Hello darlings, and welcome back to another sparkling Tutu Tuesday! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back from a whirlwind adventure through the fascinating world of… well, everything, really! As you all know, I’m constantly flitting through time, searching for the next exciting bit of ballet history to share with you. This week, I’ve popped in for a little visit to 29th March, 2005, and oh my, it’s a blast from the past!
It’s amazing how things have changed, and yet, haven't. The tutus - those exquisite, floating dreams of tulle and fabric - are still captivating audiences around the world! And even though 2005 was a good seventeen years ago (whoa!), it felt strangely familiar. But then again, what isn't familiar when you've danced your way through history, eh? 😉
So, what was going on in the world of dance on that fine spring day back in 2005? Well, as you can probably guess, it was a day overflowing with stunning performances and exquisite fashion. As I landed in London, I dashed straight for the Royal Opera House. I adore that building – so grand, so elegant! They were putting on a new production of Giselle. Imagine, a gorgeous story of love and betrayal, wrapped in that timeless beauty of classic ballet. A little bird told me the lead was stunning, even in a tutu.
Oh, and before I forget, the real news for you lovelies! In 2005, there was a rather exciting phenomenon: a resurgence in pink tutus. I know, right?! As if there could be a more divine combination than a twirling, elegant tutu and the vibrant, delightful colour pink? This whole pink trend started in the 90s and carried over into the early 2000s. Even though it feels like a whole other life ago, the pink tutus were like, huge! I could definitely tell. Everyone seemed to be embracing a little bit of femininity in their dancewear, even the ballet boys, though I'm not sure they'd wear pink in a tutu quite yet. Think about it! Pink, the colour of magic, kindness, and the ever-so-lovely feminine spirit… It just radiates happiness. It really puts a pep in my step. Don't you agree?
Anyway, enough of me, my darlings. You're all probably dying to hear what I found for you in 2005, so here is this week’s dose of sartorial inspiration:
Fashion finds from a Time-Traveling Ballerina! 👗🩰:
- A touch of colour: A key trend for dancers in 2005 was bright, bold colour in their costumes. Don’t think black leotards were a thing. Pink and other colourful leotards, and even sparkly tutus, were all the rage, as well as bright, stylish tights.
- The new “deconstructed” ballerina look: While it's definitely not for every dance class, 2005 saw a rise in dance wear that incorporated a more deconstructed look. Think things like shorter skirts, and more fitted shirts and sweaters in bold colors and fabrics.
- The 'layered look' makes a comeback: Layers weren’t just for the colder months back in 2005. Adding sweaters over dance dresses, leggings underneath tights or a shirt under a tank was the look. You’d often see it in studio settings or during dance breaks between practices or performances, for sure.
*My Personal Travel Diary: *
You know I can't come back from a journey without bringing you a little bit of what makes a time-travelling ballerina so happy! Well, apart from travelling in my beautiful pink tutu, of course.
2005’s England - a land of charm! London, a city buzzing with energy, brimming with history, and of course, fantastic shops! From Selfridges and Harrods, oh my, there are some incredible high-street boutiques like Monsoon and Dorothy Perkins, perfect for all your dance wear. And the train journeys! Honestly, nothing can quite match the romance of a journey through the English countryside in one of those quaint and cosy trains! Every window offered a delightful scene - lush green meadows, majestic castles, and sleepy villages – a painter's dream, wouldn't you say?
After the shows and the shopping, I made my way to my favourite tea room, hidden away in a quiet corner of London. It was so peaceful there. A place for reading the latest ballet magazines (oh my, they’ve come a long way! All glossy and beautifully written) and indulging in a spot of tea, delicious pastries, and just living. There was such a charm about that era. Perhaps you have to go back in time to truly appreciate it!
*Time Travel Tidbits: *
- *Did you know…? * The iconic “tutu” first emerged during the Romanticism era in ballet, but the silhouette we know and love wasn’t introduced until the 1800s by Marie Taglioni, an Italian ballerina who revolutionized the dance world! And as for “Pink,” well, pink had been seen as a masculine color as recently as the late 19th century (really?!) It's crazy to think that even a century ago people considered the colour pink masculine! That’s all thanks to society’s sometimes ridiculous standards! We’ll ignore that now and revel in our delightful shade. 😊
Now, my lovely darlings, go on, twirl around a bit and channel your inner ballerina! * We'll be back next week for a *Tutu Tuesday full of pink-tutu fashion and travel tips! Until then, keep those shoes polished and those smiles shining. And don’t forget: wear your tutu with pride! 💕
Love and pink tutus, Emma x
