Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, back for another Tuesday with a trip down the wondrous, whimsical world of ballet history! Today, we're zipping through time to the 1st of June 1999.
My goodness, can you believe it's almost 25 years ago? Where did the time go? Anyway, back to the time machineā¦Iām standing backstage at the magnificent Royal Opera House in London. Just imagine the electric atmosphere! This is the place to be for the latest in ballet fashion and performance, and trust me, itās not disappointing!
Now, what's hot in the world of tutus right now? Well, tutus are definitely a statement piece, and the bigger the better. A classic, romantic tutus of tulle in dreamy shades of pink and cream are always in demand. Think flowing layers of delicate netting that almost seem to float! The dancers at the Royal Ballet look divine in these, they make you dream of sugarplums and graceful twirls.
But we've also got the ultra-modern tutu making waves! Imagine this: sleek lines, strong, sharp cuts of fabric, and dramatic use of black and white. This look is making the contemporary choreographers very excited - it adds a strong, athletic edge to their pieces. Itās all about the strong, empowered dancer! And trust me, I love to watch a fierce ballerina power through a routine in a modern tutu ā it gives me a serious confidence boost. I mean, a little black tutu on a talented ballerina? Yes please! It makes for one powerful performance.
Speaking of power moves, 1999 sees ballet branching out beyond the confines of the traditional theatre! Imagine a ballerina doing pirouettes and fouettĆ©s in a bustling street, not on a grand stageā¦Yes, we are in the era of Ballet Street and the exciting emergence of outdoor dance. Think city streets transformed into makeshift stages, capturing the hearts and attention of a much wider audience.
But itās not all about dancing in the streets. On this day, there's something incredibly exciting on at the Royal Opera House. You wouldnāt want to miss the premiere of Kenneth MacMillan's "Manon", a poignant story of a beautiful but tragic love affair, perfect for those who love the classic feel with a little added passion! There's also a performance of āSleeping Beauty", with an exquisite Tchaikovsky score, a story that transports us to the magic world of fairy tales, complete with the most impressive tutus you've ever seen. Imagine rows and rows of tiered layers of tulle, all so full, you can barely believe they manage to dance in them! Just picture it ā the tutus have to move, ripple, flow as beautifully as the dancers. Itās a sight to behold!
Just as Iām enjoying this performance and planning my outfits for the post-ballet drinks and bites at the Theatre cafeā¦a sense of foreboding grips me. The news headlines talk of some new millennium ābugā that's threatened to bring the world crashing down around us! Itās hard to think of computers in this era of classic music, traditional theatre and ballerina twirls but there is so much change afoot. Who wouldāve thought this century would see a digital revolution.
While the world grapples with the Y2K problem, my focus is entirely on ballet, its glorious costumes and the beautiful and delicate world of tulle and silk. For me, fashion, ballet and art remain constant, untouched by a computer glitch. But fear not, darling readers, the tutu always endures! I shall make sure of it! I know that come 2000, everyone in the world will be wearing a tutu. You mark my words, my pink tutu will make it happen!
And what better way to end our #TutuTuesday trip back in time than a quick dash around London for a spot of post-ballet retail therapy. Oh, what treasures I'm going to find! Thereās a gorgeous new boutique just around the corner on Carnaby Street. The new season of clothes will have the most amazing things in them: delicate silks, playful patterns and, you guessed itā¦plenty of pink tutus, for both on-stage and off! So what do you say? Fancy coming along with me for a little fashion fix? Let's dive into the fabulousness of a fashionable day in the late 90s and get some serious fashion inspiration for this week. We'll be having the best time together, itāll be pure pink-tutu heaven!
Until next Tuesday, darlings,
Your Time Traveling Tutu-Loving Blogger, Emma
xxx
