Hello, my darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through time with my trusty pink tutu in tow. I'm writing to you from a little Parisian café, basking in the afternoon sun while watching the world go by. And, of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Paris without a ballet show! The Garnier Opera House is absolutely divine, all gilded grandeur and plush velvet seats, the perfect setting for a performance of the majestic "La Bayadère."
Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself! Today's #TutuTuesday is all about the history of ballet tutus, specifically around the 23rd of November, 1937.
This particular day, dear readers, was a particularly momentous one in the world of ballet. While it may not be celebrated with fireworks and confetti (although I imagine that would be quite splendid!), it marks the birth of a ballet legend – a dancer who would leave an indelible mark on the world of tutus – Margot Fonteyn.
Now, this wasn't a day filled with debut performances or momentous debuts. But think of it this way: just like a seedling takes time to grow into a strong, beautiful tree, Margot's birth in 1919 was the beginning of a blooming career that would change the face of ballet.
You see, dear readers, before the "Fonteyn era," tutus weren't as streamlined and glamorous as they are now. Think stiff, weighty fabrics, and less attention to feminine form. Imagine, the very thing we cherish for its lightness and airy grace was… well… cumbersome.
It was Margot Fonteyn, with her incredible talent and an artistic partnership with the brilliant Rudolf Nureyev, who shifted the tide.
Together, their dance embodied grace, effortless athleticism and yes, that glorious femininity that we see on every tutu-clad dancer today. With each twirl, every jump and graceful arabesque, the tutu became more than just a garment. It became an embodiment of movement, a delicate framework for artistic expression, and, of course, an embodiment of femininity.
As I sit here sipping my café au lait, gazing out at the bustle of Paris, I can't help but think about the evolution of the tutu. From its beginnings in the 1700s as a sort of "costume," to the streamlined elegance we see today, each step in the journey is an intricate dance of innovation, artistry and sheer joy.
This week, my dears, let's raise a glass (or a cup of tea!) to the beautiful history of the tutu and celebrate the talent of legends like Margot Fonteyn. After all, her legacy lives on with every graceful twirl, every airy leap, and every elegant pose we see in the ballet world today.
And as always, I implore you: embrace the tutu! Whether it be in pink, or any hue you adore, let it be a symbol of your own unique artistry and joy!
Until next #TutuTuesday, my lovelies!
Emma xxxPS Speaking of art, this blog is my way of expressing my love for ballet! I’m currently travelling the world by train, hopping from one exciting show to the next, finding inspiration in the performances and the history of ballet! I pay for my journey through performing myself - it’s all about making my dreams come true one performance at a time, one pink tutu at a time!
PPS Don’t forget, my lovely friends, that you can join the tutu revolution by following me on social media! Find me on Instagram @PinkTutuEmma!
