Oh darling! It’s Tutu Tuesday again, and I’m bursting at the seams with excitement to whisk you back in time for a delightful dive into the fascinating history of the tutu. As you all know, my mission in life is to spread the joy and whimsy of the tutu to every corner of the globe. This week, we’re travelling all the way to August 25th, 1868, where the tutu story continues to twirl and enchant.
Now, gather round, my dears, and let me tell you a little about the world we're stepping into. It’s 1868, a time when the world was experiencing the rise of the romantic and decadent era. With a touch of elegance and grandeur, fashion was swirling with grand ball gowns and ornate jewellery, a perfect backdrop for our ballet beauties to dance the night away.
London was my playground at this time! Oh, the theatre and ballet were simply alive with colour and vibrancy, bustling with excited whispers and the clink of champagne glasses. One of the most thrilling things was catching a glimpse of a new ballet production on stage, filled with intricate steps and elegant movements. There was such a passion for the art form, a collective excitement for every twirl, every leap.
Speaking of the grand and dramatic, imagine a young ballerina on stage in her delicate, floating tulle skirt. The Romantic period is credited with really solidifying the tutu's place on the ballet scene, and it was an absolute game-changer. Gone were the heavy skirts and cumbersome fabrics, replaced with soft, light, almost airy layers of tulle, that gave the dancers a real sense of movement and freedom, a delicate feather gliding effortlessly on stage.
Now, what is extra exciting about today, 25th August, 1868, is a particular ballet performance, which is now fondly remembered as a pivotal moment in the world of dance. It was the debut of a revolutionary ballet, "La Esmeralda", by a famed composer and dancer, and it sparked a trend of innovative ballets which showcased a whole new way for the tutu to be interpreted and utilized. It had intricate choreography and truly celebrated the power of movement, with ballerinas gliding and leaping like graceful fairies. This sparked a wave of experimentation and creativity that carried the art form forward, creating a legacy of innovation.
I can't resist telling you about my latest shopping adventures. Even though travelling back in time presents a bit of a logistical challenge when it comes to finding my favourite tutus, I’ve managed to uncover some rather stunning discoveries. There’s a wonderful emporium just off Piccadilly, a riot of silk and lace, where I managed to find an absolute showstopper - a blush-pink tutu with embroidered silk roses and a delicate lace hem.
Did I tell you about my favourite new book? It’s called “Fashion and the French Revolution,” a must-read for anyone who enjoys a bit of historical context to our beloved fashion. I love a bit of history mixed with fashion - what more could a girl ask for?
But you know what's even better than browsing shops and sipping tea? Taking to the train! Oh, nothing compares to the gentle sway of a carriage and the view as the countryside glides by. It’s my favourite way to get around when exploring a new place - and oh my goodness, did I ever have the most spectacular adventure this week! I boarded a grand steam engine train in Derby, and after a whirlwind journey through some of the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen, arrived at a ballet studio nestled in the Cotswolds.
The dance studio, bathed in golden light, was an absolute dream! And the class itself was such an incredible experience. Imagine me, gliding through the grand studio, spinning with a breathtaking, multi-layered tulle skirt billowing around me - a pink ballet-dream!
Just like that I’ve already found a new spot on my ballet-world map! There's a special connection I have with dance studios, almost a feeling of belonging. A feeling of sharing something beautiful and meaningful, you know?
And finally, let's not forget our ultimate mission - getting everyone wearing a pink tutu! Oh, wouldn’t it be delightful to see a whole world in pink? From city streets to meadows, the tutus would become an enchanting beacon of joy, a gentle reminder to live life with a dash of sparkle and a touch of whimsical fun.
Until next week, my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Keep your heads up, your tutus twirling and remember, every day is a chance to embrace your inner ballerina!
Emma, x
