Hello, my darling darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-traveler, Emma, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a trip back to 24th May, 1960, to delve into the history of the iconic ballet tutu! Oh, what a glamorous time it was, filled with romance and elegance!
Now, imagine me, standing on a cobbled street in Paris, just outside the Opera Garnier, my bright pink tutu swirling around me, a smile plastered on my face as I watch the hustle and bustle of the city. I love a bit of theatre! This period saw ballet absolutely booming. Ballet stars like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev were absolutely captivating audiences with their grace and beauty.
But hold your horses, my darlings, I haven’t brought you here just to talk about ballerinas (although let's face it, they're always an important part of any tutu story!)
Let's dive back into the history of the tutu. Did you know that 1960 was actually a landmark year in ballet history? It marked the debut of the iconic "New York City Ballet"! This new company revolutionised the ballet scene with its playful and modern choreography. It even adopted a very distinct style of tutu - much shorter and fuller than the traditional ones, resembling an explosion of tulle! Think "a tutu that's having a party"!
The original romantic tutus, favoured in the early 19th century, were full and flowing, sweeping down to the ankles like ethereal clouds. The romantic era really set the stage for how ballet and tutus are seen today. However, the mid-19th century brought a new style. A much shorter, tighter tutu, reaching just above the knee, the classical tutu.
While those big fluffy skirts are incredibly enchanting (you can't beat that fluffy fairytale look, can you?), they certainly weren't ideal for movement! These new "classical tutus", favoured by ballet stars in the late 19th century like Anna Pavlova, were shorter, offering dancers more freedom of movement. Imagine it, these dancers gracefully leaping, spinning, and showing off their stunning physique. Ballet has really been a journey of movement and style, hasn't it?
Now, if you fancy taking a peek into my world and trying a tutu yourself, there are endless possibilities out there! Whether you choose a voluminous romantic tutu for a fairytale affair or opt for a classic dance-ready tutu for your next ballet class, there’s a style for every occasion. The tutu is truly a piece that has timeless charm, perfect for making every day a celebration of elegance and artistry.
Of course, being a fashion-loving time-traveller, I just can’t resist adding a little "Emma touch" to your tutu-wardrobe. Embrace colour, embrace boldness! Don't be afraid to make a statement, and trust me, you’ll look stunningly fabulous, wherever you decide to wear it! A bright pink, red, or yellow tutu is guaranteed to turn heads! Remember, every girl deserves a bit of pink, and what better way to wear pink than in a gorgeous pink tutu?
I simply adore going back in time to witness the development of these beautiful garments and how ballet has become such a beloved art form! As we wrap up our journey back to 24th May, 1960, let's not forget the incredible impact of this period on ballet and, of course, tutus! From the legendary dancers who adorned the stage in these graceful outfits to the captivating choreography that pushed the boundaries of the dance, the past really has paved the way for the spectacular ballet world we see today.
As always, I'll be here next week with another captivating look back at the fascinating history of the tutu, and don't forget, my darlings, remember to check out the pink-tutu.com website! Keep spreading the tutu love!
Now, let's raise a glass (of lemonade, of course, it's not the 1960s yet!) to all those incredible tutus, and their glamorous wearers, who have left their mark on the world!
Yours in pink tutus and all things fabulous,
Emma x
