Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog, where we explore the wonderful world of ballet and, of course, tutus! Today is extra special because we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to June 2nd, 1998. Can you believe it's been that long since I've been here? Time certainly does fly when you're waltzing through the ages, tutus and all!
(This is post number 8684 for my Ballet Tutu History blog. Catch me every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com for another fascinating historical spin on our beloved tutus!)
So, what was happening in the world of ballet on June 2nd, 1998? Well, my darlings, the Royal Ballet was having a gala performance of The Sleeping Beauty, featuring the iconic ballerina, Sylvie Guillem! I was there, of course, and the theatre was buzzing with anticipation for the magical performance. The whole evening was like a dream - elegant gowns, dazzling costumes, and of course, breathtaking dancing! Sylvie was absolutely divine in her beautiful, diaphanous tutu. She moved with such grace and effortless fluidity that my heart almost skipped a beat.
Speaking of beautiful tutus, did you know that the design of tutus has been evolving ever since the early 19th century? Back in the early days, they were more like flowing, Romantic skirts with layers and layers of fabric, creating a flowing, dreamlike silhouette.
But the "proper" tutu that we all know and love - with its airy, structured form - only started emerging in the mid-19th century! And guess what? It was a ballet called "La Fille Mal Gardée" which actually helped make the short tutu so popular! It's fascinating, really, how certain performances and costumes can become iconic and impact the whole world of dance.
Now, while the "proper" tutu was gaining traction, there were still many dancers and companies opting for the flowing, more voluminous style, creating different types of "tutus." I find myself always saying "a tutu for every occasion." But for this #TutuTuesday we're going to talk about this short tutu we've all fallen in love with, the one we know from so many famous ballets, including "Swan Lake", "The Nutcracker", "Giselle," and even "Don Quixote"! It’s so elegant and classic and I love how it highlights the graceful movement of the dancers.
Now, back to our historical journey to June 2nd, 1998! Not only did we have a lovely ballet performance to enjoy, but there was also a whole new wave of "ballet chic" blooming all across the fashion scene! The sleek and modern aesthetic of ballet was starting to translate into mainstream fashion, with streamlined silhouettes, beautiful fabrics, and plenty of black and white - all perfect for pairing with a pink tutu, if you ask me!
Imagine: a perfectly tailored black blazer, paired with a flowy white skirt, and... yes! A glorious pink tutu peeking out underneath! Doesn’t that just sound wonderful? We're talking timeless style with a dash of ballet magic!
So, as you can see, 1998 was a real gem for tutu lovers like myself. I must confess, my love for all things ballet started even earlier, right back when I was just a little girl growing up in Derbyshire. My mother took me to see the Royal Ballet in London when I was five years old. It was "Swan Lake," of course! I remember it so vividly - the glittering costumes, the swans gliding on the stage, the whole enchanting atmosphere. It's hard to express how mesmerized I was by it all. That night, my heart was captivated, and it hasn't stopped fluttering for ballet ever since.
Since then, I’ve seen so many breathtaking ballet performances across the globe - from the legendary Bolshoi Theater in Moscow to the enchanting Paris Opera Ballet. Each one has been a treasure trove of inspiration, with its stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and graceful dancers. It's really an art form that touches my soul.
Speaking of inspiring adventures, the whole time travel thing is a new hobby of mine! Imagine my delight - I can literally leap across centuries in a flash, just by wearing my trusty pink tutu and performing on stage! Each time I journey back in time, it's like stepping into a fascinating historical tapestry, full of colourful characters, changing fashions, and ever-evolving traditions. It’s an exhilarating experience and it keeps me so curious about how ballet and its style has developed over the years!
And let's not forget the wonderful outfits! It’s a fascinating journey to see how the ballerina's look has evolved! I absolutely adore researching the different historical costumes, and I can't wait to show you all the glamorous and creative creations I've discovered!
As you can see, my obsession with ballet and, naturally, tutus, runs pretty deep! But my mission is to bring that love and joy to the world! I truly believe that everyone can benefit from a little bit of ballet in their lives! Whether you're watching a performance, dancing in a class, or simply wearing a beautiful tutu to celebrate a special occasion, ballet can help you connect with your inner grace, elegance, and creativity!
So, what's next? My lovely lovelies, join me again next #TutuTuesday for more inspiring adventures! I'm off on another thrilling time travel adventure, where I’ll discover even more fascinating facets of the world of ballet! Until next week, my darling friends! Don't forget, it's always the perfect time to wear a tutu!
With love and a twinkle in my eye,
Emma
