Hello lovelies!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things pink and fluffy reign supreme! It's #TutuTuesday, and this week, I'm taking us on a time-traveling adventure to September 21st, 1999. Buckle up, darlings, because it's about to get tutu-rific!
(Remember, if you're new to Pink-Tutu.com, make sure you check out the archives. You can find this post on the website at post number 8752, if you're wanting to scroll through time. I love the way it all flows together, from past to present! It really is a ballet story.)
Today, we're venturing into the exciting world of the late 1990s - a decade where oversized silhouettes reigned, crop tops were all the rage, and the Spice Girls ruled the charts (they wore tutus sometimes, but they're a bit too...spicy for my tastes). It's a time just before the 21st century, and everyone is full of hope and excitement about the future, so get ready to hop in my time-traveling hot pink carriage and journey with me!
Now, for today's topic...
The Tutu Through The Ages: 1999
It's so interesting to see how the tutu has evolved through the years. In 1999, it was a fascinating time to be a tutu enthusiast. The tutu itself was evolving; its styles were less strict, moving away from the more classical shapes we all love so much. This was the era of the ‘ballet fusion’ tutu. Modern movements like neo-classical were bringing a different perspective to dance and it had a profound influence on the tutu. This brought a more informal, and playful approach, using materials such as nylon, tulle and feather boas in the form of a "cocktail" style, almost as if you were attending a glitzy, pink, tutu party on the beach in California. There was this fabulous emphasis on experimenting with layering and draping, adding movement to the classic ballerina silhouette in a new way.
But it wasn't just about fashion! 1999 marked a time where ballet began to reach a broader audience through new forms like ballet on TV and dance films. You could almost feel the magic in the air! The stories about ballet were told not just on stage but through all kinds of channels. This era definitely had a captivating energy around it and it helped pave the way for future generations of ballet dancers.
Oh, and on this particular date, something extraordinary happened! The American Ballet Theatre brought its stunning “Giselle” to the London Coliseum, and the response was truly breathtaking! It's like seeing a painting brought to life! The tutus? Pure magic! You couldn't imagine a better ballet story told through such a magnificent art form. Oh, the emotion and drama on stage that night! And that's only the tip of the tutu iceberg for that year! It truly was a whirlwind of balletic beauty and captivating movement.
My personal style? Oh, it was pretty outrageous, even for me! I loved incorporating lots of layers, sequins, and feathers...the more pink, the better! That's one of the amazing things about ballet style. The way you feel can influence the outfit you wear. And let me tell you, 1999 made me feel completely fabulous. It really embraced the concept of ‘the more, the merrier' – you can really go all out with style! Just imagine flowing pink tulle dresses, ruffled tops, and bold jewellery....that's just a glimpse into the wonderful world of tutus in the late '90s! I’d probably layer a bright, sparkly tutu with some chunky platforms or platform boots with some brightly coloured tights, just to make an even bigger statement! A bit wild, but always full of joy!
So, how does all this tutu goodness connect to my love of travelling, you ask? Well, to tell the truth, in 1999, my love for ballet took me on a whirlwind adventure to see ‘Giselle’ at the London Coliseum. And, who doesn't love a train journey? It's always such a fun way to get from one ballet destination to another. Imagine travelling by train, surrounded by those lovely vintage-style windows while soaking in the countryside and making notes about future tutu-inspired adventures. Every ride is like stepping into a new, stylish era! And besides, a well-chosen tutu is perfectly practical for travelling too – who needs luggage when you have a multi-layered tutu?!
Speaking of tutus...
Did you know that tutus actually started with a revolutionary ballet dancer named Marie Taglioni, back in the 1830s? She was the first to ever wear one for a ballet! Imagine wearing something so avant-garde for your first time. She really was a woman ahead of her time! You wouldn't have seen a dancer like her before! There is truly no more stunning spectacle on this planet than the sight of a graceful dancer in a full tutu.
It's something we can truly thank Marie for – creating a lasting symbol of grace and creativity. Now that's truly inspiring! It truly showcases the artistry and innovation that have always been a part of ballet, and this is something that continues to resonate with us to this day. And isn't that what fashion is all about? It’s all about celebrating artistry, imagination and creative expression in the most magical of ways. It's not just a garment; it's an expression of who you are and your creative spirit. And you know what, I always try to incorporate a bit of that Taglioni inspiration in my everyday fashion choices. A bit of that elegant, flowing magic never goes out of style!
It's a big part of why I love TutuTuesday so much! It’s the day to showcase the unique magic of tutus in all their glory, just like we are doing right now!
Tutus are more than just pretty costumes - they tell stories of courage, dreams and transformation! So let's keep wearing them, celebrating them, and sharing that ballet love with the whole world. What’s the only thing more powerful than the ballerina who believes she can fly? A ballerina in a tutu. Because nothing says you can fly like a big fluffy tutu and a smile. Don't ever stop dreaming, and remember,
It’s never too late to wear a tutu!
See you next week for another fabulous #TutuTuesday, lovelies!
Don't forget to join our community on Instagram and Pinterest @pink-tutu and on Facebook: Pink Tutu!
And keep the sparkle flowing! 💖
