Tutu Tuesday #8137: A Pink Tutu Takes on 1987!
Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where every Tuesday is Tutu Tuesday! 🩰
It's been a whirl of a week for me! First, I travelled by train, of course, to Derbyshire to visit my family. And they are a real family of colour, you know! We spent a wonderful time in the Peak District, going for long walks, having picnic lunches and enjoying the fresh air.
Then, it was back to London, for some proper city shopping. I must admit, 1987’s London is absolutely brimming with colour! I couldn't resist a new velvet blazer in a delicious deep burgundy, and oh, the shoes! This season's ballet pumps are exquisite - perfect for twirling through the shops in!
But you know me, darling, my true love is a pink tutu. And that's why I'm back, time travelling straight to December 8th, 1987!
Today, dear readers, is the day the world celebrated a beautiful and unique performance by the incomparable Mikhail Baryshnikov. I mean, talk about graceful, stunning movement! A ballet performance that really made me want to put on my own tutu and start practicing, and even just try and catch a little bit of his flair and precision! He was truly inspirational.
Tutu History Through The Decades: What Makes a Pink Tutu so Pink-tastic?
Before we get caught up in all things ballet, let’s get down to brass tacks – the history of this wonderfully magical garment! We all love the tutus, of course, especially when they're pink. And frankly, they're just so versatile, don't you think? From ballet to parties, picnics in the park and even the shops (okay, maybe not the shops), a pink tutu is a statement of style. But I always love learning more about their fascinating history, so buckle up and get ready for a journey back in time:
The Birth of the Tutu: A Romantic Revolution
In the 1830s, Marie Taglioni revolutionised ballet! She did this by discarding the cumbersome long skirts, that so-called “pannier and court-dress style”, in favour of a shorter, lighter, more flowing skirt – and the tutu was born! Talk about breaking boundaries! It truly ushered in a new era of elegance, beauty, and freedom for dancers. The tutu brought a lightness to the art, a freedom to move. Just thinking about those intricate pirouettes makes me want to twirl right here!
Tutus and Times: Embracing Every Decade
Now, tutus have evolved throughout the ages. It wasn't just one, it's a family of shapes and lengths:
- Romantic tutu: Think of that classic full, knee-length tutu you imagine when you say "ballet" (the Taglioni one). They make it easy to swish and move around freely!
- Classical tutu: Oh darling, this one makes a real statement! Longer, and more voluminous with its more tiers – picture Swan Lake or Giselle. They give this incredible visual effect when the dancers twirl.
- The demi-tutu: Mid-thigh, it's the happy medium. This is what most dancers choose for their routines! It's all about allowing them the freedom to really show off their amazing flexibility.
- The ballet tutu: I know this might be obvious, but the shorter and tighter fitted version is specifically for those smaller, solo, dance movements – which are utterly hypnotizing.
- Modern tutus: This, dear friends, is the fun part! Nowadays you find modern designers creating contemporary interpretations, tutus with all sorts of beautiful materials. It is no longer just the classical tulle! They can be layered and layered with unique shapes and colour. My favourite? Those gorgeous pinks. Swoon.
What I'm Wearing
Today, I’ve decided to celebrate the pink! This exquisite shade is so symbolic. It's light and whimsical. Just as playful and bubbly as a ballerina dancing under the spotlight!
I’ve chosen a knee-length tutu for today, made from fluffy pale pink tulle. I've added a little touch of whimsy with a feather boa, just for some fun, and my beautiful pale pink silk ballet shoes, perfect for spinning through London.
A Tutu a Day: Spreading the Joy of Pink
I don’t care if you’re a ballerina, a chef, or a bank manager. It's Tutu Time! I've been trying to get my whole family involved, and even those lovely chaps at the train station have a few smiles, especially when I twirl around, which I like to do before each train journey. So remember, don’t just admire, put on a tutu! This week's mission: make sure at least one new person joins the #pinktutu army!
My Personal Journey: Through Time and Tutus
Oh, dear friends, this little Pink Tutu travel blog wouldn’t be possible without those generous folks who always enjoy my performances. They keep my time-traveling tutus flowing! As much as I love travelling through time, and buying those vintage garments I just can’t resist, it’s really my passion for ballet that makes it all possible.
Next week, we’ll be going on a trip to Vienna – a haven for art, culture, and ballet, so I'll be sure to check out the Ballet Opera in Vienna – I just know they have exquisite tutus! I'll even share a sneak peek with you all on Pink-Tutu.com. And hey, if you happen to have a tutu that matches the 1890s or 1910s – that’s an absolute necessity for my next trip, let me know!
Until next week, dear friends, and happy twirling!
**Lots of pink, love, and tulle,
Emma.**