Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another exciting delve into the whimsical world of ballet history!
Today we’re taking a trip back to the 2nd of February, 1971. Let me tell you, fashion was just as exciting then as it is today!
For this #TutuTuesday, I’ve travelled all the way to the heart of the ballet world - New York City! You wouldn't believe the shops! There's such an incredible selection of fabrics and accessories for any fashionista. But more on that later…
This was the day that a brand-new ballet opened its doors at the New York City Center, "The Kingdom of the Sun", choreographed by the wonderful George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet. Imagine! Just a few days ago, those costumes and sets were nothing more than designs on a page! Now, they're soaring through the air, dazzling the crowds with the magic of ballet!
And speaking of costumes, oh the tutus! You'd never believe the inspiration these designers draw from. The colours! The fabrics! I just want to get up and twirl. Just last week, I popped by the* New York City Ballet costume shop* (so incredibly glamorous!). It was just like walking into a fairytale! Fabric piled high everywhere. Imagine the possibilities!
But wait, before we delve into the captivating world of ballet costume design, let’s rewind a little, back to the 1840s - the era that saw the true rise of the tutu as we know it today! Marie Taglioni, a pioneering ballerina (did I mention I’m absolutely in awe of her?), graced the stage in a tutu so short, it was practically just a layer of tulle over a petticoat. Imagine!
Suddenly, women weren't just floating in those large and heavy silk dresses. The stage transformed! And so did the dancers' movement, allowing for the fluid and graceful styles that have been at the core of ballet ever since.
The tutu continued its evolution, gradually transforming over time. Remember that tutu from "The Nutcracker" with its big, romantic skirt that the sugar plum fairy dances in? Imagine all those yards and yards of fabric! And those beautiful, airy, light, poetic tutus? Absolutely glorious! Just imagine gliding across a stage in one! Pure enchantment!
By the early 20th Century, the romantic tutu, the one with the layers and layers of tulle, was reaching its zenith, inspiring fashion designers worldwide. But like all great things, fashion is in constant flux! It's been through so many wonderful transformations – longer tutus, shorter tutus, tutus that float around, tutus that dance around - what an adventure!
Today's tutu? It comes in all sorts of colours and shapes. Imagine, everything from a simple one-layer tutu to one made with a thousand tiny layers. Who doesn't love a tutu with feathers, sparkles, sequins? It's truly fascinating!
And now, back to our exciting little trip to New York City in 1971 - I was lucky enough to have caught a show in one of the theatre district's grand theatres - what a vision! My friend Florence (she's a budding ballerina from Derby) even insisted I pick up a vintage "Nutcracker" tutu in the theatre's souvenir shop (I'll wear it when I get back home!). We were also fortunate to catch a glimpse of a rehearsal at the New York City Ballet studios. You could practically feel the excitement and energy buzzing through the air!
The costumes were something special. You wouldn’t believe how many sequins and feathers they use! It must take a whole team just to iron them! And the amount of detail - absolutely astonishing!
This trip, darlings, really solidified something that I knew in my heart. Fashion, like dance, is a beautiful art form! Just like the costumes enhance a ballet's choreography, our clothing adds to who we are. But of course, you don't need to be on a stage to look glamorous.
Why don't you, my lovely readers, try donning your favourite tutu, adding a little sparkle, and maybe even a feather boa to your outfit for a spot of "tutu Tuesday" fun at home? It will be a blast and an extra special way to mark the day, especially for those of you with aspiring little dancers!
As I leave the bustling metropolis of New York City to hop onto a train back to Derbyshire, I leave you with a few inspirational thoughts…
Let's continue celebrating the whimsical and beautiful world of the tutu, shall we? Don't forget to hop onto my website - www.pink-tutu.com – to check out some exciting offers on pink tutus I've discovered on my travels!
Until next #TutuTuesday, darlings! Don't forget to wear a tutu today and stay twirly!
Love, Emma xx
