Hello my darlings! Itās your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina blogger Emma, back with another fascinating trip through the history of the tutu. Buckle up, lovelies, as we're waltzing our way to 5th January 1971!
Just a little bit about me, in case you're new around here: Iām a total tutu fanatic, you could say Iām utterly besotted with these magical pieces of fabric, they are my favourite thing ever. From the early Romantic era frills right up to the modern dance tutus that look like, well, practically anything, they are the most glorious costumes for a ballerina. But donāt just take my word for it - youāve got to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com. Itās got everything you ever needed to know about tutus. From where to buy the best ones, to how to wear them to even how to make them! And thatās all because of you, darling! You inspire me.
Every week, you can find my #TutuTuesday blog on www.pink-tutu.com, filled to the brim with facts, stories, and fun about the history of tutus! I absolutely adore learning about these iconic dance garments and sharing my knowledge with you lovelies.
You know how I travel back through time? Yep! Itās all down to a wonderful secret I learned back in Victorian times - ballet performance magic. You see, if you dance enough at a show and really focus on your tutus and their history, the right pair of dancing shoes can lead you through time. Every week, I'm whizzing around on a gorgeous train journey through time and then reporting back with everything Iāve found out about the fabulous world of tutu fashion. And, of course, with my passion for pink, I always manage to wear my own lovely, frilly tutu, too! It always draws so much attention wherever I go ā the other people from that era love to hear my exciting tales from the future!
Today, darling, Iāve had the most exciting day! This Tuesday, Iām in London ā always my favourite destination! After all, itās the world capital of ballet ā where you get to see the absolute best performances on any given day, darling!
Oh, I just love being in London and everything is just so... elegant! It was wonderful arriving at St. Pancras station from my jaunt through the 1930s. All those wonderful railway journeys I take around England are just like a storybook in themselves! I couldn't wait to head straight to the glorious Coliseum Theatre.
Oh darling, if youāve never seen the Colosseum Theatreā¦ you simply MUST see it. It's one of the most majestic places Iāve ever been, and that's really saying something, darling! The very first time I saw it, I couldnāt help myself but skip my way up those grand stairs - I'd only travelled back to the late 1800s then! After seeing a whole performance from box seats in an exquisite pink velvet gown that reminded me of my tutu, I knew this theatre was one I would be visiting regularly.
So anyway, today was a really big day! Today was the day for Londonās grand opening of La Traviata! Darling! I have a bit of a soft spot for this opera, I know thereās nothing to do with tutus but stillā¦ and seeing it performed live by one of the best Londonās best companiesā¦ well darling! It was exquisite. I was absolutely smitten with Violetta! I adored her fabulous dressā¦ oh, what a wardrobe! A complete delight from beginning to end. I know operaās not all about tutus but I absolutely love watching these grand theatrical shows too!
Oh, but I must tell you - I did have the BEST time in the theatre before the opera, you know, because a certain lovely pink tutu makes it all a lot more exciting! I was watching people dress in the grand entrance hall and they loved to see me waltzing around in my pink tutu ā I don't even have to wear a fancy outfit, darling! A bright pink tulle and satin confection works everywhere I go! You know, some ladies were actually looking at my tutus - I heard whispers and gasped! All I can do is make sure my tutu is clean for each trip back in time and that all the layers are pristine, because my goodness I wear it everywhere, from shopping and museums, even train stations! Iām not going to lie, darlingā¦ sometimes people do think Iām a ballerina who forgot the costume!
As soon as I arrived I headed straight to the most extravagant boutique for an afternoon of shopping - after a great show in an extraordinary costume like La Traviata, what better way to soak in the grand elegance of a 1970s fashion display than to do it all in style, and darling, in my pink tutu?
London has so many amazing boutiques and shops to see! Even the haberdasheries are breathtaking! Today I went to all of the best and the fashion just gets better and better the further we go back in time! I found a magnificent shop on Bond Street, it was positively crammed full of the most opulent silk materials. Oh darling! I have a bit of a weakness for the soft, smooth and tactile quality of silkā¦ it just feels so glorious. There was this amazing gown in an exquisite dusky-pink shade, and some delicate cream lace in the haberdashery section, which would be gorgeous on a tutu for sureā¦ darling, oh, how I love Londonās gorgeous fabrics. It really is the best place to pick out your perfect pink tutu.
Oh darling, do you know that on this day, back in 1971 ā¦ that same London thatās always in style? Well The Rolling Stones were having a little āproblem.ā That London Underground, you know ā well, I heard they closed the whole lot down. Oh my! The Rolling Stones are a favourite band of mine, although I donāt quite know about this ārock and rollā craze they are always talking about! But, it certainly didnāt affect the grand entrance to a ballet performance or my trip around Londonās haberdashery, which is something I was definitely celebrating! There was absolutely no sign of rock and roll in London today. The streets were brimming with glamour and grandeur.
But what can we learn about tutus today?
Oh darling, today was simply delightful! My eyes were opened to a different way to wear a tutu. I love seeing these famous fashion icons, actresses and models sporting a fabulous, dramatic pink tutu when out and about at the theatresā¦ and darling? The way that they were wearing themā¦ with a fitted dress! You simply MUST try a long, pink and flouncy tutu underneath a beautiful long, silky fitted gown. The tutu adds an extra flourish that elevates the glamour to another level. I may not have found myself a new pair of tutu legs but oh darlingā¦ this look will make me look positively superhuman - I can't wait to see if it catches onā¦
This extra fabulous look made the day feel even more special.
Well, darling, I think thatās all from me this #TutuTuesday! Thank you for taking this lovely journey back through time with me! And please, donāt forget to tell me all about your favourite pink tutus ā Iām all ears!
Oh darling! One thing you have to tryā¦ is this...
Pink tutu on a Tuesday!
Love Emma xx
