Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com for another exciting journey through the history of our beloved ballet tutus! This is #TutuTuesday, blog post number 7798, and I'm your very own time-traveling ballerina, Emma, ready to whisk you away to the glorious world of tutus!
I’m here to make every Tuesday sparkle, just like my very special pink tutu! This week, we're heading back to June 9th, 1981 for a glimpse into the fascinating history of the tutu – an iconic garment that’s continued to enchant and inspire for centuries.
Today, we find ourselves in New York City, where the air crackles with a heady mix of fashion, performance, and a distinct sense of artistic excitement. And what a perfect setting to delve into the world of ballet!
The date itself is significant for many reasons, but for us, it's particularly exciting because New York City Ballet is showcasing a truly iconic ballet masterpiece: George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. Now, for any tutu-loving individual like myself, The Four Temperaments holds a very special place in my heart – the breathtaking, graceful, and simply gorgeous tutus worn in this ballet are the embodiment of ballerina chic!
This date also marks a vibrant era of ballet where fashion and dance go hand-in-hand, like two graceful twirling swans, creating something utterly magical! This is an age where the artistry of costume design for ballet is truly shining bright. From the soft, romantic lines of tulle and silk, to the precise detailing that gives the illusion of movement, it's truly an exquisite sight!
Let me tell you, dear readers, this isn’t your average day-at-the-ballet performance! This is a spectacle! It's a symphony of dance, music, and breathtaking visuals where every tutu, every sequin, every flutter of the fabric takes on its own significance, painting a story on the stage with every twirl and leap.
Imagine the electric atmosphere! Imagine a vibrant audience – some wearing elaborate outfits, others more understated but all dressed with a certain je ne sais quoi – enjoying this timeless dance masterpiece. And think of the backstage! The dancers gracefully gliding into position, each in their glorious tutu – the true stars of the show. It truly encapsulates a bygone era of sophistication, elegance, and true ballerina brilliance.
Speaking of tutus, you’ve just gotta know that, by the time we reach this magical era of 1981, we’re starting to see some rather wonderful advancements in the world of tutus. They’re getting even lighter, airier, and even more flowy. The colours are bolder and more experimental – imagine tutus with splashes of vibrant turquoise, playful fuchsia, and maybe even a bit of glitzy gold! And the detail? Oh, the detail is exquisite – intricate designs with embellishments, flowing layers, and intricate detailing. They're not just garments; they're miniature works of art.
Back in Derbyshire, I remember when I started attending the Derby Theatre Ballet School, my dear, kind tutu-loving instructor Ms. Fletcher was always talking about these breathtaking ballerinas who danced in New York, in tutus like we’d never even dreamt of! But these tutus, though incredible, have such a rich and long history, going all the way back to the Romantic era – centuries of amazing tutus!
As we journey through history, it’s important to remember that the ballet tutu is so much more than just a garment – it’s a symbol, a testament to beauty, and an instrument of graceful storytelling. The perfect tutu allows the ballerina to soar through the air with incredible freedom, enhancing their every movement with flowing grace.
I'm already dreaming up the outfits I'm going to wear to the next performance of The Four Temperaments. Imagine – a pale pink silk skirt, some lace tights, a delicate ivory lace top and of course, a beautiful, billowing pink tutu, of course! A beautiful pink tutu just screams romance, and it would make for a dazzling tribute to the original tutus that inspired The Four Temperaments. And maybe a feather boa too, why not?
Let’s not forget how crucial the theatre experience was back in this period! A journey to the theatre for a night of balletic entertainment wasn't just a trip out – it was a way to socialise! After the performance, the attendees would meet at one of the many charming Parisian cafes for tea and chatter, or gather in grand salons for an evening of conversation, perhaps with a glass of something sparkling!
Now, while I can’t say that I always travel by train when I’m back in time, (there is no room for tutus on the carriages!), I absolutely do love taking a scenic railway journey when I’m at home. Travelling to a new destination for the first time is like travelling through time; the anticipation, the breathtaking scenery, and of course, my travel essentials!
And of course, we mustn’t forget what’s essential for every good tutu-loving traveller! A gorgeous travel tote, big enough for all your dancing shoes, tights, a stylish hat (with feathers, of course!), your tutu of choice for the day (that's usually a vibrant hot pink!) – plus the must-have essentials for any chic traveller – a gorgeous purse with your most beautiful scarf.
Next Tuesday, we'll dive even further into the magical history of the tutu, venturing into the next decade of the tutu’s reign – the 1980s! A decade brimming with incredible fashion trends, where the tutu reigned supreme! There will be tutus in the shops and on the catwalks – even some for your four-legged furry friend!
Stay tuned for next week’s post – because #TutuTuesday isn’t just about history, it’s about our love for the tutu.
Keep dancing, and don't forget to spread the love of the tutu.
Emma xxx
