Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, and this week we're stepping back in time for our #TutuTuesday exploration!
Today, my dears, we are journeying to 30th June 2009. Just imagine it: a time of skinny jeans, the first iPhone, and a world before the Kardashians were quite as...well, you know. (Can we have a moment of silence for those simpler days?) But amidst this era of music downloads and the beginnings of social media, the world of ballet continued to twirl its magic.
So grab a cuppa (or a glass of prosecco, I don't judge!) and join me for a little trip to the year 2009...
*Fashion In The Fast Lane (And on the Stage): *
Remember those headbands with giant flowers on them? Yeah, those were huge in 2009! (Seriously, where did all those flowers go? Did they get sucked into the black hole of time or something?) Anyway, ballet fashion wasn't exactly following the 'boho' trend. Instead, it was experiencing its own exciting revival, a renaissance that was as much about the classic elegance of the form as it was about modern innovation.
Let's rewind to a few decades prior. It was a time of revolution - in the 1960s, a young designer named Rudolf Nureyev literally changed the landscape of the male dancer’s attire. He shed the stiff Victorian leotards for something that reflected his athleticism and power. This shift was radical, paving the way for a more dynamic, expressive form of ballet. It's interesting, isn't it? The past informs the present. Fashion, in all its glory, is like a flowing dance, its movements linked, yet forever changing.
Back to 2009, though, and what we saw on stage reflected this continued evolution. Experimentation was taking center stage (pun intended!), and we saw new, often more elaborate, versions of the traditional tutu popping up in performances around the world. But hold your horses, dear readers! We can’t forget the enduring beauty of the classic! In fact, the short tutu, also called a ‘demi’ in the know, was particularly popular this year. We’re talking the knee-length versions, perfect for showcasing those beautiful legs.
I, for one, adore a classic short tutu - it’s just so elegant! It evokes an era of grace, of pure artistic beauty. But like I said, change is ever present!
Speaking of change, remember the ‘en pointe’ era in ballet? That era of lightness, the emphasis on tiptoes and the fluidity of movement… You’ll see that style reflected in modern pieces. They're bringing this artistry to the fore and are not afraid to add contemporary spins! For example, the New York City Ballet was embracing these daring and vibrant styles - and you just know those innovative tutus must have been breathtaking!
Shopping Like a Ballerina (But Make It 2009):
Speaking of shopping, the year 2009 was a delightful whirlwind of high street trends and online fashion discoveries. For the ballet fan, you couldn’t have asked for more. There were websites like ASOS and Topshop. I bet I had a whole shopping list that included items to be added to my growing costume collection. My time traveling fashion escapades wouldn't be complete without exploring these gems. But what a chore to return to Derbyshire when I’m so busy having a fabulous time in the city.
Oh, and the shoes! Let’s talk shoes. If there’s a time traveler’s guide to 2009 fashion, ballet flats are a non-negotiable. Whether you prefer classic black or those adorable colorful pairs that screamed 'girly chic', those ballet flats just added that extra touch of polish. I bet I snagged myself a few of those!
And for a little sprinkle of vintage inspiration, let’s not forget the comeback of the 1950s silhouettes. Yes, it was that era again, when A-line skirts, full circle skirts, and feminine blouses took center stage (and by center stage, I mean...well, everywhere, dear reader, everywhere).
But let’s face it: It’s all about the pink, right? I bet I wore something pink in 2009! But hey, why wait until you can time travel to indulge? You know the drill: Pink tutu, darling! Channel that timeless ballerina chic and bring a touch of elegance to the everyday! And for those moments of indulgence, just pop on some pink lipstick (and remember to moisturize first, dear!).
*Ballet Bonanza (Beyond The Stage): *
But it’s not just the tutus and the trends that capture my imagination. The dance itself, the art form, the captivating energy! It’s no wonder so many flock to the theatres to catch a glimpse of this graceful magic.
Oh, and remember all those movie premieres back then? Imagine yourself: a sea of paparazzi, flashbulbs blinding, and actors gliding down red carpets. It was so much fun to slip into the mix, take in the buzz, the anticipation... the thrill of witnessing a moment in history. Oh, and remember when the paparazzi actually had to chase stars instead of chasing clout online? So much less…extra than it is now.
It's the heart of it all, the connection between dancer and audience that transcends the ages. This was my main reason for visiting 2009. Just imagine the joy of watching the professionals execute the steps flawlessly. The stories they tell with their movements! Every leap, every pirouette, a journey to another world. What a beautiful journey that must have been! And then, the feeling of being part of that community. The exhilaration of watching people be moved by something as pure as ballet - it was such a beautiful energy.
So you know, lovelies, this #TutuTuesday journey hasn’t just been a look back at the style, but a celebration of ballet, a celebration of its history. You see, the art of dance - that's an enduring element, something that can connect us through time. Just imagine, maybe I'll run into a young dancer somewhere, someone destined for greatness, maybe even a ballet legend in the making. I always like to help aspiring dancers with advice and style pointers!
To All the Future Dancers:
Before I say goodbye, my dearest friends, remember, dance isn’t about perfection; it’s about the expression, about sharing a story. So dance with joy, with passion, and most importantly, never forget to love the beauty of movement. Oh, and embrace pink! Every single Tuesday, we will be journeying through the history of this enchanting garment, and discovering just how influential the tutu really is, and what makes it such a timeless icon! Until next Tuesday, dearest friends, take care!
And, of course, remember - Pink is always the right answer.
Love,
Emma.
