Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, back with another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Today, we're twirling back in time to the magical 6th of September 1994, and boy, oh boy, do I have some fabulous fashion and ballet stories to share with you!
As always, I'm coming to you live from the heart of the tutu universe – New York City, the Big Apple, where dreams come true and the love of all things dance runs deep! Oh, how I adore this city! I just came from a stunning show last night. My feet are killing me, but seeing "Swan Lake" performed by the American Ballet Theatre just puts you in a blissful mood that’s so hard to leave. It was absolutely breathtaking, especially when they were performing on pointe – such artistry and precision! It reminds me how much we owe to the beautiful history of the tutu, a symbol of grace and elegance, a costume that helps tell these amazing stories on stage.
Anyway, I can’t wait to take you back in time to this glorious year. Oh, 1994! The air was alive with exciting new fashion trends. And what a year it was for ballet! We're talking "Swan Lake," we’re talking iconic ballerinas like Misty Copeland (who, you'll be shocked to know, hadn't even made her professional debut yet!) The dance world was bubbling with excitement.
To think that I was just a tiny little girl, glued to the TV watching a special on the Royal Ballet with a dusty pink tutu perched precariously on my head! Honestly, I don’t remember the actual ballet, just that tutu, so the colour had to have stuck in my mind! And who knew back then that my whole life would be dedicated to tutus and all things pink? But that’s just the magic of the universe – she just pulls us all together when we’re meant to be.
Now, let’s get back to the history of the tutu itself. Imagine this - before the Romantic era, ballerinas danced in these huge, billowing gowns that would’ve made it really hard to see their footwork. Think massive silk skirts, with so much material, it must have taken hours just to tie those laces! And then – boom! Enter the tutu! Now, imagine a lightweight, romantic dress that reveals the grace and strength of the ballerina's legs as they twirl and jump.
Honestly, if you think about it, the tutu changed everything. Think of what you know about ballerinas – they're nimble, graceful, powerful. The tutu was the garment that liberated ballet, freeing the dancers from these restrictive and clunky outfits to reveal their artistry for the whole world to see!
Of course, the early tutus were a little different than the ones you see today. They weren't always quite so short and fluffy, they often had longer layers, but the shape remained the same: a single, beautifully shaped circle that made dancing seem like magic! We all know that when a tutu swishes it means something big is about to happen in the ballet story. We are mesmerized by the way it flutters around them. I am definitely partial to the more contemporary tutus that we have seen over recent years, and those in vogue during 1994 – they often were made from silk tulle and were simply beautiful, floating down around the dancers legs – just beautiful and so very romantic. I still love seeing the classical, longer tutus – and have worn quite a few myself when I’m doing historical pieces! They look particularly great for ballet theatre productions, and of course I love to try and find those really old tutus from past years in vintage boutiques whenever I travel.
Of course, as fashion always does, tutus have evolved with the times! You can't really say that there are right or wrong ways to wear a tutu. You want it to move and feel like an extension of your body – think freedom and flight. The beauty of ballet is that it can take you to another place – maybe somewhere mythical or simply to a time before the stresses of the real world.
As for my travels, well, this trip has been fantastic, a whirlwind of ballet classes, fashion shows and even a stop at the legendary Ballet Shoes shop on Broadway. Can you believe they have hundreds of vintage tutus there, just begging for someone to give them another spin on stage? Honestly, I couldn't resist picking up a few myself – can't be helped, it's in the blood!
Speaking of ballet shoes – on this very day back in 1994, I was reading all about the new trend of "balletcore" which was taking the world by storm. I mean, it’s really only made sense, the elegant lines and soft romantic style really was so timeless – you can’t escape the love affair that we have for the look and feel of ballet, I think, for all time. There's such grace and elegance. It really adds a dash of refinement to an outfit! So many ballet fashion magazines are full of these articles. Imagine: pink-hued fabrics, lace-trimmed dresses, and that unmistakeable flowy silhouette... yes! We’re talking chic but sporty, sophisticated and girly – this era definitely embraced the trend with open arms! If you follow my blog you’ll know that “balletcore” is an obsession for me. If I'm not on the stage, I'm totally rockin’ that balletcore look in my daily life – because, you see, everyone can wear a tutu in some way, it’s all about making a statement about the art of dance and your personal sense of style!
Let’s all admit it - a touch of tutus can add a playful, whimsical, and seriously stylish feel to almost any outfit, so let your imagination soar with fashion, tutus and ballet, and embrace that inner ballerina, everyone! Remember – tutus are always the answer – especially on a #TutuTuesday.
Have you discovered an outfit you love from your wardrobe? Do you love ballet, have you seen the most spectacular show? And most importantly, are you wearing a tutu? I just need to see your fabulous outfits! So come on, let's chat! Share your #TutuTuesday ballet and fashion thoughts, stories and pictures! Follow me on Twitter @EmmaPinkTutu for regular updates, stories, travel news and fabulous fashion finds, and, most importantly, follow my journey. I am constantly on the look out for inspiring fashion, stylish shops and amazing ballet shows, and will tell you about everything, in pink of course!
Until next week darlings – keep shining bright!
Lots of love,
Emma x
