Hey lovelies, welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things sparkly and pink, especially where ballet and Christmas are concerned! Today, we’re stepping back in time (well, more of a twirl back, really) to 2008, and revisiting some of the magical Christmas ballets that lit up stages across the world.
Now, I know you’re all just itching to know about the costumes, right? So, let's dive in! 2008 was all about shimmering silks and luxurious velvets, with a dash of classic sparkle. I even remember spotting some lovely feathered headdresses at a production of "The Nutcracker," oh the envy! (I must say, there was one darling with a crimson tutu with gold leaf that caught my eye. Totally channeling the festive spirit!)
Of course, no Christmas ballet history would be complete without a trip down memory lane with "The Nutcracker." 2008 saw several big productions, including the annual New York City Ballet performance at Lincoln Center, where the audience could have literally melted into a sugar plum with their confectionery-inspired costumes! I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy for the ballerinas, particularly the Snow Queen, whose glittering, diaphanous gown was practically an Olympic torch for elegance.
Speaking of elegance, a special mention goes out to the gorgeous tutus from "Swan Lake" at the Royal Ballet, which were practically a masterclass in classical ballet style. We all know the elegance of Swan Lake, but this year, the swans seemed to float even more effortlessly than usual.
Moving on from the dazzling world of costumes, let’s talk performances. This was the year when street ballet really exploded! As you know, it’s not enough for me to just twirl on stage. I need to spread the ballet joy to the masses! There was this little impromptu ballet session I had outside Selfridges in London – my personal highlight of the year! Wearing my brightest pink tutu, naturally, I managed to gather a rather large, if somewhat surprised, audience. You could see their faces shift from confusion to appreciation as the music flowed.
Oh, and remember the Fantasia 2000 ballet? It wasn't strictly a Christmas ballet, but it definitely felt Christmas-y, with all those stars! My sister and I went to a showing and we literally bounced around our seats. This was back before the big "Frozen" craze. If there were ballet performances of “Frozen" then, I bet everyone would have dressed as Elsa. She's basically a Queen of the Snow. And while the ballerinas looked positively dreamy in those feathered tutus, my inner ballerina whispered: "But how could anyone resist wearing a bright, dazzling pink tulle tutu?! Imagine the possibilities!"
This wasn't the only magical ballet event I attended in 2008. We travelled to New York City to catch a performance of “Giselle” by American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House. Those tutus? They were perfection! All wispy white, just like snowflakes falling on a snowy day, a Christmas dream! And speaking of New York, did you see the opening of The Nutcracker Ballet on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater? Oh, darling, it was like the most magical fairy tale come alive. A breathtaking, sparkly explosion of sugar plums and twirls. I can still practically smell the delicious scent of the Nutcracker's gingerbread treats from that production!
In between all the ballet goodness, there was, of course, the need to find a perfect Christmas dress for the holidays. After all, what's a festive celebration without a touch of glamour, right? I ended up finding the most dazzling fuchsia-coloured velvet dress with delicate beading, at a little shop called "Pink & Blue". You should have seen me in it at my friend's Christmas party, dancing on the table with all the rest of the Christmas carol singers (who could resist singing 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' when surrounded by Christmas tree lights and glitter?)
Looking back at 2008, the world of ballet and fashion was ablaze with dazzling beauty and creative magic. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the sparkle and wonder of Christmas. After all, wouldn't you agree it’s a season for twirling and embracing the festive spirit with all our hearts? I’m already daydreaming about the enchanting performances and stunning costumes awaiting us in 2023, and I can't wait to share all those dazzling moments with you.
Stay glamorous, my dears, and don't forget: a little pink tutu always goes a long way. Let me know what you think of the costumes of the year and all these memories of the shows in the comments below!
Merry Christmas, darlings! Emma xoxo
Pink Tutu
