Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling, ballet-obsessed blogger, reporting live from...well, I can't tell you exactly where because of the time travel thing, but let's just say it's a place where tutus are still fabulously popular! 💖
This Tuesday, I'm swirling back to May 17th, 1983! A very special year in the world of ballet, let me tell you. Can you imagine a world without tutus, darlings? Just picture it – all those wonderful graceful dancers wearing, well, I can't even imagine!
Today's topic, of course, is the beautiful history of the ballet tutu! I adore my tutus, you all know that, and today I'm going to take you on a little trip down memory lane to learn about how the tutu evolved over the years.
A Brief History of the Tutu:
Right, darlings, it all began centuries ago when ballerinas used to wear very long, heavy, and restrictive garments called "romantica". Talk about a challenge for dancing! I couldn't imagine having to twirl in those things, especially if you are going for a grand jeté!
Fortunately, by the 1830s, something wonderful happened: The birth of the tutu, my darlings! This innovation completely changed ballet and allowed ballerinas to move more freely. These early tutus, called "tutu romantique", were often long and flowy, like ethereal gowns of layered tulle. They were absolutely stunning but were pretty darn restrictive!
From Romantic to Classical: The Evolution of the Tutu
But hold on to your tutus, darlings, because the story doesn't stop there! As ballet evolved and the style shifted from "romantica" to "classical", tutus evolved right along with them.
And that brings us to the glorious era we're talking about today: The 1980s! By the 1980s, the classic tutu design that we know and love had been refined and established, and I'm pretty sure it was made with more tulle than the early "romantica" tutus, too! Think shorter, fitted, with more volume in the skirt, perfect for those grand jetés!
It's simply divine, and it perfectly complements the graceful moves of those extraordinary dancers. Speaking of which, my trip through time also means a visit to some amazing ballet shows! And guess what? We have a very special ballet performance planned for tonight, right here in the theatre!
Tonight's Ballet Delights!
Imagine this, darlings: The most incredible stage, elegant and glittering, sparkling lights, the scent of the stage... Oh, how exciting! The show features "Swan Lake", which is a true ballet masterpiece, with those wonderful graceful dancers twirling in their stunning, classic tutus!
You can bet I’ll be adding to my collection of vintage ballet memorabilia tonight with a beautiful programme, darling. You never know what other delightful finds are waiting for me at the theatre shop. It's amazing what one can find when one travels through time.
Back to the Present:
While I'm loving every minute of my 1983 escapade, let’s bring it back to the present for a minute, shall we? My beloved Derbyshire, how I do miss your rolling green hills! But even back in my own time, there's no shortage of tutu-inspired fun. I've been spending hours at the new dress shop downtown; it's brimming with delightful styles that just beg to be twirled in. And wouldn't you know it? They have the cutest little pink tutu for kids! Talk about inspiring the next generation!
Oh, and if you're looking for some tutu-tastic inspiration, check out our website, www.pink-tutu.com ! There's so much fun to be had! You can find loads of articles about the history of ballet, amazing photos of tutus, links to some fantastic online stores with tutu styles galore, and even tips on finding a fabulous dance class. It’s the ultimate destination for all things tutu!
And, of course, join me next week for another exciting journey into the past for more tutu talk on #TutuTuesday!
Don't forget to follow me on social media too! Find me on Instagram at @EmmaPinkTutu.
Until next time, darlings, keep twirling!
Yours in tulle, Emma 💖
P.S. Did I mention I'm taking the train home tonight? Nothing beats the swaying rhythm of a journey by train, wouldn't you agree, darlings? Makes me think of a dance, perfectly suited to a tutu! 😉
