Hiya everyone! 🙋♀️ It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing ballerina, ready to whisk you back in time for another fabulous #TutuTuesday journey! This week, we're taking a trip to the wonderful world of ballet, but this time we're going further back than usual - all the way to the 22nd of May, 2001! Can you believe it? I've even dusted off my vintage, pearl-encrusted tutu for this occasion. It's all the rage back then, apparently. 😊
But first, let me tell you all about my last trip. I headed to Paris, a truly fabulous destination for any tutu-lover, and I simply couldn't resist popping into Galeries Lafayette for a bit of a spree! My dear friends know I can't go anywhere without a good dose of retail therapy, especially when it comes to sequins, frills, and the finest tulle. The vintage department there is a dream come true, so of course I picked up a couple of beautiful, old ballet tutus from the 1930s for my collection! 💖
Anyway, back to the 22nd of May, 2001. This date is fascinating, my lovelies! The world is quite a bit different back then, at least in the ballet world. The internet is still fairly new, but dance-related websites are starting to appear - exciting! The world's biggest ballet company, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, has a fantastic new website with photos and information, all about the amazing work they are doing, which was quite groundbreaking for the time.
I know you're probably wondering what it's like, the ballet world back then. Imagine all the fantastic performances taking place around the globe, the excitement, the grandeur! Back then, the Royal Ballet was just starting its summer season with the "mixed programme", which featured 'La Fille mal gardée', 'Rhapsody', 'Elegy', and 'Marguerite and Armand', the incredible work that made Margot Fonteyn famous. A total dream, wouldn't you say?
The New York City Ballet was holding its Spring season, which featured ballets by Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, George Balanchine, and Christopher Wheeldon. How exciting! And remember back in those days, they had something called the "Diamond Project". I hear it was about discovering new talents, with its focus on contemporary dance choreography. Can you imagine how fantastic it would be to have been part of such an inspiring programme?
Speaking of inspiration, my darlings, this Tuesday's post isn't just about remembering a past date. It's also about celebrating the magic of dance itself! Even though ballet may be rooted in tradition, the best dancers always embrace new movements and push the boundaries of artistry, just as those amazing choreographers and dancers were doing in 2001. And this brings me to my favorite part - it's time for our "Ballet Tutu Inspiration" section. Get those tutu-wearing imaginations ready!
Let's Talk about Tutus:
So, back in 2001, the tutu was going through a renaissance, it seemed! The iconic tutu, as you all know, is a fundamental piece of any ballet dancer’s wardrobe, whether they're performing Swan Lake or The Nutcracker. Tutus come in all shapes and sizes, you know, just like the beautiful, talented dancers who wear them! We've got the classic, romantic, and incredibly elegant Romantic Tutu. These, my loves, are the beauties with multiple layers of soft, ethereal tulle, designed to evoke the enchanting atmosphere of early ballets like "Giselle." Then we have the Classical Tutu – often a bit more streamlined with a tight fit to allow for full freedom of movement. This design lets dancers demonstrate their incredible artistry with elegant, graceful moves.
For me, there's something special about each type of tutu, but personally, my heart belongs to the Romantic Tutu. The airy, ethereal look of the soft tulle just adds such a magical, fairy tale touch to any performance. Remember back in 2001, one of the most talked-about performances featured dancers twirling around in these enchanting tutus.
Remember, darlings, you don't need to be a professional ballerina to enjoy the beauty and wonder of ballet. Let your inner ballerina out, dance around, embrace your dreams, and don't forget your trusty pink tutu. 💖 And do be sure to stop by next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday history.
Lots of love, Emma 💖
P.S. Did you know that this year's Royal Opera House spring season opened on the 17th of May, and on the 22nd of May it is celebrating "Shakespeare Night" - imagine all the drama and art, completely enchanting! They are presenting "Falstaff" for a spectacular one-night event. Oh, to be there, right? Well, off I go then. Time travel waits for no one, darlings! 😉
www.pink-tutu.com 🩰
