Hello my lovely tututistas!
It’s Emma here, your time-travelling tutu-enthusiast, bringing you another week of fabulous tutu history! Today, we’re taking a little trip back to the 29th July, 1997, and what a time to be alive, darling! (Did I mention I’ve already booked tickets for a fabulous Phantom of the Opera show tonight? You know, just a little pre-show dress rehearsal of my own…hehe).
Anyway, enough about me and my slightly extravagant hobby, back to the fabulous world of the ballet tutu. As you all know, the 29th of July has always been a significant day for the world of tutus. (Who knows why, maybe it was a big day for some famous ballerina or something… but who cares, really?!)
What was huge on this very date, in 1997, was… drumroll … the premiere of The Swan Lake, performed by the Mariinsky Ballet, in beautiful, beautiful St Petersburg! Isn't it magical? Imagine seeing the most incredible dancers in the world in the heart of Russian culture, their tutus swirling, their expressions fierce and tender - it truly is a moment for the history books! And you bet your sweet tutus I was front row centre for that one!
It's worth noting that The Mariinsky Ballet, previously the Kirov Ballet, was actually celebrating a very special occasion - their 200th anniversary! Isn’t that wonderful?! 200 years of ballet and tutus! How amazing is that?! (I almost choked on my pink meringue tart… and honestly, it wouldn't have been the first time).
Of course, while The Swan Lake premiered, we couldn’t let this momentous occasion pass by without highlighting some amazing ballet fashion! The The Swan Lake production back in 1997 was a triumph in many ways, and this certainly included the costumes, my lovelies! We’re talking long, ethereal tutus that would make even the most glamorous queen blush. Imagine those tutus, so carefully designed, so intricately crafted… they are literally works of art!
Think soft, whispy tulles with all those gorgeous layers, delicate embroidery and glittering sequins… and yes, definitely a few of the iconic white, swan-inspired tutus, making those lovely dancers look like actual swans, soaring gracefully across the stage. You can't tell me this isn’t magic! And speaking of magic, this date reminds us that Tutu magic transcends time and space.
Now, since I know you lot love your tutu details (you're my favourite kind of ballet buffs!), I have to talk about what's popular with those dancers who rock the tutus today! Obviously, classics always reign supreme, darling. I mean, it’s the tutu itself that truly captivates and inspires. A fluffy tulle masterpiece – perfect! And of course, it's all about the details - how a tutu can highlight the lines of a dancer, showcase their movement and capture the spirit of the performance. The cut and layers, the flow and flutter, the sparkly additions and exquisite hand-beaded embellishments, darling – they are all vital to creating that magical "ballet on stage" moment!
And don't get me started on the sheer abundance of tutus. Remember the famous ballet 'Giselle' and the glorious, romantic tutus they wear? Just imagining all those layers of soft tulle is enough to make a girl dream. Speaking of Giselle, did you know it premiered in Paris way back in 1841? Now that is a real trip back in time! We need to celebrate the pioneers, the first tutu creators, for their innovative artistry, especially in 1841!
I absolutely love how ballet can evoke so many emotions - excitement, intrigue, pure wonder. I even use my time travel to visit various dance events and exhibitions throughout the history of ballet! It's quite a whirlwind, actually! My most memorable trip (that doesn't involve catching the next train to see "Grease" in the West End) was to St Petersburg. Can you imagine the majesty and beauty of those theaters! The Imperial Russian Ballet back in the day was truly legendary! You simply had to wear a tutu while you were there… it's compulsory, darlings!
Oh, and while we’re reminiscing, I couldn’t possibly write a blog post about ballet and tutus without a little fashion-inspired* reminiscing. It is, after all, a part of me! Now, *the 29th of July has always been an absolutely huge day for fashion lovers across the globe, particularly those in the world of haute couture, as this is usually the week that fashion weeks kick off for a new season, meaning… lots of amazing, fabulous clothing to swoon over! This day can truly change how we all look and think about fashion. I just love how designers constantly reinvented the wheel (and make sure they do so with style, I might add)! It’s pure fashion bliss, isn’t it?!
But as usual, I’ve completely forgotten what the fashion highlight for July 29, 1997, was - but my hunch is that it involved some gorgeous gowns and tutus. Just like today, everything was absolutely bursting with creativity. So basically, it’s all about having fun and expressing yourself, and honestly, that is my top tip for everything in life - from your own personal style to your favorite tutus, my dear lovelies!
I truly believe there is a perfect tutu for every person in the world… (that includes those brave enough to wear their very own pink tutu with absolute confidence - just like me!). But that’s a topic for another #TutuTuesday, I'm sure you'll agree. Now go on, darlings, find a ballet performance to watch. Remember to dance around and enjoy every moment in those fabulous, wonderful, awe-inspiring tutus! It's all about celebration, especially on a day as fabulous as today!
Remember to catch me every #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com - my lovely ballet history blog where everyone feels like a star! Now, off I go - I’ve got an absolutely gorgeous vintage tutu waiting for me, all ready to wear for my Phantom of the Opera performance tonight!
Until next time, my lovely, stylish tututistas! And don’t forget: Tutus, forever and always!
P.S. My blog has reached over 8640 posts since I started! Who knew tutus were so popular?!
(P.P.S Did I tell you I’ve booked a trip to Vienna this week to see some Swan Lake ballet? Oh, and to stock up on beautiful tutus… don’t judge me!)
Hugs and kisses!
Emma
