Hello, my lovely tutu-lovers!
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com. This week, my fellow twirlers, weāre taking a trip back in time! Buckle up your pointe shoes, grab a pink-tutu-themed picnic basket and letās set off on the train to 1998, to discover the wondrous world of tutus in the late 1990s.
This week is number 8687 in my Ballet Tutu History series! Goodness me, thatās a lot of tutus!
Right, Iām back from a rather hectic, but fabulous weekend in Paris. This city just never disappoints. Oh the fashion, the shows, the shops ā I must have spent all my travelling money ā sigh! A good problem to have though! Anyway, it reminded me of what a privilege it is to be alive, especially for a tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed, pink-loving time-traveler!
A Day at the Opera, 1998
Remember my story about how the ballet tutu took off in the late 1800s thanks to Marie Taglioni, that darling little ballerina? Well, June 23rd 1998 marked another important milestone in the ballet tutuās illustrious journey: it was the opening night of Aida, at the glorious Royal Opera House! Think of it: sparkling lights, breathtaking costumes, and exquisite tutus. What could be more heavenly? You simply had to be there. As I watched, I saw a sea of tutus, a magical tableau of beauty, every single one perfect. I mean, I did get a little teary, to be honest!
And thatās not the only reason this particular Tuesday is special: it was also the anniversary of the first-ever #TutuTuesday - how fabulous! Can you believe that almost a century had gone by before someone realized the world needed a dedicated day for celebrating tutus?
Iād love to hear all your thoughts and memories! Did any of you witness Aida that night, or any other iconic opera in 1998? Share your favourite ballet memories in the comments.
Pink & Tutu & Everything in Between
Remember, tutu love is about more than a ballet performance. Itās a way of life, and the 1990s was definitely the era to wear tutus anywhere and everywhere.
Take Britney Spears! She didnāt let her ballet tutu dreams die just because she went mainstream pop: the pinkest of pink tutus were everywhere in music videos and on her iconic 1999 album, ā ā¦Baby One More Timeā!
For those not already in the know, this little darling has quite a long ballet background, and she went straight from a traditional tutu-shaped skirt in ballet classes, to full on rockinā pink tutu for a global audience ā not bad, hey?!
Remember this in your tutus: the most important thing is not to follow the trends - they are often changing, especially in the ballet world - but to let your inner ballerina shine through.
If you're on a mission to look like a real-life ballerina ( like yours truly, of course), but need some outfit inspiration, keep reading, becauseā¦
* Fashion Forecast: A Little Inspiration*
Letās look at the hot trends for tutus in the late ā90s for a bit of fun.
**Neon Tutus: * Oh the fun, and oh the joy! You really could wear a bright orange tutu out for dinner - that was the magic of the 1990s! No judging here, folks. In my opinion, you should rock that neon tutu to every occasion and really make it your signature look! But make sure to rock your best, brightest makeup with it. Think a real punk rock meets classic ballerina. Just fabulous.
- Tulle Skirts are absolutely essential for creating a tutu look that screams 1998. You want it full and big and very, very, pink ā think a proper tutu, but a lot more practical.
* Layered Tutu* You will never fail with layers. Tulle upon tulle makes for a spectacular tutu look! You can layer these, or put some mesh over them for an even bigger, better look! I have always said, big is better, in the wonderful world of tutus, and in my humble opinion you just cannot have too many layers.
Tutu Shoes: Remember the 1990s werenāt just about tutus - there was so much going on in footwear that was definitely made for the ballet loving girl: think about all those adorable platforms, chunky heels and kitten heels - just made to show off those beautiful, pink tutus!
How To Be A Ballerina at Home
I absolutely adore dancing ā all styles, but it's ballet that truly grabs me - it has been my passion since I was a child.
I know this is the ultimate tutu dream - a perfect tutu, perfect shoes and you are a ballerina.
But maybe just take some ballet classes to learn a few steps. Thatās why, in celebration of all things tutu, Iām sharing my top tips on how to look and feel your most ballerina best:
Think Pink: From the shoes to the tutu and absolutely everything else in your ballet wardrobe, think pink! Pink is a mood. Pink is power! Pink is a dream!
Get your dance on: Start small: get yourself into those cute ballet shoes ā even the best ballerinas started with simple steps! Practice stretches - practice leaps ā do it all in your new pink tutu. And then show off all your skills!
Listen to your favorite music: The more music the better. Nothing beats the grandiose, fabulous, powerful soundtrack of ballets! If it isnāt for an orchestra and it doesnāt make you want to twirl, then why bother?!
Don't forget a smile: Thereās nothing like the magic of a beautiful tutu that makes you feel like a princess, so you absolutely need a perfect, gorgeous smile to go with it. I mean, isnāt smiling one of the first things we learn in ballet?!
I have such a great time making this series each week. The next time youāre thinking of what to wear to your next dinner date or evening out, remember the most fabulous outfit thatāll be sure to set you apart from everyone else - the tutu! Let your tutu self run free! Be daring - you can absolutely get away with it - everyone wore tutus back in 1998. And honestly, if there's ever a reason to put a tutu on, itās the power of that wonderful ballet magic thatās still shining through. And the pink of course!
Donāt forget to visit the website and have a look around. All the latest tutu styles, everything you need to make your very own perfect tutu!
And remember to let me know your tutu-history, your dreams and ambitions in the comments below!
Your pink-tutu loving blogger, Emma
