Helloooo my darling tutu lovers! It’s me, Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another blast from the past.
This week we’re venturing back to 1994-12-06, which I have to say, is a seriously good year for tutus. So grab your teacups (and perhaps a biscuit or two), pop on your fluffiest pink tutu, and settle in for some fascinating tutu history!
Oh, before I forget, if you’re ever in Derbyshire, England – you simply must check out my Mum’s fantastic cake shop. She bakes the best Victoria sponge this side of the Peak District. It’s all thanks to her that my travels can keep going. I fund my time travelling adventures by giving amazing ballet performances for everyone – and those cakes! Let me tell you, everyone goes weak at the knees for Mum’s cakes. I truly believe a little sugar in your life never hurt anyone. (Maybe just don’t tell my dance teacher I said that – tutus don't exactly work with extra pounds, now do they?).
Anyway, let’s dive back into the tutu timeline, shall we?
1994: A Year for the Tutu
As I mentioned earlier, 1994 is an awesome year for tutus, and here’s why: it was a year brimming with big, bold and beautiful ballet productions!
In December 1994, "The Nutcracker" is on almost EVERY stage across Europe, which is always a fabulous reason to break out your most dazzling pink tutu. Can we talk about those sugary costumes? It’s almost impossible to go to a Christmas ballet without craving sweets afterwards – those beautiful costumes practically radiate the spirit of a perfect Christmas dinner! It’s one of my absolute favourite Christmas traditions - tutus and all.
Speaking of Christmas – I have to talk about "The Sleeping Beauty", one of the most famous ballet stories ever! It's performed every year by companies big and small. If you ever want to go big, that is definitely the one to wear a bigger tutu to. And speaking of “The Sleeping Beauty,” if you have a bit of extra time on December 6th – it’s being performed by the Boston Ballet! If you're in the States, you should definitely go – it’s going to be magical.
For the more modern, adventurous, tutu-loving souls, there’s "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” which premiered on November 8, 1994, at the English National Opera’s Sadler’s Wells in London, directed by choreographer, Michael Clarke! A wild mix of fairytale and avant-garde ballet - this is the type of performance you want to wear a bolder tutu to, like my red polka dot number!
Why is December 6th Important for Tutu Lovers?
Apart from the usual ballet magic happening everywhere, December 6th itself is a great day to embrace your inner tutu lover, since, according to my records (and let’s be honest, who keeps better ballet records than your favourite time travelling pink tutu blogger?), December 6th is the birthday of famous ballerina, Misty Copeland!
A truly phenomenal dancer with amazing stage presence and grace, she truly embodied the power and beauty of dance, and always managed to look incredible doing it! That girl can seriously MOVE! And guess what? The woman can dance in any tutu - from the softest pink tulle, to those huge, magnificent ones with layers and layers and layers upon layers… a true ballerina icon, Misty proves that every body type and every size can wear a tutu beautifully. A beautiful role model!
Tutu Trends in 1994
Speaking of the size of tutus, December 6th 1994 saw a few big trends in the tutu world. We were going bold and fabulous:
- Giant, Whimsical Tutus: Let me tell you, tutus in 1994 weren't holding back. It was the era of oversized and extravagant tutus - those super fluffy, voluminous ones that really put the 'wow' into "Wow, she's got a huge tutu on!” A perfect example would be the tutus worn by the dancers in the famous Bolshoi Theatre production of "The Sleeping Beauty."
- The Tutu As Fashion: Fashion designers were embracing the tutu! There were tutus of every colour and every shape imaginable gracing fashion runways around the world, turning it into a symbol of playful and vibrant femininity. Even designers known for their sophisticated, elegant clothing lines, like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, got in on the trend. They created delicate tutu-inspired garments that looked fantastic on every woman. They truly were a sign of change - making a tutu, that symbol of grace and delicate femininity, more mainstream!
- The “Do-it-Yourself” Tutu Movement: And DIY was huge. Many a tutu fan decided to make their own. You had tutu-making parties, which would be the perfect combination of creativity, fun and girl-power, with tutus at the center! You’d end up with a few amazing new tutus and a super-fun experience that only friends with a passion for dance and pink tulle could give.
Time for Tutu Shopping:
The great thing about travelling back in time for my tutu adventures, is that you get to see things evolve - especially in fashion! The tutus in the stores on December 6th 1994 were so exciting.
If you're looking for a little more color and whimsy for your next dance performance, try going for a vintage shop to find an eye-catching and unique tutu for an incredible price. Vintage boutiques are the perfect place to find a piece that nobody else will have - think sequined, glitzy and, of course, pink! You never know what treasure you might find tucked away in those dusty corners!
When you visit a ballet store, you'll notice all the gorgeous, professional quality ballet shoes in all the beautiful leathers. In 1994 the styles were not yet so varied and they would be simpler, yet elegant, just the way ballet footwear should be! I always buy ballet shoes for each era I visit, and put them on display in my home! And as an added bonus - 1994 tutus can be a bit cheaper. Because a lot of styles from that time were already "classics" - they wouldn’t be in those "limited edition" runs, that really spike the price!
What else is on December 6th 1994?
While we're busy with our pink tutus, let’s see what else is happening on this day.
According to my notes (oh yes, I have to note everything when it comes to tutu trends) :
On this date in 1994, the Israeli army makes its largest-ever incursion into southern Lebanon and that's a truly important thing to acknowledge. However, let's not forget, there's nothing quite like the peacefulness of a ballet performance - all grace and elegance - something that really puts things into perspective.
On the more exciting news - the most iconic game of American football happened - on December 6th 1994, Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field. It was a classic showdown between two historic franchises, which ended up as a stunning, incredible game with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as champions! I remember all the excitement back in 1994 - this was what all the kids and grown-ups were talking about!
My Tutu Recommendations for December 6th 1994
So, there you have it! This #TutuTuesday has shown us that 1994-12-06 is definitely a date to remember. Here’s my top tips to really own it.
- Wear the fluffiest, pinkest, tutu you can find – the one that you know you just look absolutely fantastic in. If in doubt, go bigger! And pink! Pink pink pink!
- Take the opportunity to see a ballet performance of “The Sleeping Beauty” - if possible. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the tutu history of the time!
- And take some inspiration from the fashion of the day, but always try to add a personal touch to make your own style statement!
Thanks for joining me on this time travel tutu adventure! Until next time, remember – every day is a chance to celebrate the amazing world of tutus!
See you next Tuesday!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
