Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another trip into the history of our beloved ballet tutus! Today we're stepping back to May 10th, 1983, a date brimming with delightful fashion and ballet inspiration. Grab your tea, settle into your favourite pink armchair (mine's adorned with little tulle bows, of course), and let's take a twirl through the time tunnel!
It’s always so much fun hopping around in history and witnessing how our cherished ballet tutus have evolved over the years! Just last week I was in the romanticism era watching a performance by Marie Taglioni herself. Such beautiful tutus, so light and ethereal – they’re the ones that made tutu-wearing fashionable, really. Back then, the tutus were much less fitted, resembling wispy clouds of fabric swirling around the dancers, giving them such grace and airiness! But today, in 1983, we’re in a completely different era, a time full of bold lines, structured designs and even stronger movement!
I've just finished a rather dazzling performance by the Paris Opera Ballet and the stunning "La Bayadere" they just unveiled. Such an incredibly strong performance - every movement had incredible power, precision and athleticism. This production called for a different type of tutu though, one that needed to be very well structured to cope with the impressive movements - like the famed 'jumps', they're simply phenomenal! This tutu design was definitely still long with layers of tulle, but its shape was decidedly less 'flowy'. A lovely bit of corsetry at the waist with intricate layers of white tulle with very structured lines, perfect to highlight the strong movements of these ballerinas! The performance was so magical; the whole audience was on their feet cheering!
Now, on this delightful day in 1983, a wonderful fashion exhibit celebrating fashion in dance just opened up at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London! Such a glorious place, full of vibrant history. It made my little heart do a happy pirouette. The exhibit is showcasing a wonderful collection of ballet tutus from the 1800s right through to 1980, with designs from Anna Pavlova to Margot Fonteyn. Such inspiring pieces! Imagine how beautiful the dresses must be on show - they surely will give us all some brilliant ideas to try in our own pink tutu style!
As for me, my latest obsession are the 'pancake tutus'. Such playful and whimsical designs. Like those fluffy circular panckakes - but with tulle! These have the same romantic look as the tutus from the 19th century, but with a twist of modern, more playful movement, very trendy! And the best bit? You can actually create your own! I can't wait to share all the fabulous techniques on how to make them. I’ll be hosting a "Tutu Time" at the London Tutu Bazaar, just around the corner from the V&A. The Bazaar’s having a lovely ‘pink tulle party’ on the 20th. Imagine the fun! It’ll be a real feast for the eyes with fabulous costumes, make-up and of course, the latest in pancake tutu designs. And speaking of tutus, the fashion is as brilliant as the ballet shows in 1983! Think structured silhouettes and bold colours. Shoulder pads are really on trend, making those dancers look stronger and even more poised! The looks are so daring - but don’t worry darlings, they are still keeping that iconic feminine flair, especially on the dance floor!
Speaking of London, I must visit that magnificent place called ‘The London Fashion Museum’. They are showing a most fabulous collection of costumes designed for iconic 20th century ballets like "Swan Lake" and “Sleeping Beauty”! They are just amazing, they make the heart flutter and they give you an appreciation of all the fabulous, talented people behind the designs and the history of ballets themselves! There's an even larger exhibition showcasing costumes worn by ballet dancers from around the globe - they include costumes for famous ballerina's, too! It’s wonderful seeing the evolution of costume design and its place in ballet. It’s simply stunning! After all, what is a ballet performance without the glamorous costumes!
Oh my darlings, it seems the magic of this lovely trip is almost over! Time to hop back to the 21st century. I have a full day ahead, starting with a visit to the local dance store to see their selection of pink tulle! There’s a lovely charity dance performance planned, all for local hospice! The funds will help families struggling with the most difficult of challenges, such as life-limiting illness. It's an important thing to support. It will be such a joyous celebration of ballet, music and of course, our very special tutus!
Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday, darlings! Until then, keep dancing, keep sparkling and, most importantly, never forget the joy of wearing pink!
Love always,
Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
