Hello, darling dancers! It's your favourite pink-loving tutu enthusiast, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through the history of this delightful garment. Today, we're travelling back to June 3rd, 2003! Grab your best tutu, your favourite pair of ballet shoes, and prepare for a delightful trip down memory lane.
The year is 2003. Britney Spears is on top of the world with "Toxic", we're all still getting used to dial-up internet (remember the ear-splitting sound of the modem!), and everyone's rocking those low-rise jeans. Oh, and remember that awful "fashion" trend with those low-rise jeans worn with belly-button-baring shirts? Ugh, let's just leave that in the past.
Back in 2003, the ballet world was as vibrant and beautiful as ever, and of course, tutus were a crucial part of that. You see, the tutu is more than just a skirt; it's an expression of artistry, a symbol of graceful movement, and a sprinkle of magic that truly elevates a performance. It's no wonder that I just adore this incredible, time-honoured piece of dance attire.
Now, let's take a closer look at what was going on in the world of ballet on this particular June 3rd, 2003...
The Royal Ballet in London, known for its elegance and precision, was holding an exciting performance of Swan Lake, a masterpiece that still captures hearts and imaginations across the globe.
Across the pond, the New York City Ballet was showcasing their iconic "Jewels" by George Balanchine. Imagine sparkling gem tones brought to life through beautiful choreographies. My favourite tutu has to be the 'Emeralds' – simply magnificent! I’ve seen this piece performed live several times, and it never fails to transport me to a different dimension of artistry. It’s quite something to experience such a magnificent performance, not to mention the vibrant tutus that each of the three ballets require.
On this day, the San Francisco Ballet were staging "The Sleeping Beauty" – a grand and classical fairytale performance filled with captivating beauty. What's more wonderful than watching the story unfold before your eyes, complete with the quintessential Romantic tutu, made even more captivating through the lighting? The way the stage is lit – like a soft candle glow – creates a unique magical ambiance. I simply can’t get enough!
Back in Derbyshire, I’m putting my own tutu skills to the test with my usual Tuesday ballet class at the local studio. After our session, my friend Rachel and I always pop into a vintage clothing store near the train station – our usual pit stop before travelling back home. And you can imagine – I can’t resist the lure of the second-hand vintage tutus. It’s such an exciting day in Derbyshire and you can be sure there will be plenty of tea involved.
These are just a few highlights of the ballet scene back on June 3rd, 2003. However, it is impossible to mention every single exciting dance happening around the world in a single blog post. What's so captivating about these performances is that they provide a window into the past, letting us see the dance trends of a different era. It's fascinating to see how tutus evolved over the years! They truly reflect the changing world and how dancers used their art to push boundaries and make statements about the social landscape of the times.
As I twirl through time, one thing that remains constant – tutus have always been, and always will be, an important part of ballet and an emblem of dance history. But, like everything else in life, tutus are always evolving – I find myself continually intrigued by how the contemporary interpretation of the traditional tutus is so vibrant, so beautiful and ever-changing. You never know, perhaps one day you'll find me wearing an outrageous, extra-sparkly and fully modern take on the classical tutu, in my own special style, on stage.
Speaking of new interpretations, I have been busy experimenting with some new tutu designs lately. You know, with my own brand of ‘vintage style’ combined with that little bit of a ‘modern twist’, and all the colours you could dream of! The result? A range of dazzling new tutus that are all set to make their debut next month at a fabulous event in London. I'm excited to show you all what I've been working on. Stay tuned for a post detailing the exciting new designs. But for now, you’ll have to use your imagination. It will all be revealed soon – you won’t want to miss this!
Until next week, dear readers, keep on twirling, be adventurous and always embrace the pink, the fabulous, and the inspiring magic that only the perfect tutu can provide.
P.S: Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com and join our fabulous tutu-loving community.
Until then, keep twirling in your finest tutu!
Love, Emma x
