Welcome back, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous journey through the world of ballet history. Today is a special #TutuTuesday - it’s March 28th 2000! Get your tickets ready because we're taking the magical, twirling train ride back to the turn of the millennium! This is post number 8779 for my Ballet Tutu History blog, available weekly on www.pink-tutu.com - so grab your afternoon tea, a delicious biscuit and settle in for a truly delightful trip!
The year 2000 is so fascinating! Imagine – Y2K scares, dial-up internet and, of course, a booming love affair with tutus in ballet and beyond. It’s a period steeped in romance, creativity, and… well, I confess, a bit of an explosion of sparkle! It’s where my own obsession with the little dance-worthy skirts took off.
We’re in the heart of the tutu renaissance, ladies and gentlemen! Ballet companies everywhere were dancing to new music and exploring new ways to show off those frothy delights! Now, let's get a bit more specific about how these enchanting garments were making waves on the 28th March 2000.
(Remember, dear reader, while I adore tutus, some of these events were a bit out of the pink tutu zone. Just trust me, there’s still a lot of fun to be found in this exciting period, regardless!)
But first, a word about our fab time-travelling wardrobe…
Before I share the big happenings from March 28th 2000, I have to talk about the outfit! It's essential to blend in and be fashionable in the right period, right? Well, imagine a powder pink tulle tutu, fluffy and delicate, layered with sheer lavender petticoats, sparkling with tiny sequins. It dances gracefully as I move around the 21st Century - a perfect picture of pink-powered grace. A sparkly silk shawl drapes across my shoulders to give a hint of sophistication, and tiny pink ballet pumps finish the look - a touch of ballet elegance for my adventure! I'm looking like the pink princess of the ball!
Let's take a whirlwind tour of what the world of ballet was up to on this lovely March 28th!
In New York City, The American Ballet Theatre was performing “La Bayadère.” This exquisite ballet is just oozing with stunning, elaborate costumes, and the lead ballerina’s tutu, you won’t believe this… it’s white! I know, I know, not my typical pink. But with shimmering decorations and a cascade of feathers, the costume becomes an entire showstopper. You simply can’t take your eyes off it. And, of course, “La Bayadère” is a classic - it’s timeless and captivating, just like the beauty of a classic tutu.
Across the pond, the Royal Opera House in London, oh, such a delightful building, had the English National Ballet performing “The Sleeping Beauty.” This romantic ballet is famous for the iconic fairy godmothers, and their elegant, shimmering costumes just mesmerise me! You just know I was thrilled to see those gorgeous tutu’s up close, imagine… they had actual jewels and gemstones embedded in the fabrics, each sparkling and reflecting the stage lights!
Meanwhile, in Paris… You know Paris - the epitome of elegance and fashion! It's a treasure trove for any tutu enthusiast!
On this March 28th, The Paris Opera Ballet was enchanting the Parisian audiences with "Swan Lake.” I just had to be there, the Palais Garnier Opera House is an absolute fairytale venue for this iconic production. I mean, who wouldn't be fascinated by a performance that featured not one, but two kinds of tutus? One graceful and ethereal white for Odette, the graceful swan, and a breathtaking black costume for the menacing Odile, the evil temptress! This ballet, you can’t get enough of it, my darlings.
But the magic of ballet didn’t stop at those prestigious venues. Let’s travel the world on a whirlwind tour, where even local events embraced the elegance of tutus!
Did you know that the University of Minnesota’s School of Music had a special dance performance in March 2000? Imagine a mix of contemporary ballet and fun choreography… now picture a gorgeous purple and silver tutu! So many fun colour combinations, the students embraced a beautiful medley of styles and creativity - truly inspired! I adore their willingness to experiment and create.
Of course, if you are interested in shopping for tutus, the world is your oyster!
I hear that the website Ebay was the place to be for finding rare and unique tutus on that day. Maybe I could find my very own sparkly, silver tutu? I can just picture myself in the theatre with that sparkling beauty, watching the latest productions. I would be absolutely divine!
What could be better than dancing and dreaming in a fabulous tutu on a glorious day? The sheer wonder of those elegant and expressive little skirts. Just wonderful!
But for the time being, let's just leave this time travelling tutu trail to get back to my Derbyshire cottage, put my travel gear away and enjoy a cup of tea while watching the sunset! It was a delightful trip through the magical, twirling history of tutus.
Remember, darlings, the journey is as exciting as the destination, and until next #TutuTuesday, don’t forget to embrace a little pink magic in your life!
Stay twirling,
Emma
