Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind tour through the wonderful world of the tutu! Today, we're travelling back to February 7th, 2012, a time when the world was dancing to a different beat. Imagine, just a few years ago, smartphones were the height of technology! I must confess, my darling readers, it took some convincing for my time machine to navigate the labyrinthine digital highways of 2012, but as always, the lure of a tutu took me where I needed to be!
Oh, 2012! It's hard to believe it was so recently that everyone was obsessed with the end of the Mayan calendar! It's funny looking back on those days, wasn't it all such a fuss over nothing? Not to worry though, this darling won't be making any dire prophecies, because here in the magical realm of the tutu, nothing but sunshine, sparkles, and joy abound!
But where to begin with 2012? I felt like a giddy ballerina in a grand palace. On February 7th, a special treat was waiting for us in the ballet world! The Bolshoi Ballet was back in town, gracing the Royal Opera House stage with its stunning performance of "Swan Lake." Can you imagine, the sheer magnificence of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece performed by the legendary dancers of the Bolshoi?
However, it's not just the performance itself that interests us today, darlings, it's the tutu! The costumes in ballet are always so mesmerising. Imagine being onstage in such a breathtaking outfit! I wonder how it felt to wear the iconic white tutus of the swan queens in "Swan Lake" on that February 7th, 2012. It must have felt like stepping into a dream!
As always, let's chat about our favourite tutus in more detail. I always say, tutus aren't just a costume, they're an art form. I found some rather fetching pieces worn by the Royal Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty." Imagine, dancing under the light of a shimmering, hand-stitched, white satin tutu! But don't you worry, dear reader, the pink tutu is never far behind! I was delighted to discover that the English National Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" featured an exquisite pink tutu worn by Clara, the protagonist. Oh, the details, the layers, the frothy delight! They simply scream "dance and twirl!"
I even had a glimpse of "Le Corsaire," a masterpiece that's almost as famous as "Swan Lake"! Can you imagine, the drama, the romance, and of course, the iconic tutu, worn by the female lead, Medora. The colours, the details, the graceful movement of a ballerina in that iconic costume - it's enough to take your breath away!
You might think my little trip to 2012 has been all about the glamorous tutus, but it was much more than that! I got to catch a Royal Opera House dress rehearsal for "Rigoletto" too! What a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain, seeing those skilled dancers rehearse every step, every leap. Even without the grand costume and lighting, it was absolutely mesmerizing to see these talented performers dedicate themselves to their craft. Oh, to have that kind of discipline and dedication! It really inspired me to keep on dancing through my own challenges, and to always push my own creative boundaries.
But let's not forget the real reason I travel through time! It's to see where the next generation of dance fashion is going. 2012, even with its pre-smartphone era limitations, didn't disappoint. While online shopping had already exploded by 2012, you still needed to visit actual stores! So, my first stop was Harrods, the famous department store in London. There, I discovered a delightful array of clothing and accessories that gave me some fascinating insights into fashion trends.
Now, fashion in 2012 was a whirlwind of colour and style. Bold colours, dramatic silhouettes, and plenty of sparkle and glitter, especially in the world of tutus and dance wear. What caught my eye was the sheer delight of colourful patterns and textures, from classic lace to vibrant silk. There was a distinct emphasis on elegance and grace, but always with a fun twist! The dance fashion of the day was embracing an exuberant expression of individuality.
What was truly surprising for me was the prominence of black tutus! Even now in my own time, while black tutus are stunning for performances, they are usually used for dramatic moments, not so much as an everyday look! But in 2012, I found an abundance of black tutus and they were even used as a fashion staple! That sparked a brilliant idea in my darling mind: Black tutus and pink tutu overlays for the most sensational blend of elegance and vibrancy!
Of course, the heart of my trip was dedicated to finding the best pink tutus. In London's enchanting little shops tucked away on Carnaby Street, I discovered a small, but incredibly chic tutu boutique. Imagine, a whole shop dedicated to the art of the tutu! And what tutus they had, from the frothy ballet-style tutus with perfectly pleated layers to sleek modern tutus with bold embroidery. One pink tutu was so captivating I just had to buy it for my collection! I found a classic tutu in a vibrant, bold pink with delicate, shimmering embellishments. It's truly a work of art!
And oh my, have I been mentioning trains? They are absolutely wonderful for exploring different cities and of course, they are perfect for getting you to ballet performances! And speaking of performances, I also found a vintage ballet program for the 2012 Sadler's Wells "Giselle" performance, which included some interesting observations on the revival of romantic ballet - perfect fodder for our beloved blog, darlings!
It's truly magical to be a part of the rich and colourful world of tutus! If my trip has taught me anything, it's that the passion for the tutu knows no boundaries in time! So go on, let's embrace our own inner ballerina! Let's wear our pink tutus with pride, embrace our individuality, and dance through life with a light step and a heart full of joy!
Until next week, darlings,
Keep on twirling!
Emma xx
