Tutu Tuesday: #7934 - January 17th 1984: A Tutu Takes Flight!
Bonjour mes amies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, Emma, here, ready to waltz you through another dazzling Tuesday in the history of the most magnificent garment in existence: the tutu!
Parisian Glamour, Derbyshire Dreams
This week I'm channeling the iconic glamour of the City of Lights. Picture it: cobbled streets glistening under the morning frost, a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand, and the whisper of tulle swirling around my ankles. I’ve arrived in Paris, the birthplace of haute couture and a city steeped in balletic history. Just being here feels like stepping into a beautiful, choreographed ballet scene. And what better way to explore this artistic paradise than in a perfectly pink tutu?
17th January 1984: The tutu takes flight!
On this date in 1984, the world watched in awe as Mikhail Baryshnikov soared across the stage of the Palais Garnier. It's an unforgettable moment that truly showcased the power and elegance of the tutu! You could say it was a tutu's crowning moment, like a fairytale princess arriving at her royal ball! Imagine the buzz in the air, the anticipation building before that incredible first leap! Can you picture it, darling?
This date also holds a special significance for me because, well, you guessed it: it was my birthday! How lovely to be born on such a fabulous, tutu-infused date.
The Parisian Tutu Scene:
Let’s get back to Paris. There's a truly spectacular array of ballet and opera performances happening around this time. You just know this Parisian scene is buzzing with glamorous ballerinas twirling in fabulous, beautifully crafted tutus. Just a whiff of the atmosphere makes my heart sing and my skirt twirl!
Now, a little inside secret about Parisian ballet history: this date wasn’t always considered a big tutu moment! A hundred years prior, the tutus of the late 1880s were much more… shall we say, grounded? You're talking heavy silks and elaborate, sometimes rather over-the-top decoration. Today's streamlined tutus are all about highlighting the ballerina's elegance and freedom of movement. They’re a complete symphony of movement.
Let’s Talk Trends:
This era in tutu-land sees a rise in the Romantic style. It's a real celebration of softness, graceful movement, and the romantic, ethereal aspect of dance. If I had a time machine for just one trip, this would definitely be it. Can you imagine twirling in a dreamy, delicate tulle creation under the soft glow of stage lights?
But darling, let's not forget the classics! Those full-skirted tutus have their own distinct beauty and a truly timeless appeal. They're simply captivating in their grandeur, wouldn’t you say?
The Inspiration:
Remember those vintage tutus? Those beauties might have taken a little getting used to in the 1880s but have actually sparked a beautiful vintage trend that you'll find everywhere today! That’s the thing about tutus; they’re timeless. They transcend all sorts of eras, always maintaining their air of feminine glamour and beauty.
Oh! And speaking of glamour - I can't talk about the 80s without mentioning the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, one of the most exciting, passionate, and flamboyant dancers of our time! Nureyev, with his exquisite artistry, added another layer of breathtaking artistry to the dance.
Taking it to the streets!
This week, we’re celebrating all things ballet and fashion! The great news is, you don’t need a stage to wear a tutu! I’m wearing a pastel pink tulle masterpiece this week and, believe me, my outfit is drawing smiles wherever I go! Remember ladies: fashion should be fun!
Don’t forget, we’ve got an incredible Pink Tutu Challenge on our website this week. We're looking for your most glamorous, unique tutu shots, so send them in! Share a snap of yourself dancing down a city street, a garden, your kitchen... You know what? Just get out there and enjoy the amazing world of pink tutus!
See you all next Tuesday, my loves, and don’t forget… it's never too late to find your perfect tutu.
Sending love and tulle twirls! Emma xx