#PinkTutuWorld Ballet on Planet Earth on 1998-02-11

"Dancing on the Stars!"

Hello my darling darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu World! It’s Wednesday, the day of the week we all look forward to, a day to spread the magic of pink tutus far and wide. 🩰💖

Today, my space diary says we’re landing on a little ol’ planet called Earth, oh the irony! But you know me, always up for a little cosmic challenge! This earthly trip is quite a departure from my usual, high-powered space excursions. But I always love exploring new, well, new to me, worlds! 🌎

This Earthly interlude has also come at the perfect time! After a grueling month of pirouette practice in the Andromeda Galaxy (gotta keep my technique sharp, you know!), I was longing for a little dose of vintage fashion inspiration. Luckily for this Tutu Traveller, the year is 1998 – the pinnacle of the sparkly and fun “Pop” decade! It seems this is the era to wear every colour imaginable in one look, preferably neon and shimmery, and this ballerina just loves the flamboyant fashion scene. You've never seen such glorious styles. They’re practically begging to be paired with a sassy pink tutu!

Before I set off for some seriously cosmic fashion therapy, I've got to share a bit about my planet-hopping odyssey so far. As you know, Pink Tutu World is all about spreading the joy and creativity of dance and fashion throughout the universe.

Think of it like… a galaxy-sized, pink tutued version of a viral video. Imagine: a dazzling interstellar dance performance, full of twirls and jumps and delicate pink tutus, then imagine millions and millions of planets joining in! I truly believe we’re already well on our way to realizing this vision. After all, every day, across galaxies, more and more planets join the "Pink Tutu Movement." Each sparkling tutu brings a bit of cosmic magic to the universe. ✨

You'll be surprised at the lengths people go to in order to be involved! In fact, this whole blog you're reading is funded by my interstellar ballet tours. Yup, that's right, darling darlings, a pink tutu-clad ballet star like me pays the bills by performing. I must confess, sometimes I really struggle with my tutu-laden travel suitcase at spaceport security but, hey, it's a small price to pay to see the smiles on the faces of children everywhere who come to watch the Pink Tutu performances. 🩰😊

I just know that some of you love nothing more than being transported back to your favourite time in fashion, so let's explore this vibrant, oh-so-stylish world together. This earth place is a true vintage fashion haven. Think Sex and the City, think Clueless… But this Earth has a very special and quirky charm all of its own! So what did a ballerina in a pink tutu see today on Earth? Well, where to start…?

Let's delve into some vintage Earthly fashion highlights, shall we?

Oh, this fashion! Think big, bold, vibrant, quirky… and let's not forget all the sparkle! This decade is just so over-the-top. This earthy culture has embraced every colour in the rainbow and they are just loving the bold combination of colour and patterns. For me, it’s like seeing every single element of dance - colour, movement, and music - perfectly reflected in fashion! It truly reflects my ethos of "Live Life in Colour" (especially the shade of pink, naturally!)

As a passionate student of the human world's fashion, this week's trip has already yielded a mountain of fascinating details. Think silky shirts, velvet bomber jackets, bright colourful cargo trousers, chunky trainers, glitter… lots of glitter!

And the hair! We’re talking high-volume everything. And let's not forget the glorious little crop-top – the perfect accompaniment to any self-respecting tutu, cosmic or terrestrial.

And my goodness, it's amazing how quickly the earthy trends evolve. While one planet might be obsessed with oversized clothes and grunge (we have a very grunge sub-culture at my home planet) you could land somewhere else where they're obsessed with sleek and minimal. That’s why, for me, Earth has been an utter sensory overload of colour, texture and inspiration, especially in my favorite areas - clothing, fabrics, shoes and… jewellery! I know it will come as no surprise that I adore Earth's vintage jewellery; chunky necklaces, huge hoops and tiny dangly charms, just the perfect accessories for any ballet-themed outfit!

Now, for this planetary stop, I’ve done something extra special for you. I have compiled an absolutely amazing, Earthly Fashion Wish List. Yes, dear readers, a little list of everything this ballerina girl wants to pick up from this particular trip to the planet Earth! (Please remember - these pieces are in my vintage wishlist. In fact, anything pre 2000 I think should be referred to as vintage. After all, who has more right to declare something as ‘vintage’ than me?)

