, femininity, and, of course, that delightful pink sparkle.
My darling tutu lovers, our journey to 1994-07-05 might be coming to an end, but I’m already itching to embark on our next grand time-traveling adventure. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little bit about ballet's past with me. But most of all, I hope you're inspired to wear your own tutu today, and embrace the magic and joy of dance!
Don't forget to join me next week for another thrilling #TutuTuesday adventure! Until then, dance like nobody's watching and, most importantly, spread the love for the pink tutu!
Love and twirls,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
