Blog Post Number 7775
Oh darling, what a whirlwind this week has been! My toes are aching, my suitcase is overflowing with beautiful vintage pieces, and my heart is overflowing with inspiration - all thanks to another thrilling journey through the glorious history of the tutu! This week, we're waltzing back to 30th December, 1980, a date forever etched in my fashion-loving mind. You see, darlings, that's the date I found myself in the vibrant heart of London, England - and, you guessed it, it was a simply smashing day for a trip to the ballet.
Now, I adore the romance and majesty of the grand ballet companies like The Royal Ballet, but today, I was swept away by a small gem tucked into London's heart. Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon the delightful Sadler's Wells Theatre, a charming haven for innovative ballet productions, always with a dash of exciting new choreography. They were staging "The Nutcracker" on this glorious December night! My favourite, my darlings, you simply must see this charming Christmas story, with its dazzling costumes and playful choreography. It's like stepping into a sugar-spun world, complete with gingerbread soldiers and twinkling snow.
I'm telling you, I felt like I was swept back to the glittering grandeur of the Victorian era - the period that, you see, witnessed the tutu really begin to shine. Before then, it was a pretty thing, but the Romantic era truly brought out the beauty of the tutu - it blossomed like a beautiful flower, with frills, flounces, and graceful lengths that mirrored the balletic dancers’ soaring jumps. You might even call it the "Cinderella era" for the tutu, as it took the lead role and became the star of the show!
And let's talk colour! As we whizz through history, think about it, darlings, what is a ballet performance without vibrant colours? This particular 1980s rendition was a colourful treat. Imagine shimmering reds, deep blues, soft pinks and rich golds swirling and twirling around the stage. Ah, I do love to imagine the dancers on that stage, adorned in beautiful, soft layers of tulle, catching the stage lights and swirling in delicate movements – pure perfection!
And did I tell you about my discoveries today? As soon as the curtain fell, I embarked on my usual fashion pilgrimage - oh, it's a must after each ballet trip! I landed at a tiny little antique shop, tucked away in the bustling streets of London's West End. There I was met with a treasure trove of antique, vintage tutus, the perfect pieces for any budding ballerina - even me! A vintage ballet tutu in soft pink, perfect for my next post here!
That reminds me - Tutu Tuesday is not only about fashion history, but about inspiring everyone to embrace a little bit of the magic and whimsy of the tutu! Let me tell you - it can be surprisingly liberating! Whether you wear a tutu at home, at the ballet, on the streets, at the office or for a tea party, it's a way to express yourself with a sprinkle of playful magic and just a touch of whimsical charm!
What's my dream? Why, it's simple really. Imagine a world where we all twirl a little, where everyone can join in on the magic of the tutu! Don't get me wrong, I still dream of that fabulous white tutu of Margot Fonteyn, all airy and elegant and full of grace. It is simply divine!
But honestly, my darlings, my absolute favourite is pink! It just evokes such pure joy and lightness - perfect for a day filled with ballet magic and dreams. Pink, with its hint of sweet elegance, always reminds me that every day should have a touch of enchantment and a dash of playful flair.
So, darling friends, until next Tuesday, embrace a little bit of magic, a splash of colour, and most importantly, let your tutu spirit shine through! You’ve been a wonderful audience this Tuesday – be sure to let me know what your favourite tutu moments are, or even just a sweet memory you have of ballet and tutus in your own life. We can be together, even through the pages of the web.
Love and pink tutus,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
