Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back for another week of delving into the fabulous history of our beloved ballet tutus! This week I'm whisking us back to 1999, a truly glamorous year. Now, let's settle in with a nice cup of tea, shall we? We've got a whole heap of tutus to get through!
Imagine, darlings, 1999! It was a year bursting with glitz and glam - Britney Spears was topping the charts, the Spice Girls were strutting their stuff, and we all sported our best denim and platform boots. While I was channeling my inner Spice Girl in a sequined hot pink tutu (and maybe a pair of sparkly butterfly wings) , I was busy attending a most divine ballet performance at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London, that day - the 5th of October 1999. Now, who can resist a bit of Covent Garden, especially on a Tuesday?! You'll find me there every time I’m in town - so fabulous.
Speaking of Covent Garden, it's a mecca for ballet history! Remember those iconic early tutus – they weren’t the big puffy numbers we know and love today. The early tutus were modest, made of several layers of stiff material that restricted movement. Now, picture yourself doing a grand jeté in that! Not quite as graceful, is it?
Back in 1999, tutus were definitely evolving! The designs had grown more expressive and fluid, with beautiful, layered tulle skirts, creating the ethereal and feminine image we adore. And darling, let's not forget the vibrant colours and dazzling embellishments that really bring the tutus to life. They're so eye-catching!
Of course, the classic, romantic ballerina style of tutus still held strong! Think delicate pointe shoes, beautiful flowing tulle, and the grace of a Swan Lake performance. It’s just captivating! Even now, the beauty of the classical ballet tutu never gets old, and it’s a big part of why I love to watch ballet performances so much. The twirls, the jumps, the expressive arm movements - it's such a dream. I must admit, I do spend rather a lot of my time trying to get that perfect ‘leg to the side' pose - and my best efforts look like an awkward attempt at a pigeon! But you know what? I just embrace the wobbly ballet!
Oh darling, but the 1999 tutus weren’t just for graceful ballerinas – oh no! We started to see these lovely creations used for street dance and theatre performances, too! It’s a joyous sight, a touch of magic on any stage, anywhere in the world. Even if it was just the back-row dancers wearing a tiny, single layer tulle tutu on a small local stage - even a bit of sparkle from those little tutus just brightens the performance up! And it brings a touch of magic into our lives, you know, with all that pink and sparkle - it can only be a good thing!
Speaking of the beautiful tutu styles that blossomed during that fabulous year, I need to tell you about my newest shopping haul. I was at Harrods - I couldn't resist, darlings, it's simply the best for tutu inspiration! I was there on one of my favourite time-travelling shopping trips (I absolutely adore shopping, it’s truly my favourite thing to do). And Harrods is heaven - the scent, the amazing boutique windows… well, if a shopping heaven exists, I imagine it's exactly like Harrods! Anyway, I found the most amazing pink, iridescent tulle tutu, with tiny shimmering stars woven in! Absolutely perfect for this week's #TutuTuesday, wouldn’t you agree? It just screams 1999 glam!
Now, after a good afternoon spent trying on every gorgeous garment in sight at Harrods - (well, perhaps not every garment, darlings, I did need some time for my tea, a bite to eat at the cafe and some window shopping, don’t you know?! ) - it's time to hop back into the Tardis... I mean, the railway carriage! I've booked a first-class seat on the overnight train back home to Derbyshire (don't tell everyone, but I have the best view from the window in my entire carriage - it truly is the best spot, perfect for soaking up the night scenery) . You know me - I love train travel! I often get carried away dreaming up my next travel plans - so much more delightful than that plane travel! It’s quite a rush travelling to all these fabulous times and locations for ballet - even if I do end up going to the ballet performance again when I'm back! There's never enough time for shopping, exploring, and enjoying the many delightful locations across the world! And it means I’m always searching out fabulous new tutus for the blog – my passion, you see!
I must confess I'm feeling just a little melancholy about leaving behind the glamour of London for now - even though it's only a trip to 1980s Moscow to see ‘Sleeping Beauty’ performed in the famous Bolshoi Theatre - such a treat! But darling, it's time for me to hop aboard that train! So until next time, darlings! Keep dreaming in pink and never lose sight of your tutu-wearing fantasies!
Your Tutu-loving Emma.
P.S. If you love tutus as much as I do, join the Tutu Army! Remember to leave a comment below sharing your favourite tutu memories or even post a pic of yourself in a pink tutu! It's a pink wonderland out there – let’s keep it that way!
Remember, darlings, you can join the conversation on www.pink-tutu.com. There's always a new, exciting post to read about the wonder that is the ballot tutu! See you there next Tuesday!
This post has been inspired by Emma’s travels, and the fashion, performances, and beautiful tutu-wearing styles she experiences around the globe!
