Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time traveler, bringing you another dazzling delve into the world of tutus! I'm back from a whirlwind trip to, wait for it... New York! The energy is just electric there, with everyone rushing about and, of course, a whole heap of fashion. Honestly, you wouldn't believe the stylish frocks they're sporting over there. It's given me some real inspiration for my own wardrobe, and I can't wait to show you my finds on my next #PinkOutfitPost!
But today, darling, we're focusing on something far more timeless and iconic - the tutu. And trust me, this history lesson is way more thrilling than your usual textbook ramblings.
February 23rd, 1943… A very significant date, you see, as this is when one of the world’s most beloved ballerinas, the captivating Margot Fonteyn, was performing Giselle in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House! I'd travelled to see it - it's practically impossible to get seats in New York - you need a theatre agent if you don't want to be stuck in the back rows! But oh, the magic of it! Fonteyn's grace, her poise... just divine. And her tutu, my dears! It was a vision of airy lightness and feminine beauty, shimmering under the stage lights. And can you imagine the anticipation? You know I can never resist an audience pre-show, those buzzing conversations filled with excitement and the rustling of fashionable silks! Oh, and the men… dashing in their best suits and dinner jackets. It just fills me with a certain romantic frisson, the way these beautiful things come together to create that enchanting spectacle that is ballet.
But darling, we must journey back to the tutu’s humble beginnings, before these modern marvels… a trip right back to the Victorian era, a time of tight corsets and voluminous skirts. It was all rather cumbersome, with even the early ballerinas wearing skirts that dragged and, quelle horreur, limited their movements!
Then, thankfully, along came a visionary named Charles Didelot. Imagine - he was like the revolutionary of tutus! A truly creative genius, Didelot revolutionised the whole business of dance with the idea of shortening the skirts! Now that's what I call innovation! These revolutionary tutus, known as ‘crinolines’ – much lighter and easier to move in – were a revelation for the ladies of the ballet! No more tripping or snagging, but instead, they could pirouette, leap, and even take those daring high kicks without fear! It’s all about that fluidity and elegance, you know!
And this brings us back to 1943! It wasn’t just the style of tutu that caught the eye. Fonteyn’s artistry took Giselle to new heights. Even without her dancing, the whole ballet was so captivating, filled with stories of heartbreak, love, and sorrow. You wouldn’t believe how much emotion was portrayed – and all with such grace and control! The costumes just compliment those feelings. You know, tutus just make everything feel so feminine and dreamy!
As a lover of all things beautiful and pink (well, duh!), the tutu really gets me excited about all those things. You know what I mean? The delicate fabrics, the hand-stitched seams, those delicate layers… and it's not just about the look, but also the way a tutu makes a dancer feel. The feeling of lightness, the confidence that comes from moving freely, expressing yourself… a dreamy way to experience ballet!
My journey is always a learning experience. You can never stop exploring and discovering new stories, new styles. But the magic of ballet, like the magic of a pink tutu, never fails to fill me with excitement and joy. And what better way to start the week than by reminiscing over the brilliance of Margot Fonteyn in Giselle – an enchanting spectacle that still captures the hearts of everyone lucky enough to witness it!
So go on, darling, find your inner dancer, and step into a tutu - your life may just take a magical turn. And don’t forget to follow my next #TutuTuesday!
Your loving, tutu-obsessed blogger, Emma
#PinkOutfitPost:
Hey sweeties! It’s me - back again with an all-new #PinkOutfitPost to bring some of that New York magic into your lives. My, oh, my! What an absolutely spectacular shopping trip it was! My favourite, as ever, is Saks Fifth Avenue. You just can’t get those dazzling styles anywhere else. It just sparks something in my soul! And those salespeople are simply divine, especially the gentleman who found me this glorious pink dress, and a vintage bag… both in flawless condition, naturally. It has me dreaming of attending a gala at the Met – those New York events really know how to put on a show!
But for today, darling, we are back in our own, homey setting, here in beautiful Derbyshire! What is the ideal outfit for ballet day? Well, naturally a gorgeous vintage-style pink sweater with a lovely pair of ivory trousers. Simple and elegant! Now I have a rather magnificent pair of fuchsia shoes I was wanting to match with them but... I was just trying on my other pair of fuchsia shoes this morning and realised there were absolutely loads of sparkling diamanté missing. They just aren’t quite right now. Maybe this is a good time to get another pair of pink ballet flats, though, they are my go-to choice! Now, to accessorize… you really can’t go wrong with a big bow, as I often tell you, the bigger the better! Maybe an antique gold necklace for that hint of regal elegance. Don't forget your matching blush pink lipstick - a must when it comes to any ballet performance. Oh, and this lovely sparkly pink headband for those moments you are heading to a fancy restaurant or to see the new production. I must get ready to go to my new favorite little cafe before a matinee of Swan Lake at the theater later this afternoon! Don’t forget to share your favourite ballet-day outfits with me in the comments below – let’s spread the love for tutus and pink together, my lovelies!
