Greetings, my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling, ballet enthusiast, ready to whisk you back to another era of dance and fashion!
Today, we’re taking a trip on the Orient Express to Paris, the City of Lights and, dare I say, the cradle of the tutu! While today we can't get to Paris, I'm channeling the elegance of Paris with my favourite pink, feathered and sequined tutu that's a total fashion statement. Today’s #TutuTuesday will explore the origins of the tutu, the iconic garment that truly symbolises the graceful art of ballet.
Today is the 17th of October 1882, and you wouldn't believe the incredible spectacle happening just a short distance from where we are! The Paris Opera Ballet is about to open its season at the grand Palais Garnier, with the premiere of a dazzling new ballet - La Source, choreographed by the legendary Marius Petipa. It’s quite the show, filled with exquisite dance, flamboyant costumes, and, of course, plenty of twirling in those fantastic tutus!
La Source is more than just a performance; it's a statement about the evolution of ballet and the changing face of the tutu itself. Up until the 1840s, ballet tutus were much more like the jupe à la Française. These were long and flouncy, hiding the dancer’s legs and limiting their movement. Then came a radical shift – the Romantic tutu, shorter, lighter, and with flowing layers that gave dancers the freedom to move like never before. La Source, with its focus on grace and flowing movement, epitomises this shift.
Imagine, my dears, being able to leap and bound across the stage in all that tulle and lace! You'd think it was an angel taking flight! This shift wasn't just about aesthetics, it was about pushing the boundaries of what was possible with dance, freeing the dancers from constraints and letting their talent take centre stage.
While I love watching these incredible ballerinas, I can't help but feel a little disappointed that my favourite pink tutus haven't hit the scene yet. We're still mostly seeing white and light shades. It’s just a matter of time, though. Pink is the colour of elegance, and as I tell everyone – there's no more sophisticated look than a tutu, and especially not a pink one!
While we're in Paris, my darling Tutu Twirlers, I’ve got to take you on a little shopping trip! The Rue de la Paix is brimming with exquisite fashion houses, each vying to showcase their latest creations. Imagine a dress so intricate you need a whole team of seamstresses just to put it on! They’re like floating clouds, or delicate flowers in motion. We need a pink tutu like that – an exquisite masterpiece!
My travel fund has done well on recent trips to New York and Milan and there is still plenty to buy a new, glamorous, Parisian pink tutu for my collection! I'll be certain to write about the details, maybe for my next Tutu Tuesday.
But as I often do, I need to think about more practical fashion options for you to follow and a way you can follow the elegance of tutus in a different more practical, but glamorous way – let's face it, not all of us are born with the flexibility of a ballerina! A little bit of "ballet street" is the way to do it and you know what's trending this year in ballet street style? The Tutu Skirt!
These beautiful, full, and voluminous skirts come in a range of colours and styles. Think soft layers of tulle, frills and bows, the sheer delight of delicate fabrics – it’s everything that captures the spirit of the tutu in a more everyday style. They're so versatile, you can dress them up or down, with a T-shirt and trainers for casual chic, or a glamorous top and high heels for a chic, night out!
Don't just imagine them – grab one for yourself, darlings! Find a vibrant, shimmering shade like blush, dusty pink, or fuchsia – the options are endless, and all offer that touch of ballerina magic that brings a touch of sparkle to every occasion. They really are the perfect piece for bringing a bit of tutu glamour into your daily life.
And now, for those of you wanting to dive into the fascinating world of tutus in the more traditional sense – a trip to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is the perfect plan! If you’re lucky enough to be in London this week, I recommend catching the performance of the Royal Ballet’s Giselle. It's a romantic tale with iconic dancing and it features some of the most breathtaking white tutus in ballet history! The ethereal grace of the dancers, the delicate flutter of the tutus – it’s simply a feast for the eyes, a captivating blend of movement and artistry. A great way to indulge in your inner ballet fan, even if you’re not lucky enough to wear one yourself.
Next week's Tutu Tuesday will be extra special! As it’s almost Halloween, I will take a trip in time and share the story of my most ghastly discovery – a shocking event that happened on the stage in a Paris theatre when dancers wore costumes that really are frightening, that is! And what I learned about fashion and beauty standards! It would scare even the boldest fashionista! Until next time, my lovely Tutu Twirlers – stay elegant!
Lots of Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
