Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu! Itâs Tuesday, so you know what that means â it's time to delve into the fascinating history of ballet's most beloved garment!
Today we're taking a trip back in time, way back to August 7th, 1883! I recently found myself in the heart of London, surrounded by horse-drawn carriages and lamp-lit streets, for a truly unique performance â the first-ever staging of "Giselle" by the esteemed Russian Imperial Ballet! Now, "Giselle" is a ballet that really gets your heart thumping. The tale of a young woman betrayed and driven to madness by a mischievous spirit is just utterly compelling, and itâs all brought to life by beautiful costumes and, of course, absolutely exquisite dancing!
Now, I'm sure you're thinking, "Emma, what's so special about this particular date in tutu history?" Well, my darling darlings, it was at this performance that the "tutu" as we know it really started to take centre stage! Think of it as a sort of tutu revolution â the old, billowing romantic style was being replaced with a much shorter, more athletic and airy one! These new tutus, crafted in silk, tulle and chiffon, made the dancers look even more graceful and, shall we say, divine, as they danced and spun, and boy, could you really see the length of their legs in these glorious new tutus! This transformation was truly remarkable and marked a new era in ballet fashion.
Speaking of fashion, just imagine stepping into a Victorian era ballroom! Picture all the lavish silk dresses, the bonnets perched on ladiesâ heads, and the men in their top hats and frock coats. Youâd find a kaleidoscope of colours everywhere, and let's be honest, it was all so much fun. However, amidst all this Victorian splendour, the dancers of the Russian Imperial Ballet stood out with their new, chic tutus, proving that a simpler style could be just as elegant and undeniably stylish. This style has, of course, stood the test of time and we still see its impact in so many of the stunning ballets performed today.
This new style wasnât just a visual change either, it actually allowed for more complex and dynamic movements on stage. Now, I might not be a ballerina myself (though I do enjoy a twirl every now and again!), but I can absolutely understand why these revolutionary tutus made such an impact on the art form! It's like stepping out of your high heels and into a pair of comfortable, stylish ballet flats - it just allows for more freedom and ease of movement, and that freedom is truly evident in their performances.
What's great about all of this, my darling dancers, is that it brings back that sense of tradition and history! It's important to understand where our beloved tutu came from. Without this vital step forward in ballet history, those mesmerising, intricate spins and breathtaking leaps would just not be possible. Think about it! You simply wouldnât see that spectacular âSwan Lakeâ that brings tears to your eyes! (Have you ever noticed that balletâs costumes tend to follow a particular colour scheme, particularly those white swan tutus?! Truly lovely!)
Now, I know you're dying to see a bit of the fashion thatâs currently in vogue here! Honestly, Londonâs full of wonderful boutiques filled with pretty frills and feminine dresses â Iâm thinking lots of lace and ruffles and colours that just sparkle! This year, I have to admit, my heart is set on finding myself a beautiful gown adorned with shimmering sequins - sparkly! I just love the glitz and glamour!
Speaking of sparkle, what does my Pink Tutu family have on todayâs itinerary?
Is it a lovely, whimsical afternoon spent shopping at one of our darling boutiqueâs with some afternoon tea with a dear friend or is it an elegant and exciting evening at the ballet? Perhaps a matinee performance of "Swan Lake" or "Giselle" in the beautiful Victorian theater, followed by some champagne and delicate petit fours! Whatever it is, remember to enjoy every magical moment!
And don't forget, my loves, I always encourage you to bring a bit of pink and sparkle to your lives! Now, go forth and make those twirls! And do tell me all about your beautiful tutu adventures, right here in the comment section! Donât be shy â I simply love to hear all about your amazing pink tutu outfits! And, most importantly, never, ever be afraid to let your pink tutu shine!
Until next week, my darlings! Remember, the world is your ballet stage!
With love, Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @pinktutu.com for a daily dose of ballet inspiration and chic fashion finds! Keep those twirls coming! You'll never regret investing in a beautiful, shimmering pink tutu â trust me! đ Just like ballet, itâs timeless! So what are you waiting for, my darling? Twirl!
