Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, your tutu-loving, time-traveling ballerina blogger! I’m so excited to be back on the blog, ready to take you on a magical journey back to April 29th, 1969 – a fabulous day for tutus and all things fabulous! 🩰
Before we delve into the history of our beloved ballet tutu, I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to my Derbyshire lovelies. It’s been an absolute dream dancing the night away at the Derby Theatre recently. And as always, the atmosphere was electric. Those Derby audiences really know how to give a girl the standing ovation treatment! 💖
Now, let’s get back to that fabulous day in 1969. It was the day the iconic ballerina Margot Fonteyn received the Order of Merit – one of the highest civilian honours bestowed in the United Kingdom! This absolute legend truly paved the way for women in ballet, becoming a beacon of beauty and elegance.
Today, I’m in London! A trip on the train never fails to inspire. I think the movement of the carriage reminds me so much of dancing, especially the rhythmic clinking of the wheels on the track – that could almost be music to my ears! 😉
Before I can grab a cuppa and a scone, though, I’ve got to give you a dose of Tutu History. This Tuesday we are back to the beautiful early days of tutus. We’ve journeyed back before the modern ‘tutu’ took hold - in those days, these fabulous frocks were often known as a ‘dress de ballet’, a ‘robe de bal’, and most delightfully as a ‘robe de danse.’ Imagine a tutu with a whole fancy name! I think we should definitely get ‘Robe de Danse Tuesdays’ on the go at www.pink-tutu.com - don’t you agree?
And what better time than the springtime to indulge in these ethereal garments. We're now at the turn of the century, right after Marie Taglioni – known as ‘the swan’, quite rightly I might add – delighted us all with her light and graceful dance. This period saw ballerinas in the most decadent gowns! With a fabric and detail so intricately elegant, it took the breath away – and for me, I’m feeling seriously inspired!
I think today's dancers still crave that era. I mean, think of those gorgeous silk dresses adorned with tulle, those long flowing trains, and delicate lace… how do you top that for pure romance? I think some of these 'robes de danse’ should make a comeback - with a little bit of Pink Tutu flair of course. 😉
Speaking of a comeback – have you heard about the revival of the Bolshoi Ballet? These guys are the real deal. The talent is unbelievable. And when they put on a performance of Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty, I’m transported straight back to a time when everything seemed just a little more romantic! And speaking of a time with ‘just a little more romance’, you need to come to one of the most fabulous theaters ever - Covent Garden, it is the home of ballet history. There is no place better in the world. If you are lucky enough to go and catch a show there you will agree with me!
Oh my goodness! Just thinking about all the dazzling tutus that must have graced the stage in those days… 🤯
Let’s face it – nothing makes me happier than watching ballerinas pirouette, with those delicate ruffles swishing around them! Now, if only I could find a way to time travel with my full ballet kit – a whole wardrobe of beautiful pink tutus, with plenty of sparkles, naturally! It’s just a dream, but who knows, with a little magic anything is possible! ✨
Don’t forget to follow me at #TutuTuesday. And remember - everyone can be a ballerina – with the right tutu, anything is possible! 🌸
P.S. If you have a little tutu or dress de ballet story you would like to share, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! 🩰 I love to hear what tutus do for you.
