Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday and I am absolutely bursting with excitement because today, my dears, we're stepping back in time to April 6th, 1999! Can you believe it? Almost a quarter of a century ago!
Now, you know how much I love a good bit of time travel - it's my little secret. And luckily, I've been able to fund these thrilling journeys with a few sneaky performances here and there - a quick twirl in a London theatre or perhaps a graceful dance at a ball in Paris. (One simply cannot pass up a chance to showcase a fab new pink tutu, eh?)
So, as you know, we're talking tutus this week. Imagine, dear reader, tutus in the year 1999! Such a wonderfully exciting era for fashion and tutus! The 90s were truly the peak of ballet and dance, and with the resurgence of fashion styles today, the tutu remains a strong and enduring symbol. And wouldn't you know, a ballet tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn (remember that sensational ballerina?) is being auctioned today - in Sotheby's, London. Just picture it!
What is happening in the wider world this day? Hmm, I see a new movie has just been released - a delightful comedy called Office Space, but a lot of folk are raving about a sci-fi flick, The Matrix. Who knows, maybe one day we can even use 'bullet time' like Neo, to freeze mid-twirl - that would make for the most spectacular Instagram stories, don't you think?
As for music, No Scrubs by TLC is topping the charts right now, so it's all about sassy hip-hop vibes and killer dance moves. Who knows, maybe I'll have to incorporate some of their moves into my ballet class next week! Imagine that, dear readers, "No Scrubs" as ballet. What a mix!
But back to tutus! 1999, oh 1999! You were the decade that was all about bright, playful colours and exciting textures. And tutus were definitely reflecting those trends. Think of bright, vibrant pinks with sequined trims, fluffy feathers, and even glitter! Let's be honest, every tutu is made more magnificent with some dazzling embellishments! I always say, a splash of sparkle and a pinch of fun, and your tutu is ready for any stage!
Imagine, dear reader, seeing those stunning tutus being worn on stage! The beauty of a well-executed fouetté - that flick of the leg – and the way the tulle billows with such dramatic grace - all thanks to that glorious tutu! It's simply captivating.
This era also saw the popularity of longer tutus, particularly those seen in "Giselle," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "Swan Lake." Imagine a ballerina performing a majestic adagio in a voluminous tutu – it truly feels like flight.
Now, the tutu, it's more than just a piece of clothing, dear readers. It’s a symbol, a dream, an escape! A ballerina in her tutu feels like a princess on a grand adventure, a mystical fairy, a delicate and powerful sorceress – she can truly be anything she dreams to be.
You know, dear readers, we have so much to thank 1999 for! That year, there were countless captivating dance performances around the world! We had a very young, beautiful dancer in Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House and she had us all spellbound. It was a magical performance!
Speaking of performance, one can't speak about the 90s and tutus without talking about ballet's great street and theatre performer - Michael Flatley. Now he really was something else, eh? "Lord of the Dance", a show that really captivated everyone with the beauty of Irish dancing. What energy, what power and a man, all thanks to those wonderfully stylish pants and those impressive tutus (even for the boys!). That's what we like to see!
But let's not forget the importance of comfort and versatility. There was also a rise in the popularity of shorter tutus for practicing, especially in dance studios. These more flexible tutus were ideal for learning leaps and twirls – after all, we can't forget the importance of those practicalities, can we?
My darlings, one of the reasons why the tutu remains a timeless fashion statement - it's versatile! Wear it at the ballet, wear it to a festival, wear it to a picnic! (Although I’m not entirely sure I’d be keen to wear one to a muddy field!) It is that one-piece of clothing that truly represents your unique style. And, let's be honest, who doesn't feel like a bit of a fairy princess while twirling around in a fabulous tutu?
Oh, and I can't help but talk about this delightful trend that came around in the late 90s: The tutu-skirt! Now, this is a must-have in any fashion-forward girl’s wardrobe, don't you think? They were everywhere - at parties, clubs, festivals - the ultimate fusion of style and flair! They brought that extra touch of fun and whimsical flair. Imagine the bright pink tutu-skirt - simply fabulous, darlings!
So, there you have it, a little trip through the time tunnel to see how the tutu has remained a vital piece of dancewear for all those ballet enthusiasts – from aspiring dancers to the most renowned choreographers. Remember, a ballet tutu, it stands for beauty, passion, joy, and, of course, a good old-fashioned bit of fun!
*Until next Tuesday, darlings, remember, life is better in a tutu - especially if it’s pink! *
Xx
Emma
