Hello, darlings! Itâs Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to take you on another journey through the wonderful world of tutus. This week, we're twirling back to 27th August 1918 â a date brimming with excitement and artistic endeavour, even amidst the Great War.
You see, my lovelies, I travel the world, not just in my tutu but by the very glamorous means of the railways. It's a passion as strong as my love for all things ballet. So, hop on the carriage with me â we're heading to the heart of Parisian chic, where the dance world is about to burst with excitement.
Whatâs happening on this date, you ask? Well, darlings, hold onto your tutus! On this very day, the OpĂ©ra Garnier in Paris, that magnificent edifice with its grandeur and opulent design, opens its doors to the world, to present âLe Sacre du Printempsâ by Igor Stravinsky!
Can you imagine? This revolutionary, raw ballet - choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, a legendary dancer who just had to have his own style of movement - with music unlike anything ever heard in the opera house! This production shook the ballet world to its core, sparking controversy and even riots! But one thing it also did was revolutionize ballet. Now, donât let anyone tell you a tutu canât change the world - this revolutionary choreography was performed by ballerinas adorned in colourful tutus. Now that's how to make a statement!
To imagine that a single production of âLe Sacreâ has had a ripple effect that's travelled through time, influencing every tutu design we see on stage today, is a powerful reminder that fashion isn't just about frocks and frills - itâs about telling stories, breaking down barriers, and redefining how we see ourselves.
Speaking of frills and frocks, you just have to imagine how Parisian women were embracing fashion in 1918! Think elegant hats, slim silhouettes, and dresses that floated like clouds. We may not be sporting our 1918 style these days, but letâs face it, the joy of seeing a tutu, particularly one adorned with beads and rhinestones, never fails to leave a woman feeling utterly empowered!
For my #TutuTuesday outfit today, Iâm rocking a vintage-inspired lilac tulle number - soft, dreamy, with just a touch of sparkle! It's like the ghosts of Paris in the 1920s, mingling with modern-day Derbyshire glamour (I did bring back some stunning vintage fashion from Paris â those little shops hold hidden gems!). It's a look I can wear with pride - and one I think would've made the women of Paris, in all their fashionable glory, do a double-take!
Of course, no #TutuTuesday would be complete without talking about the history of our lovely little ballet staple! Did you know that in the 1800s, tutus started appearing as loose, soft, knee-length, and often with several layers? That's not quite the romantic vision of our modern, poufy, floor-skimming designs, right? Oh, but just imagine! The sheer fabric swirling with movement and the light catching it. It makes my heart sing to see this evolution!
Letâs be real - weâre living in a golden age of tutus! Think about it. From the most opulent gowns in "Swan Lake" to the modern minimalism in "Giselle," the tutu has become more than just an outfit - itâs a symbol of beauty, grace, and pure creative freedom! And yes, I absolutely do want to see every single person twirling and prancing in a tutu! Letâs break down those sartorial barriers and celebrate the joy of this unique piece of garment history.
Right now, here in London, my lovely, the Royal Opera House is having an outstanding production of âSwan Lake!â Theyâre on their season run and the ballerina in the leading role, Odette (and her alter-ego Odile!), is simply breathtaking. Her movements, the choreography, her costumes â I could sit there for hours and be utterly enthralled! So, I highly recommend grabbing tickets for a show - be prepared to be whisked away by the magic of a well-told tale in tutus.
To finish this weekâs blog, my little lovelies, let me inspire you with this quote I've been thinking about - "Dance like nobody's watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like nobody can hear you, live like it's heaven on earth." This captures the pure spirit of ballet - a celebration of joy and movement, freedom of expression. Just like a pink tutu, itâs a symbol of being yourself. Donât be shy, dance!
So, till next #TutuTuesday , I hope you're inspired to embrace the love of movement and, of course, all things pink. Go forth and twirl, my darlings, and remember, in this world, every day can be #TutuTuesday!
Your fashionable friend,
Emma xx
