Hello my darling tutu lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another blast from the past with #TutuTuesday! This week we're whisking ourselves back to December 29th, 1868, a date etched in history for its own special reasons. But first, let's grab a cuppa (English Breakfast, of course!) and chat about today's fashionable find!
Today, I'm channeling my inner Marie Taglioni in a beautiful pale pink tulle tutu, perfectly layered with tiers of frills that practically beg for a pirouette. Oh, and have you seen the new millinery collection at Harrods? Divine! Feathers, ribbons, and an exquisite selection of hats that would make even the most discerning queen envious.
Now, back to our historical journey! What happened on this date in 1868? Well, for one thing, it was just a regular day for the ballet world. You see, in those days, ballet was a sophisticated affair, usually taking place in grand theaters with elaborate sets and opulent costumes. Ballet was seen as a form of art for the upper classes, but that's where I come in - to spread the love of dance to all!
Remember the lovely Marie Taglioni? Now, she was a trailblazer! Known for her grace and lightness, her dance style inspired the Romantic period in ballet and, wouldn't you know it, the first tutus! It all started with a vision. They were so different from the earlier, restrictive and heavy costumes. Taglioni wanted her movements to be like the flight of birds. That's when the magical tutu emerged! Imagine, these beautiful tutus made from layers and layers of fine netting! A cloud of silk, perfectly highlighting the grace and lightness of the dancers! Just magical, don't you think?
But hold your horses, dear readers, because these weren't exactly the 'Romantic' style tutus we see on stage today. The first tutus were full-length and flowing, reaching all the way down to the dancer's feet. Talk about glamorous, darling! I'd adore the chance to swirl in such a skirt of delicate silk! They did however evolve! Think shorter, bell-shaped skirts a little higher up the leg. Think about the gorgeous, airy designs of tutus. This shorter tutu, darling, was born in the late 1800s! This more modern tutu paved the way for the more ‘whimsical'’ tutus we see today. Talk about iconic! A tutu just screams ‘ballet!’ The silhouette has certainly evolved over time. Think short, wispy tutus perfect for showing off jumps and turns! We still love this classic design today for ballet performances, right down to those famous 'Pink Tutus’, just like my very own dearest, favorite creation, the one I'm wearing right now.
Oh, speaking of iconic tutus, did you see the fantastic show I saw last week at the Royal Opera House? It was the ‘Swan Lake' and I swear I’ve never seen a more exquisite white tutu. I'm hoping to be able to travel back in time and watch Taglioni’s performance! Think Marie Taglioni’s ‘La Sylphide' from 1832! It was a true celebration of the art of ballet, and you could almost hear the tutus whispering tales of romantic dances from long ago. Swoon.
If you’re in London this week, make sure you pop over to Covent Garden, darling, because it’s teeming with the latest fashions! Don’t forget to check out all those beautiful dancers in their gorgeous costumes after a ballet performance! Remember to head out and experience a performance! Let’s get into this, and make ballet accessible to all. You don’t have to be a professional to appreciate the beauty of dance. Remember, ‘Dance as if no one is watching’.
Remember, darling, my biggest dream? It’s to make a tutu an everyday garment, and I do believe that pink is the perfect color for such a purpose! So, next time you're out and about, grab a tutu, put on a big smile, and show the world that ballet is for everyone!
Until next week, stay stylish, stay positive and keep those tutus twirling!
Yours truly,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
