Welcome back, darlings! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to 1958! I know, I know, who wouldn't want to swap their modern day woes for a trip back to the golden age of fashion and fabulousness? And honestly, darling, let's be honest, the fifties was the era for tutu-tastic fun!
Today, we're diving into the itty-bitty, fluffy-tufted history of the tutu. Oh, my dears, a ballet without a tutu is just a little bit… beige, isn't it? It's all about that twirling drama! Now, put on your dancing shoes and grab a glass of something pink and bubbly - because it's time to travel, babes!
I've gotta say, stepping off the train into Paris, oh la la! Always the fashion capital of the world, this city is like a ballet on the Champs-Élysées. Think swirling skirts and elegant postures, stylish shoes and fabulous hats! Even though it's only July, I’m already dreaming of the big Paris fashion shows later this year! Ooh, wouldn't it be lovely to have a tutu collection just like one of those couture fashion houses? I have so many pink dresses and tutus that you'd think I was the real pink princess, darlings!
So, what did we find out about the tutu this week? Well, we all know that it’s a very important part of the ballet world – but this little frock has a longer, much more fascinating story than you might think. Our fabulous journey through the centuries takes us back to...wait for it! … the late 18th Century, darlings! A long time ago, indeed. Before all the glorious twirls and flourishes, you see, the tutu wasn’t the wispy, beautiful little ballet icon that it is today. No, darling, it started as a rather boring undergarment for women – think stiff and stiffly constructed and totally un-tutu-like, like a nightgown that your grandmother might have worn. Not exactly the frock of dreams, darling.
But oh how times have changed! The ballerina, Marie Taglioni – and darling, what a fabulous name for a ballerina! – was the one who, by the way, first wore a very short skirt. A skirt with plenty of volume! Her performance in “La Sylphide” (which of course we all went to see!), brought on a very modern way of performing. Imagine - she had the stage all to herself in that magical white tutu, swirling around like a ballerina should, a beautiful image. Just picture that moment, darlings!
Over time, the tutu evolved to the design that we love today. Now there’s not a single ballet school anywhere that doesn’t teach a new dancer to wear a tutu (at some point, at least, darling!).
Today, 22nd July, 1958, I went to see the Royal Ballet perform “La Sylphide” at Covent Garden – darling, how grand and spectacular the opera house is, beautiful! Imagine dancing there on that fantastic stage…I'd get so many compliments! I mean, everyone knows it’s a dancer’s dream! They don’t get much more romantic, darling.
Now, what to wear to tonight’s show? Maybe that soft pink and silver sequinned tutu, paired with matching platform pumps. I'll find a dress to add to the collection tomorrow – perhaps something more simple, to show off the beauty of the ballet and the elegant design of my tutu…
Until next Tuesday, lovelies. Remember to find something pink to wear! It's #TutuTuesday and I'm waiting for those pink tutu pics on our website at www.pink-tutu.com - you know I'll be there!
Yours in pinkest swirls and pirouettes, Emma x
P.S. I think this vintage ballet journal will look great on my bookshelf at home...maybe another train trip next week? If you must know, my current obsession is going to Moscow to see “Swan Lake” at the Bolshoi – wouldn't that be magical ! Imagine being surrounded by such incredible performances! It will have to wait, I think, but I’ll be planning that trip for my next birthday! I simply have to find an excuse to buy more ballet costumes - it’s for my blog, you see...It’s for research. *And shopping...of course!
Let me know what you are going to see in the theatre this week – don't be shy. We are all friends here!
