#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1998-04-21

Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveler, and today, we're going to shimmy back to the 21st of April, 1998. Oh, darling, the 90s – so much fun, so many sequins, and a fabulous array of tutus!

Remember this date? Well, maybe you don’t – after all, this time travel is a bit of a secret. But for you, my dedicated readers, I always keep it real. And, frankly, if it wasn't for all those fabulous ballet performances – like the recent Royal Ballet's 'Swan Lake' (an absolute masterpiece!), which allowed me to finance another delightful jump through the ages, you wouldn’t have these juicy snippets of history to enjoy.

So, settle into your most comfy chair, grab a glass of sparkling lemonade, and let’s twirl our way back to the glorious 90s…

Right, so where were we? The year is 1998! The world was buzzing. Think ‘Spice Girls’ tunes blasting from every radio, internet browsing slowly catching on, and everyone was dazzled by the digital revolution (can you imagine trying to write this blog post on a dial-up connection!). Oh darling, life was indeed simpler…

Well, except for the tutus! Remember when you just had to have a ‘fashion’ tutu for those late-night rave parties? Back then, there wasn't an abundance of shops selling pink tutus – you'd need to go to a ballet shop, which had such a limited range it wouldn’t even get you to first base on the tutu-loving scale!

Now, for those of us living outside the UK – think big puffy tutus in shades of white, ivory, and the odd bit of bright blue, all for ballet performances only.

But, I'm telling you, we were desperate to get those twirling tutus in all their pink-tastic glory! So you can just imagine my excitement, travelling back to the time of floppy discs and phone boxes!

Right, on the 21st of April 1998, there was so much going on in the world! Think the Eurovision Song Contest! Oh, the joy – the campness, the flamboyance - such wonderful inspiration. And then you have ‘Titanic’ making a massive splash on the big screen, and it's fair to say, everyone was a bit smitten.

But, on a personal note, my absolute highlight of this day back in the 90s, was attending the 'Romeo and Juliet' performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow! Oh my, the exquisite costumes!

Now, let me tell you, ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre was truly a magical experience! The artistry of the dancers was just… phenomenal, but what really stole the show was Juliet’s dress! I mean, I was absolutely in awe.

Oh, the tutu! It was just perfect for Juliet’s character. A symphony of intricate details – a powder blue satin base, meticulously hand-stitched, with delicate pink roses in the netting - oh darling, it was the embodiment of innocence and purity! I just wish you all could have witnessed its splendour in person – it was a visual masterpiece!

While we are talking about 90s tutus, do you remember all those incredible ‘party’ tutus that ruled the world! They came in all shapes and sizes, from short and feisty with ruffles, to full-on dramatic pieces adorned with sequins and feathers – truly, a testament to the 90s fashion sense. I'd dare to say, there was even a certain grunge aesthetic in those tutu-party looks… and I must confess, I totally rocked a couple of these, as a budding 20 year old in the UK! I was really all about those neon shades!

But before we go on our next tutu-tastic adventure, you have to get ready for the latest Pink Tutu trend, the pink polka dot! So I suggest a pink polka dot blouse with your best pink tutu - it's what my time traveling self is sporting! If you’re really bold, a bright red and white stripey sweater, just peeking out from beneath a fluffy pink tutu is such a gorgeous look! Oh darling, imagine!

Well, this is me, signing off for another #TutuTuesday adventure.

Love Emma xx

(See you on www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday)

Here are a few ideas to spice up your tutu-tastic week!

Go and see a ballet show or street performance - even better with your favourite pink tutu. The energy, the creativity – pure magic! The thrill of the first steps – amazing. Oh, and if you are ever near the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow – a must-see – just amazing!

Take a dance class in a new style. Don't be shy, darling, explore – find out about different styles. Have a go. Who knows, you might discover a passion you never knew you had. Maybe salsa, or tap dance? Be bold! You can do it!

Pick up some gorgeous fabric for that tutu project. My dear, just imagine it: You, twirling away in your unique handmade creation. If you don't know how, no problem! We all start somewhere! Check online for tutorials. Don’t forget the fabric stores are there to support your needs.

And last but not least... remember my most treasured rule of life: Wear pink. Wear tutus. And most of all: Twirl freely!

See you next Tuesday, you lovely people!