Hello darling tutus! It's Emma here, your resident time-traveling ballerina and purveyor of all things pink! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we celebrate the fabulous history of the ballet tutu, from its humble beginnings to its gloriously frilly present!
Now, you wouldn't believe the journey I took this week to get to you all! It involved a particularly delightful ride on a steam train - a lovely red one, naturally - and an unexpected pitstop in Vienna for a gloriously grand waltz. Talk about getting a dose of history!
Anyway, today we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to 11th January 2000. You might be thinking "Emma, 2000 is practically yesterday! What historical value can that possibly have?". Well, little darling tutus, even recent history is packed with fabulous insights and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
Remember, darling tutus, we're talking fashion, we're talking dance, and of course we're talking the most beautiful garment ever invented, the ballet tutu!
In the year 2000, the world of ballet was thriving with brilliant dancers and stunning shows. Ballet was enjoying a real golden era - just like our darling tutu itself, truly! I remember going to see Swan Lake in London, the most exquisite spectacle of swirling tulle and delicate grace! There was also the ever-so-stylish Sylvie Guillem, dancing her heart out and turning heads, she was definitely my style icon!
Speaking of style, this was a big year for fashion. The 90s trend of minimalist, almost masculine styles had faded away, and we were in the full bloom of flamboyant individuality. From the supermodels and celebrities with their playful hair and shimmering colours, right down to our average girls with their crop tops and colourful, bold make up. The world was feeling joyous, and this fun, creative energy found its way into the world of ballet fashion.
But don't forget about our favourite little number, the ballet tutu. The ballet world was moving on from the traditional, stiff and conservative tutus of old. The trend towards fluidity and artistry, combined with the resurgence of Romantic Era ballerinas like Marie Taglioni (we've got to love that legacy, right!), saw a revival of the soft, ethereal Romantic era style tutu. Imagine swirls of diaphanous tulle, graceful draping and ethereal light. Oh, the magic! This romantic aesthetic beautifully complemented the free spirit of the time, creating a unique style where dancers, quite literally, blossomed on stage.
There was also the emergence of "street ballet". This captivating, almost-rebellious new style was influenced by street culture and hip-hop. I know, what an extraordinary mix! Street dancers, known for their sharp moves and creative flair, borrowed elements from ballet, incorporating expressive, powerful jumps, graceful movement and… you guessed it… the fabulous tutu.
These street ballet artists pushed the boundaries, adding their own twist to the classic design. They were bold, innovative and dared to create something truly unique!
That January of 2000 saw the legendary “Breakin' Convention" held at the Sadler's Wells Theatre. The event showcased the very best of street dance, attracting worldwide attention. What a perfect opportunity for our darling tutu to shine and add its magical flair to the hip hop dance world!
Now, my lovelies, you know me, a ballerina, always searching for a bit of sparkle. My travels led me to London's Theatreland - talk about an absolute treat for my eyes! From grand ballrooms and vibrant stage lighting to stunning costuming and passionate performers, I was in a truly exhilarating world of dazzling fashion.
That 11th January, the show "Miss Saigon" was dazzling the West End audiences. Now, while this production wasn't solely a ballet show, it did incorporate some gorgeous, sweeping costumes and captivating choreography! I bet those performers twirled with elegant precision and powerful passion!
On this same date, back in 2000, another extraordinary ballet production graced the stage at The Royal Opera House, a true landmark of ballet history. This one was “Giselle” featuring the ever-so-talented Sylvie Guillem. Just picture the story - a beautiful peasant girl tricked into falling in love with a prince in disguise. And, my lovelies, just imagine how glorious those Romantic style tutus would look with their flowing layers of tulle and the air of ethereal grace! What a fantastic way to capture the love, heartache and ethereal beauty of the story!
Talking about tulle, it was also a very important part of fashion at that time. From the ever-so-feminine layers of the ballerina tutu, to the voluminous, floaty gowns at red carpet events. We loved layering our clothes and tutus with luxurious tulle, and even incorporating the magical fabric into our everyday clothes!
To sum up, the 11th January 2000 marked an extraordinary moment in ballet and fashion history. It marked a fusion of different dance styles, a rise of the glamorous and bold, a flourishing of individuality and most importantly… the glorious embrace of the magical and fabulous ballet tutu.
So, there you have it, darling tutus! Another glimpse into the captivating world of ballet tutu history! This January, join the #TutuTuesday movement and post pictures of yourselves rocking your favourite tutus! Whether it's a romantic, classic, street style, or even a little everyday tulle fashion, share your unique twist and show the world your love for the darling ballet tutu!
And don’t forget, darling tutus, I am off on another journey of time travel, I must try to get back in time to the ballet studios and theaters, and of course the shopping centers, before someone discovers me. Till next Tuesday, darling tutus, and stay pink,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
