Hello darling dears! Emma here, your trusty tutu-clad guide through the captivating history of our favourite garment, the tutu!
This week we’re stepping back in time to a date that simply oozes eighties glamour - February 2nd, 1988! As I sit here, my pinkest tutu billowing around me, I'm picturing myself transported to a theatre in London, where I can just feel the electricity of the performance about to begin. Imagine the stage lights, the elegant audience, the hush as the music starts - magic!
So, let's put on our pink ballet shoes and step back into 1988 - it’s time to explore what’s happening in the world of ballet on this special date!
The Magic of The Bolshoi Ballet
This Tuesday, I would’ve been heading to London, eager to catch the Bolshoi Ballet at the Royal Opera House. Now, I'm talking big names and big impact here! You’ll find yourself entranced by legendary dancers like Maya Plisetskaya - absolutely divine on stage! She had this effortless power and beauty that left the audience in awe. The Bolshoi Ballet has always been synonymous with incredible technique and dramatic performances. Seeing them perform on a February evening in London - now that would have been an unforgettable experience!
Tutus On Trend
As for fashion, oh, darling! Think leg warmers, big hair and bright colours – it’s the height of 80s fashion! Now, tutus, they weren’t just for ballerinas back in the 80s. They were taking the world by storm! Designers were making them from sequins and feathers, silk and lace, and they weren't just for dance performances. We saw them on catwalks, in music videos - and even for casual street style! Now that’s what I call a truly tutu-licious trend!
A Look Back At the History Of the Tutu
But let's talk a bit more about the tutu itself. We wouldn’t be here without that beautiful garment that adds a sprinkle of magic to ballet! It's more than just a costume - it's an art form! Remember the first tutu? It wasn't like the billowing romantic ones we know today - in fact, it started off very practically. We owe a big thank you to Marie Taglioni, a famous dancer from the early 1800s. She needed a way to show off her fancy footwork and beautiful lines - the romantic tutu, with its longer layers, was the perfect way to do that! It gave her this ethereal and magical look that still makes us swoon today!
The romantic tutu had this wonderful romantic vibe – lots of layers, airy, light - like a dream come true! The shorter classical tutu that followed came later, thanks to dancers like Carlotta Grisi, showing off graceful movements and stunning athleticism - the tutu, oh, the tutu, it keeps getting more interesting!
Now, let's take a quick look at some of my favourite tutu designs:
- The Romantic Tutu: Oh my, it’s so dreamy, with lots of layers - makes me feel like a princess!
- The Classical Tutu: Perfect for showing off all those stunning ballet steps - beautiful and dramatic!
- The ‘The Ballerina Tutu: It’s the ultimate expression of elegance. It’s the iconic, quintessential tutu, and it never goes out of style. It just demands attention with its beautiful design and its incredible ability to flow with every turn, leap, and graceful movement - the very epitome of ballet grace.
Tutu Tips from a Tutu Expert
Since we’re talking tutus, here's a little tu-tu from Emma. It's important to remember that a good tutu can be your best friend, on and off stage. So, look after it! It needs to feel just as special as you feel wearing it!
A Spot of Silk: For a sparkly tutu, make sure you handle those sequins carefully. A silk scarf or a soft duster is your friend!
The Perfect Storage: Keep your precious tutu stored safely! Hang it up properly or use a spacious container to make sure it keeps its beautiful shape.
Don’t be afraid of color: Let your tutu bring the rainbow! A pop of colour with a ribbon or a flower can transform a simple tutu into something truly special! But my personal recommendation? A touch of pink, naturally! Pink - it’s just the perfect touch to make any day divine!
And now, a word from the train station platform
Darling, it’s time for me to hop onto a train and whisk myself away to my next destination, to experience more ballet adventures. Oh, the stories that tutus could tell! The journeys, the performances, the moments - each one a treasure for a Tutu Tuesday post! So, keep those tutus twirling, darlings! Remember, life’s just too short not to wear a pink tutu! Until next Tuesday!
XOXO,
Emma
