Post #105: www.pink-tutu.com
Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving ballerina, Emma, back with another instalment of our festive Christmas ballet history adventure! This week, we’re twirling back to 1996 – a year full of glitter, grace and, of course, plenty of pink! (Pink, as you know, is simply the colour of Christmas!).
*A Trip Down Memory Lane: *
The year is 1996 – a time when Spice Girls ruled the charts, the internet was still in its baby shoes, and we were all rocking that fabulous 90s fashion – think grunge chic meets the return of the disco vibe! For you ballet babes, this meant shimmering leg warmers, vibrant leotards and yes, even the occasional pair of fabulous platform trainers in the ballet studio!
And what was the Christmas ballet scene like? Let me tell you, it was absolutely bursting with sparkle! I've had such a blast traveling back in time with my street performances, and getting my hands on some of the vintage playbills from that year – pure ballet history gold, I tell you!
*Top Tutus on the Stage! *
Across the world, ballet companies were busy crafting their Christmas offerings, and here are just a few highlights that stole the show:
- The Royal Ballet's “The Nutcracker”: Imagine the Royal Opera House, twinkling with Christmas lights, the aroma of sugared almonds swirling in the air, and Tchaikovsky’s music creating magic. Now, add in some fantastic costumes - from the playful, pink Clara and her majestic, tutued Sugar Plum Fairy – and you've got a perfect picture of pure Christmas bliss.
- The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow: It wouldn’t be a Christmas season without the iconic, dramatic spectacle that is “The Nutcracker”, and in Moscow, they were certainly serving up that festive magic, with spectacular production and performances that took audiences to the Land of Sweets. Imagine all the dazzling tutus, sparkly tiaras and elegant ribbons!
- San Francisco Ballet: Now, those San Francisco Ballet dancers always know how to bring the drama! I hear their “Nutcracker” production had dazzling sets and a fairytale atmosphere that had the entire audience absolutely swept away!
Fashion For The Festive Season!
For me, the joy of Christmas ballet extends beyond the stage and right into the wardrobe department. The fashion! Oh my! Think sparkling tulle, velvet, feathers and lots and lots of glittery detail - all essential elements of a glamorous, festive outfit, for either the stage or a fancy Christmas ballet night out.
Here are just a few fashion tips I picked up from 1996, to elevate your Christmas look and turn heads at your ballet gala:
- Think Metallic: Think metallic gold and silver – embellish those pink tutus and dance floor looks! Remember those gold, metallic leg warmers? Absolutely iconic!
- Velvet's the Key: This luxurious, textured fabric brings that classic festive touch.
- Embrace the Tutus: Now is the time for tutus – from fluffy tutus for the holiday season, to more minimalist styles that can easily take you from the stage to the streets, making it a festive outfit for any occasion!
- Add Some Sparkle: Think shimmering jewels, dazzling beading, even glitter! The more glitter, the better.
Beyond The Stage: The Pink-Tutu-Wearing World!
In 1996, ballet wasn't just happening on stage! Ballet was taking to the streets! Think of flash mobs, performance art, ballet in unusual spaces and street ballets. Now this is a true testament to the magical and accessible art that ballet truly is, don’t you think?
And here in Derbyshire, it's no different – my local ballet school was thriving! I even took my very first ballet class in 1996 and let me tell you, that beautiful pink leotard is still in my possession – a perfect example of my ballet heritage! We'd been learning some fantastic routines for local performances and let's be honest – it's impossible to be in Derbyshire without a touch of magic in the air!
So, darlings, that’s the Christmas ballet wrap up for 1996! Let me know your favourite ballet memories from this fabulous year and as always, make sure you stay twirling and spread that festive pink cheer! Remember, if we're all rocking pink tutus, then the world will be a more magical and colourful place.
And be sure to stay tuned for next week's adventure! We're off to see what fabulous fashions and festive ballet productions await us in 1997 – the countdown to the 21st century continues!
Until next time, stay sparkly and glamorous,
Your very pink and very festive,
Emma 🩰✨
