Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and I'm back with another instalment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a time-travelling trip back to February 9th, 1988, to delve into the history of ballet and tutus – a little blast from the past, if you will!
My dear tutu-loving friends, let's set the scene! It's a Tuesday in early 1988, and the air is filled with the electric excitement of the London theatre scene. Everywhere you look, it's sequins, satin, and swirling tutus galore! I’m sitting here, my pink tutu billowing around me, scribbling notes for this blog in the warmth of a cafe with my usual double espresso, dreaming about all the magnificent ballet productions happening across the city.
I landed in 1988 after my latest successful performance with the Paris Opera Ballet – you've got to admit, a ballerina’s got to make her passion pay for all the vintage-inspired shopping adventures. I may travel through time, but my heart always yearns for the gorgeous 80s fashion. Think bright colours, bold patterns, and, of course, the undeniable power of the puffy, oversized, pastel pink tutu – my absolute favourite!
So, what was happening on this particular Tuesday in 1988 that's got me so enthralled? Well, darling, on this very day, a magical evening awaited Londoners! At the Royal Opera House, none other than the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov was performing in "Don Quixote"! Oh, the sheer grandeur of it all, the incredible skill, and the raw passion that filled the stage… I can practically feel the thrill now.
Can you imagine being in the audience that night? You could have seen the iconic ballet dancer at the peak of his powers, surrounded by stunning costuming and beautiful scenery – tutus twirling with grace and strength. What a dream come true for a budding ballerina like myself!
But let's rewind the clock a little bit. Before Mikhail's dazzling performances graced the world stage, the tutu journey has been a fascinating one! You wouldn't believe the evolution of the tutu. Back in the early days of ballet – I'm talking about the 16th century here! – the ladies wore a rather impractical contraption called the farthingale, essentially a large, wide hoop skirt. Imagine that - dancing in such a massive contraption! Then came the pannier, which gave us a more graceful, bell-shaped look. The pannier was definitely an upgrade, but let's be honest, it was still pretty clunky.
Luckily for ballet enthusiasts, the tutu we know and love today came about thanks to the groundbreaking creations of Marie Taglioni. The graceful movements and airy aesthetic of la danseuse was what inspired her revolutionary designs! Imagine the whispers of silk, the fluttering of feathers – the image of graceful elegance that these ballerinas conjured! We owe Marie a huge debt of gratitude – for me, it’s a constant reminder that innovation is essential to keep the art of ballet alive!
While it’s wonderful to dream about these ballerinas from the past, we can't forget the stunning talent and exquisite performances that grace our stages today! Ballet has evolved beautifully over the centuries – from the magnificent costumes, the delicate beauty of the dancing, and of course, the iconic tutus, this incredible art form continues to captivate us!
As a little tutu-lover, it warms my heart to know how influential this iconic piece of costume has been in shaping the world of ballet. This beautiful garment speaks volumes: grace, beauty, power, strength, and above all, the boundless freedom of movement that brings these amazing stories to life!
As we journey through history and appreciate the beauty of ballet, remember this: wear a tutu! Don't be afraid to twirl, to let your imagination run wild, and to embrace your inner ballerina. Whether you're at the Royal Opera House, in the middle of a park, or just at home in your living room, let your inner-ballerina shine, and enjoy every twirl, leap, and grand jeté!
Now, go out there, grab your tutu (a pink one, of course!) and spread the love!
Until next week, darling!
Love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
