Hello darlings, and welcome to another glorious Tutu Tuesday here on www.pink-tutu.com! It's me, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma!
This week we're skipping through the magical world of tutus with a special festive trip back in time to December 22nd, 1981. Just imagine it! Snowflakes gently falling outside, the air crisp with the scent of gingerbread and cinnamon, and a cosy theatre bustling with anticipation as the audience eagerly waits for the curtains to rise. This was the air of anticipation, my dear friends, that filled the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London on this very date. It's the season of The Nutcracker after all, and believe me, ballet wouldn't be the same without this magical, swirling ballet.
For today's #TutuTuesday I decided to ditch the vintage train for a festive ride on the London Underground, with the magical sights of this buzzing city adding a bit of sparkle to our trip! This December 22nd, Covent Garden was buzzing with Christmas spirit. Crowds decked out in their finest winter wear scurried by, clutching presents and wrapped in layers of festive cheer. I almost forgot I had to pop into Liberty's, a haven of beautiful things, for a little tutu shopping, and as always I made sure to find some extra tulle to add to my ever-growing stash of pretty fabrics.
Stepping inside the grand Royal Opera House, you can feel the magic seep in, through every exquisite detail of its architecture. The gilded halls, the velvet seats, and the lingering scent of anticipation – it was all a feast for the senses. Tonight, it wasn't the dancers who had my eyes sparkling though. It was the stunning costumes of The Nutcracker. You see, 1981 marked a landmark for this classic, as The Royal Ballet premiered a spectacular new production designed by the talented Nicholas Georgiadis. Imagine tutus in lush velvets and silks, shimmering with a dusting of Christmas sparkle – it was sheer opulence, darlings!
Just a thought for you all, it is such a treat to get decked out for a special occasion and ballet is a great opportunity. We all love to feel dressed up, so let's not hold back and add a touch of fabulous flair to your next trip to the theatre. It doesn't have to be a grand ball gown – a simple black dress, a little bit of rouge, and perhaps even a touch of shimmering tulle around your neck could do wonders to elevate a casual evening.
I always feel like ballet allows us to dip our toes into another era. Even now, tutus and pointe shoes offer an elegant peek into a world of bygone grandeur.
After the performance, it was a whirlwind of laughter and excited conversation as my time travelling pals and I headed towards the vibrant Covent Garden market. There, surrounded by twinkling lights and the sounds of carols, I couldn't resist snapping up some Christmas cheer, with a few boxes of fudge for the journey home. It is simply impossible to be in a gloomy mood when surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights.
Remember, my dear friends, there's always time for a tutu and some magic in our lives. Just like in 1981, the spirit of the season, with its joy and kindness, can transport us all to a world of pure delight. I'll be seeing you back here next week, on Tutu Tuesday – ready for another journey into the fabulous history of this iconic garment. Until then, keep dancing and remember, a pink tutu is always the answer!
Stay fabulous, my dear friends!
Your Time-Travelling Ballerina,
Emma 🩰❤️💖
P.S. If you have any suggestions for historical tutus, performances or events that you want to travel through time and explore, leave me a message in the comments below. You can always visit me on www.pink-tutu.com too for more stories about the wonder and beauty of tutus.
P.P.S. Do you have any memories of your first ballet experience, whether it was at a grand theatre like Covent Garden or your local school hall? Share them in the comments below. Every dance holds a story, and we’d love to hear yours.
Stay tutu-ful! ✨
