Hey tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things twirly, sparkly, and utterly fabulous! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dose of ballet history, because what's life without a bit of historical fashion knowledge? 😉
Today we're stepping back in time to 19th December 1995, a date that just screams "ballet" to me. Can you imagine, dear readers? The world was a bit different back then, no Instagram, no TikTok, and probably just starting to figure out this whole "internet" thing. But you know what was booming? Ballet! 💃
Oh, I just love going back in time to these kinds of years. Not only can you grab yourself a bargain at a vintage clothing shop (a fabulously flamboyant vintage pink tutu, anyone?), but the fashion was so dramatic and just... exciting!
Now, 1995, you might say, "that's not exactly ancient history". But to a dedicated ballet buff like me, it's just fascinating!
Back then, the world was abuzz with anticipation for a certain very special ballet performance happening just a few weeks later... drumroll please... the Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker!
You might be thinking, "The Nutcracker? That's like, a Christmas ballet..." And you're absolutely right! But, like, let's just acknowledge the absolute magic that comes with that holiday performance. Honestly, can you picture the beautiful tutus? The dancing snowflakes? The Sugar Plum Fairy twirling with her prince? I can just imagine it, darling, and I'm practically levitating! ✨
Now, I'm just bursting with curiosity... what were those tutus like in the 1995 Nutcracker? My dear readers, it wasn't exactly a new ballet! The Nutcracker first hit the stage all the way back in 1892. So the tutus back then might have been slightly... well, vintage. Perhaps a little bit more "classic" and a tad less "extra" than what you might see today, wouldn't you agree?
A little known fact: In the early days of the Nutcracker, ballet was still figuring out how to "do" a sugar plum fairy. Back then, tutus were much more structured, they kind of looked like fluffy, sparkly upside-down wedding cakes, almost. But with the passing of time and some talented choreographers, those tutu designs became more... well, more me! 💁♀️
They've become lighter, more airy, and just begging for the dancer to express herself with movement, you know? I bet the tutu designs in the 1995 Nutcracker were still quite "grand", a real explosion of colour and sparkle with the most incredible embroidery. It must have been truly captivating, just like our beloved Nutcracker story itself! ✨
And, oh! Have you heard about the amazing "White Swan" tutu they wear for Swan Lake? A real icon in the world of ballet! Back in the 1990s, it would have been a big deal - big, elegant, flowing and just... spectacular! Now, it's a piece of history, an absolute masterpiece of ballet design.
Okay, I know we're drifting away from the 19th December 1995 a bit... but what can I say? It's hard to keep these ballet history facts to myself. 🤫 I get carried away, especially when we're talking about gorgeous tutus!
Now, I know you are as much of a balletomane as me, darling. I'd absolutely love to know your thoughts on this. Which is your favourite ballets from this era? Were you a little dancer back then? Do tell!
P.S. Have you heard? I'm just itching to see the new Nutcracker ballet show that's coming to London soon! You know I will have my most fabulous, sparkling, pink tutu at the ready - of course. I'm ready to go on the ultimate ballerina fashion adventure. Who's joining me?
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling, and I'll catch you all next time! 💖
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
