Hiya darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger Emma, back with another whirl through the magical history of our beloved ballet tutus! Today, we're taking a train trip - a fabulous, first-class carriage kind of trip - back to April 9th, 1985. Buckle up your tulle and let's get ready to dance through time!
I just knew I had to visit this date - it was a true turning point for ballet and the world of fashion. Oh, you can't even imagine! The tutus were bold, the colours brighter than a box full of rainbows, and the hairstyles - well, they were definitely a sight to behold! We're talking BIG hair here, ladies! Think shoulder pads but for the head! It's no surprise the 80s are coming back in style - they knew how to make a statement!
This time, I took a trip to the Grand Palais in Paris for a gala performance of "The Sleeping Beauty". Can you picture it? My little heart fluttered with excitement just stepping into the beautiful old building. My travelling companions were two fabulous ladies I met on my travels. One was an English costume designer - her eyes lit up with the sheer joy of seeing those beautiful costumes up close. She just adores tutus - she can't help it, her love for the ballet began in her grandmother's garden with her very own pink, fluffy tutu. She's my absolute idol for her designs, she could dress the most flamboyant prince with just a feather and a piece of fabric! The other, an American dancer - she had come all the way to Paris for the occasion - oh, she is an absolute star! So full of grace and artistry, a true performer with a kind heart to boot.
But back to the tutu. What can I say, those ballerinas looked so fantastic on stage! Think swathes of tulle, like a billowing, beautiful cloud. Each movement was elevated, every step a work of art - even the way the light caught the sparkling fabric... simply divine! And let's not forget the colour. Think bright pinks and blues, bold greens and sunshine yellows - it was all so joyful and vibrant and frankly, heavenly!
Speaking of vibrant, I had to shop of course! You can never have too many tutus! You see, in those days, the French fashion houses were embracing ballet and using it for inspiration. So, poofy skirts, layered fabrics, and bold colours flooded the scene. The best thing, though? The* pink*! It was everywhere. You couldn't escape the pink, darling! I was in my element.
Even in the cafe after the performance, all the elegant ladies had that hint of ballet in their style! I picked up a charming hat in the most gorgeous shade of blush pink! It has a lovely feathered trim and was absolutely perfect for my trip to Versailles the next day. I found out that Marie Antoinette even had a personal collection of ballerina outfits! Who knew that ballet and history could be such perfect companions?
One of the things I absolutely love about exploring ballet history is that it lets us travel through time, see how things have changed, and how we've embraced and loved tutus for centuries! Every century, it seems, is bursting with its own particular magic, with its own set of gorgeous tutus. I mean, I can't get enough of the Victorian styles, the lace and the delicate layers, all that femininity! And, oh! the way they adorned the Victorian dancers with silk flowers, lace trims, and the most delicate fabrics. Then again, there's the early 1900s! That era with its flamboyant shapes, a true celebration of form!
And, of course, there's the twentieth century - those beautifully sculpted tutus from the classical era to the more daring styles that followed! So many amazing styles from that period. They truly push the boundaries of dance and fashion, and yet still hold onto those graceful, romantic lines we all love.
I'll be back next Tuesday with another trip into the fascinating world of the tutu! But until then, dance around your living room! Grab a piece of fabric, put on some music, and spin! Maybe you'll discover your own hidden tutu talents! Remember, a little twirl is always good for the soul.
See you next week, and don't forget - spread the love of pink tutus!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
