Bonjour mes chéries! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your favourite Tutu Tuesday, the day we celebrate the magnificent, glorious tutu, and the history of its glorious, wonderful form. Today we travel back to November 23rd, 1948! Grab your tea and biscuits, darlings, and let’s step back in time…
My journey: London Calling
After a splendid journey by train (the best way to travel, my dears!), I’ve found myself in the vibrant city of London. The air buzzes with excitement, the city lit up for the festive season, even though it's only November! Today I'm headed for the Royal Opera House, but before I see the latest ballet extravaganza, let’s explore a bit of ballet history.
Tutu Transformation
In 1948, the tutu wasn't quite the flamboyant creation we know and love today. Back then, it was more practical, even quite utilitarian! A true dance garment for moving and grooving, but less ‘look at me, I’m a tutu, be afraid!’. A dancer’s essential tool to achieve incredible grace and fluidity, rather than a fashion statement (although, they did have style!)
Now, imagine: Picture a simple skirt with some carefully gathered fabric to create movement – this was the diminuendo, an early form of tutu, created back in the 1830s, favoured for its romantic and graceful look. This style was pretty and pretty useful – you could actually see what a ballerina was doing!
Ballerina Blooms:
Today’s tutu started taking its grand and iconic shape a bit later, in the late 1800s. Imagine shorter, puffy skirts which still gave plenty of movement, showing off those elegant leg extensions, yet still maintaining that elegant flair. Think ballerinas looking like adorable miniature Victorian ladies! By the early 1900s, the classic tutu, the tutu we know and love today, had emerged in full force. A symphony of movement and light, its flowing form an embodiment of grace, bringing magic to the stage!
The Stage is Set:
As I take a wander down the bustling streets, the magic of ballet starts to weave its way into London’s energy. People are dashing to theatres, music halls are bursting with joyous sounds, and everywhere, the whisper of fashion fills the air! I just had to slip into a shop for a bit of a spree - after all, you can’t be in London without a little fashion indulgence!
Today’s performance features a classic ballet – Giselle, a truly beautiful ballet that plays with both darkness and beauty! I just adore this piece – a story full of passion, tragedy, and love! Plus, Giselle’s tutu, a full-bodied, swirling dream, truly epitomizes what a tutu should be - romantic, dramatic, and perfectly crafted for movement!
Dance is for Everyone
Of course, even back then, not just everyone was in London. You don’t need a bustling city, fancy theatres, or a luxurious dress, to love ballet. All you need is an imagination! Think of it, even our Derbyshire valleys had some great dancing, though our Derbyshire Tutus were made of tweed, so they were more weather resistant. And you don’t even need a fancy ballet tutu to love dancing; your everyday dress can be a costume, too, my dear! Dance in your kitchen, your garden, your living room! A ballerina is born in the mind, and the passion lives within. Just a little twirl and some joyful moves make you feel incredible, no matter where you are!
Twirling Back in Time
Back in London, the Opera House welcomes me in, and I know I'm going to be mesmerised by the incredible story Giselle will tell! The costumes will be magnificent, the sets breathtaking. But as I watch, I will remember where this ballet magic all started – with a simple skirt designed to create a dance. And just think – how far this fabulous little garment has come! It's a true testament to the timeless beauty of ballet. And the wonder of our beloved, magical tutu.
P.S. Oh, before I go! I must tell you – today I was browsing the internet ( yes, we have such a thing now!) I found a fab online shop, selling absolutely stunning, fabulous, glorious tutus - perfect for you lovely ladies and all your dancing needs. Don’t miss the amazing pink collection - perfect for those extra special occasions, or just for wearing because you love a fab pink tutu! I’ve even ordered myself a few new ones, after all a tutu wardrobe needs to be constantly updated, don’t you agree, dear?
Until next week, don’t forget to twirl your way through the day with joy, confidence, and all that feminine, pretty ballet grace! Don’t forget to post your pictures using the hashtag #PinkTutu! And remember, it's okay to dream big and dance your way into a bright, joyful future, my lovely, fabulous dancers!
Happy twirling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
