Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today, on this glorious #TutuTuesday, we're going on a little trip through time! Buckle up, because we're venturing back to 19th November 2002 - and oh my, it's like a dream!
My trusty time machine (which, for the record, is not a DeLorean but a gloriously pink, meticulously restored, vintage train carriage) whirled me right into the heart of New York City. Now, I have to tell you, there's nothing quite like the buzz of Manhattan - the smell of hotdogs, the yellow cabs whizzing past, the excited chatter of tourists! And, of course, there's a fantastic tutu scene!
The ballet world was in full bloom back in 2002. You had ballerinas like Sylvie Guillem - an absolute icon - still gracing the stages. And who could forget Gelsey Kirkland, a legend with the most magical footwork you've ever seen!
Oh, and the fashion, darling! Imagine - we’re just getting the hang of designer handbags that are bigger than our heads. It was the era of skinny jeans and the ever-so-slightly-too-much sparkle, which of course I absolutely adored! We're talking sequined everything!
Speaking of sparkle, let's talk tutus. In 2002, the tutus were delicious. I remember seeing a show at Lincoln Center (I'd travelled uptown on the 1 train, all the way from downtown, darling! In a pink, glittery tracksuit, naturally!) and there was a company, I think it was New York City Ballet, with tutus in the most incredible shade of emerald green. Honestly, it was like looking at a bunch of beautiful peacocks, with the tiniest hints of blush pink layered in for good measure.
But tutus are not just about ballet! In 2002, the world was going wild for all things "girly" and glamorous, and the tutu became a symbol of fun and playful energy. It was the fashion statement for a girl who wants to make a statement. Honestly, a lot of us wore them on casual outings. Imagine a perfectly fluffy pink tutu with a denim jacket - pure sartorial magic!
Let me take you back to 19th November 2002 itself - it was Tuesday, darling! And guess what, New York's ballet scene was bursting with exciting happenings! The American Ballet Theatre was showing off its incredible talent at the Metropolitan Opera House! They had the most spectacular swan costumes - I swear, you could have mistaken them for the real thing! It was breathtaking!
Later that same night, there was a special premiere of a new piece, "The Rite of Spring," performed by The Paul Taylor Dance Company. This is actually a story I have to tell you about: remember, we were just on the cusp of knowing what to do with technology in the performing arts, and a little birdie told me that the dance itself incorporated new forms of lighting, so, imagine: dancing figures illuminated by strobe lights and spotlights, and these absolutely gorgeous tutus - truly captivating.
Now, in 2002, online blogging was just starting to become a thing. And honestly, can you believe it, the tutu wasn't the biggest trend in blogs? A little late to the party, don’t you think? Luckily for all of us, though, we had fashion magazines - Vogue, Elle, you name it! - absolutely brimming with tutus. Oh, to see a little girl in a tutu, swishing around on the cover of a fashion magazine - simply divine!
What can I say, I really loved being in New York City in 2002. It was an electrifying atmosphere of dance, fashion, and pure unbridled creativity!
Now, I’ve told you about New York City, and 2002 was a magical time in terms of dance history. And oh darling, we all know that dancing is the best thing ever - especially when you're twirling around in your favorite pink tutu, don’t you think? We need to remember the joy of dance.
To keep you in that pink tutu spirit, my little darlings, I leave you with my favourite tutu-wearing ballerina: Misty Copeland. And as a special treat for all you tutudesigners, there’s a brand new website: www.tutu-empire.com - check it out and let me know what you think.
And remember - there is a tutu out there for every occasion! Let your inner ballerina shine and #SpreadTheTutuLove! Until next week, stay glamorous!
Love,
Emma x
