#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1998-01-20

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com!

This week's #TutuTuesday is a little different. I've dusted off my trusty time machine - don't worry, it's pink and adorned with tulle! - and set the dials to January 20th, 1998. It’s quite a different world than the one we know today, and one I’m looking forward to sharing with you.

I've been a lifelong devotee to all things dance, and let's be honest, no outfit in the whole wide world holds a candle to a beautifully constructed tutu. I've seen it all, from the delicate wisp of a Romantic tutu to the majestic grandeur of a classical, multi-tiered wonder, and I can’t resist a little exploration into the rich history of this iconic garment.

This week, we’re whisked back to a time when ballet was undergoing a renaissance of sorts. We're right on the precipice of the "Ballet Boom" of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when dance companies experienced a surge in popularity and interest across the globe.

Well, dear reader, on this date, *the Royal Ballet opened its doors in the heart of London for the iconic "La Bayadere". * Oh, how my heart longed to be there! “La Bayadere” is an utterly breathtaking ballet, full of grace, artistry, and captivating storytelling. The costumes are pure elegance, of course, with that signature layered look that's perfect for displaying those stunning moves. It was certainly the talk of the town back in ‘98 and still holds a special place in many hearts today.

While 1998 wasn’t quite the epicentre of the Ballet Boom, it definitely was the cusp of something magical. What triggered it? Well, let’s just say it was a culmination of different forces working their magic:

• *The Rise of Media: * In 1998, television and movies were truly embracing ballet. "The Red Shoes" (a beautifully melancholic ballet-themed film with the ultimate tutu scene!) was rereleased and found a new generation of devoted fans. We saw "Billy Elliot", a film showcasing the magic of dance through the lens of a boy, hitting screens. All this exposure definitely boosted the popularity of dance, especially ballet, worldwide.
• Dance Stars Emerge: * You couldn't escape names like *Sylvie Guillem, Mikhail Baryshnikov or the radiant Darcey Bussell gracing newspaper headlines and magazine covers. These iconic figures brought ballet to the fore, attracting even more attention to the artistry and dedication of the dancers. They were truly superstars and inspired so many young dancers around the world.
• *Accessibility: * Ballet started finding its way into local schools and community centres. Even in my beloved Derbyshire, England, classes sprang up like magic. This made ballet accessible and welcoming to everyone. And honestly, who wouldn't want to twirl around in a beautiful tutu?
• Fashion and Ballet Intertwined: Let’s be honest, the relationship between fashion and ballet has always been a love affair. Fashion houses, especially in Europe, started incorporating ballet motifs and inspirations into their designs. And with designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen using these influences to great effect, tutus became much more than just dance attire; they became stylish and statement pieces.

From the elegant court of Louis XIV, tutus have traversed centuries of dance, fashion, and pure beauty. We can’t discuss 1998 without delving a little deeper into the journey of this iconic garment!

• *15th Century: * The forerunner of the modern tutu can be traced back to this period! These early ballet costumes were pretty practical - loose-fitting trousers and robes allowed dancers a fair degree of freedom of movement.

• 19th Century: * Enter the Romantic period, where ballerinas longed to evoke ethereal, celestial beings! These tutus, known as the *Romantic Tutu, featured soft, light fabrics, usually silk or muslin, and a short skirt reaching just above the knee. Imagine dancers gently flitting across the stage like delicate butterflies - quite magical!

• Late 19th Century and Beyond: * The *Classical Tutu, the majestic, layered design we love and adore today, began its reign! It’s built to impress, with tiers of stiffened tulle. Think “Swan Lake” or “Giselle,” those graceful tutus have graced many a balletic masterpiece.

Here I am, writing about tutus in a time when this garment was on the brink of something truly special. And you know what? I firmly believe it’s not just a costume; it's an expression of creativity, beauty, and joy.

This whole "Ballet Boom" period gave a little spark of inspiration to a young girl in Derbyshire. That little girl, oh, let’s just say she grew into a slightly more fashion-obsessed version of herself with a touch of time-traveling flair. I still find the magic in tutues – the grace, the movement, the artistry that comes alive with every swirl of tulle.

I know what you might be thinking: a tutu for everyone? But why not? We have these gorgeous garments to remind us that there’s something wondrous in expressing ourselves through dance, creativity, and the joy of twirling.

So, go forth, fellow dance enthusiasts, and unleash your inner ballerina, whether it be at a ballet class or just dancing in your living room! Remember, every day can be a #TutuTuesday. Let’s make this world a little bit more pink, a little bit more magical, one tutu at a time!

Love,

Emma

*P.S.: * If you find yourself in a ballet class or performance on January 20th, 1998, give it your all! Just remember, even if you can’t dance, we can always find a lovely pink tutu!