So here we go… let’s call it…

• Baby-doll tops in pink: Of course. The perfect touch of vintage sweetness with a touch of girly charm. They look amazing with jeans, skirts and leggings… what's not to love?
• Leather trousers: They add a touch of edgy coolness that is simply divine!
• High-waisted everything: Skirts, trousers… it doesn’t really matter, but the high waistline is a surefire way to add a sophisticated silhouette! And there are so many vintage styles with the cutest buttons, oh my. This is the trend that never goes out of fashion, on or off planet Earth!
• Big-hooped earrings and choker necklaces: A touch of extra, oh my goodness, a real style statement! I will take this whole blinged up vibe anytime.
• Trainers - with a thick chunky sole!: They are comfy, trendy and give the right look!
• Tartan everything: Skirts, dresses… Yes, they say 'earth-vintage' in such a fun way and have that sassy touch.
• *Glitter everything! * You can't get more fabulous than glitter!
• Vintage shopping spree: Because, my lovely ladies, every outfit needs the perfect statement bag and handbag and the earth is full of cute and elegant totes.

Earth… or at least the part I visited is just teeming with creative spirit. It is a whirlwind of movement, passion and dedication to art in general, but dance specifically. This ballerina was just a little mesmerized to be part of Earth’s artistic tapestry!

In fact, on this day in 1998 - the 11th of February - there are actually several ballet performances across Earth! As someone who is constantly jet-setting, traveling the galaxy in pursuit of dance performances, I knew this date wouldn't disappoint.

Oh, London… a city that practically breathes theatre and spectacle. It feels as though this particular place has embraced its theatrical spirit as an entire cultural movement. This city never lets me down. Right here, today, there's the classic "Sleeping Beauty" being staged by The Royal Ballet. I must confess to being totally obsessed with Tchaikovsky’s music. If you hear that unmistakable score on the space-liner it means a ballet performance is just around the corner.

And this London 'Sleeping Beauty' ballet is something else! Apparently, it's just received the most rave reviews. This ballerina can't help but smile at the thought. Oh the divine grace, the stunning costumes, the emotional depth. . .

My adventures across this globe of a planet led me, at random, to this gorgeous old fashioned book store. The moment I set foot in that little haven, I felt as though I was standing in some vintage dream. The scent of old paper and aged wood instantly whisked me back to the magic of childhood, the smell of excitement… you know that thrill we feel when you find that perfect, well-worn book to lose yourself in.

As I wandered among the rows of shelves, filled to bursting with books, my fingers brushed against something rather extraordinary, something I knew I simply had to buy. It was a small, velvet-covered volume, a perfect little find and it felt like fate that I chose this very special one.

I know, dear readers, you are just dying to know what it is. . .

You might say this particular book enthralled me.

Let me introduce you to my new companion: a hardbound edition of "The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky" - one of ballet’s true titans. What can I say, the dancer within me just fell head-over-heels. There were countless photographs of Nijinsky and just so much inspiration from this truly magical performer and innovator! In fact, if I didn't have my dance commitments this little old planet earth is full of lovely, charming places where I would hang around for far longer than a single afternoon!

Earth’s Barbican Centre is an architectural marvel, darling, a grand structure dedicated to art in all its forms. You know, they really like their 'grands' in this earth place. Anyway, the most inspiring feature is that the Barbican is where Earth’s national dance company - the Royal Ballet - calls home. And guess what? That's where we’re headed next, my darling darlings, right now in fact, as I type these words!

Yes, I just popped out for a while (my trusty pink tutus are always with me, naturally!) so that I could go and explore. And as I made my way down, I was mesmerized by the grandeur and scale of the Barbican. There were intricate art exhibits all over, and a very intriguing display of avant-garde dance! Now, avant-garde dance is really not my cup of tea, but they did try! I even discovered this incredible theatre within the Barbican with its own fascinating architectural history, a truly remarkable example of late 20th-century design.

This beautiful theatre is part of London’s rich theatre heritage. What is amazing is how these theatres are actually centuries old. The Royal Ballet even has its own museum that showcases its incredible legacy – an enchanting journey through dance history, filled with breathtaking costumes and cherished memories.

I'll try my best to capture it all in pictures, to bring you all a little taste of the grandeur that’s bursting from every brick of this fascinating building, and the ballet theatre, too!

I am a huge fan of all the ‘grand’ cultural spaces around the galaxy. These huge halls and venues seem to make every theatrical event so much more special, a true feast for the eyes. Even on earth, I can still feel the vibrant spirit that has pulsed within these walls for generations. What truly makes these special locations extra-special though is that these venues can tell a unique and incredible story from all of the various artists that have made history in these very same rooms. I just can’t help but dream about Pink Tutu World staging a dance event on this grand old space! Can you imagine it?! I truly think that an extravagant Pink Tutu Ball here, in London, would be simply fabulous. You can see this cosmic vision shimmering with delight and brilliance, with everyone on planet earth rocking a sparkly, vibrant pink tutu! Don’t you just adore the idea?

Well, darling readers, I’ve reached my deadline, time to head back to my spaceship! I'll make sure I take some snaps of this heavenly city – to keep your memories pink and tutu-ful! See you next week, with another amazing adventures in the galaxy. . . and until then, may your tutus twirl and sparkle brightly!

Keep sparkling! Emma xx