#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1999-09-07

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to the 7th September, 1999. Imagine, my dears, a world without iPhones, Netflix, and that delightful man who plays Gandalf… It's a world I sometimes dream of experiencing!

But today, we're focused on something more timeless: The Tutu! And how it's graced the stages of ballet and fashion over the years.

Today, I'm standing backstage at the Royal Opera House in London. The air is electric, filled with the aroma of hairspray and anticipation. I'm about to witness a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, one of my all-time favourites! I've travelled here by train, of course - I wouldn't dream of being stuck in a traffic jam when a world-class performance awaits!

Just stepping onto the cobbled streets around Covent Garden is a sensory delight! The vibrant colours, the murmur of excited conversation, the tinkling of a busker's tune… It's just… magical. And the theatre itself, steeped in history and whispered stories of legendary dancers, it’s like stepping back in time.

Speaking of time, let’s take a quick peek into the evolution of the tutu! It all began back in the early 1800s, with the burgeoning popularity of Romantic ballet. These early tutus were made of lightweight fabrics and didn’t have the rigid, layered skirts we know today. They allowed the dancers more freedom of movement, embodying the light and ethereal spirit of this new dance era.

And wouldn't you know it, but this week, 1999, is an important milestone! The Royal Ballet is showcasing The Sleeping Beauty, a truly iconic ballet that showcases the full power of the tutu! From the regal elegance of the Principal dancer's white tutu to the mischievous fluttering of the fairies’ pastel-hued tulle, this ballet is a tutu-lover's dream!

While the tutu has its roots in the world of classical ballet, it's had a magical metamorphosis! You might spot a modern ballerina wearing a dramatic tutu, its layers adorned with glittering beads or bold abstract patterns. Even our everyday fashion scene has been touched by this magical piece of dancewear!

As I'm typing this, a glimpse of 1990s fashion flickers through my mind. It’s an interesting decade. Denim and grunge ruled the streets, and yet, there were signs of a blossoming interest in fashion that celebrated a more ethereal aesthetic! The "Romantic Ballet" theme seems to have been brewing in the collective subconscious, leading to a revival of tulle skirts and shimmering layers in street fashion, albeit not in true tutu-fashion! But as my readers know, every trend is a step closer to the ultimate dream of a pink tutu revolution.

Now, imagine this: you're walking down the high street and you see a fashionista rocking a pink tutu paired with a leather jacket! That, my dears, is ballet-inspired style at its finest! This seamless blend of grace and street-smart is my fashion dream!

And wouldn't you know it, the 7th September 1999 was also a big day for fashion. That very week, London Fashion Week was taking place! A showcase of the newest trends and exciting new talent. This is exactly what inspired me to embark on my own ballet-inspired fashion journey!

But enough about the trends! Let's remember that the real magic of the tutu is its connection to the world of dance. The beauty of a dancer swirling through the air, the grace with which she extends her leg, the sheer power she emanates with a simple plie – it all speaks to a language that transcends time and culture.

Remember, every single one of you has a dancer within. Just think of a ballerina, pirouette! What does she do before every step? She starts! So get up, move, have fun and dance, every day! Even if it's just a twirl in your kitchen wearing your favorite outfit, it is dancing! I urge you to give it a go – you might surprise yourself with what you discover. And remember, it's never too late to learn a new pirouette, or, perhaps, learn how to create your very own Pink Tutu design!

I am off to my Ballet class! Until next week, keep on twirling and remember: Embrace the Pink, Live the Dream!

Love always,

Emma

I’ll be sure to share a snapshot of my latest creation on the website soon! Until then, keep twirling, and let's keep the pink tutu revolution going!