Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another installment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! As you know, it’s a Tuesday and the sun’s shining in beautiful, beautiful London, making this pink-loving ballerina absolutely delighted! 🩰🌸
Now, darling readers, today's #TutuTuesday journey takes us to September 24th, 1996, a truly splendid year in ballet, wouldn’t you say? Imagine! A world with no smartphones (oh, how I wish they weren't a necessity!), no social media to distract you (thank goodness!)… and most importantly, stunning ballerinas in glorious tutus, just like we love today!
Oh my goodness, where to begin?! September 24th, 1996 was absolutely bursting with ballet happenings. Imagine my excitement, boarding a lovely old-fashioned train in my beautiful pink tulle tutu (you know me, all about colour and sparkle!) and heading off for a day at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Just thinking about the magnificent, gilded décor makes my heart flutter!
As the train trundled through the green English countryside (Derbyshire's hills, where I'm from, never look more stunning!) my mind raced. You see, it was a huge week in ballet. It was all anyone could talk about on my little dance forum.
In 1996, we were eagerly awaiting the much anticipated production of "The Nutcracker" at The Royal Opera House, starring a delightful and delicate ballerina in the leading role - a vision of grace in a shimmering, soft pink tutu! 🩰 ✨
Of course, who can forget the incredible Margot Fonteyn - a ballerina of immense beauty and artistry, who would inspire countless young ballerinas like myself - just to grace a stage and shimmer in a perfect tutu! She would have been a goddess to us young dancers at that time.
Imagine, the joy of seeing that iconic performance on September 24th. Just the thrill of being at the Opera House! What a truly magical day it must have been.
Speaking of magical... This day wasn’t just about grand ballets, oh no! September 24th, 1996 saw so much joy and wonder happening. There were all sorts of smaller events, like local dance competitions across the UK! Oh, to have been a judge at one of those, watching those bright young dancers with their beautiful pink and white tutus spin and leap with pure joy.
That’s what this #TutuTuesday is really about, isn’t it? We are a family of dancers - ballet lovers from all over! We appreciate the history and celebrate those magical, shining, bright tutus.
But back to our 1996 time capsule! I had to sneak off the train, darling! It’s only right I whizzed down to Harrods in London for a little bit of tutu shopping (yes, Harrods had a beautiful section back then!), I've heard stories about a new style tutu hitting the shelves: one with a much softer skirt - much like those I saw at the Royal Opera House the previous week - perfect for graceful and beautiful ballerinas with the most impressive moves. A little insider tip? One even has the most beautiful little bows and sparkles!
Speaking of the Royal Opera House, don’t forget to check out your local theatres for shows! A ballet show every now and then is always a lovely treat. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing the amazing choreography, incredible costumes and those perfectly fitted tutus?
Just last night I saw an amazing “Swan Lake” performance. And wouldn't you know it - there was an unbelievable ballerina wearing the most breathtaking soft, delicate pink tulle tutu I’d ever seen! (Of course, it looked absolutely perfect with my pink tulle skirt as I was leaving!).
Anyway, darling readers, I shall let you go now and I wish you all the most fabulous week of dancing, leaping and of course, wearing the perfect tutu for any occasion - because it's all about expressing ourselves with fashion and having fun! And let’s face it, a tutu just brings out that inner sparkle in us all, doesn't it?
Remember, wear your tutus with pride! Because every day should be a little bit #TutuTuesday! I can’t wait to see your beautiful pink tulle tutus in your pictures next Tuesday. Don’t forget to share them on our lovely www.pink-tutu.com blog and give us some inspiration, and we can all join the fun! 🩰
Until next Tuesday!
With all my love, Emma 💕
*P.S. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram! It would make my little ballet-loving heart so happy to connect with all of you. #pinktutulove #balletlover #ballerina #tutuhistory *
