Bonjour, darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back for another whirl through the enchanting world of ballet history. This week, we’re travelling back to the glorious 26th of April, 1988, a day bursting with both history and a little bit of glitz!
Pink and Perfect in Paris
You’ll find me this week in the heart of Paris, that most magical of cities. Why Paris? Well, the 26th of April, 1988 marked the grand opening of the Opéra Bastille, a glorious new theatre dedicated to the art of ballet. Oh, it was a momentous occasion – a new era of performance just dawning! Imagine all the sparkling costumes, the soaring music, and the pure elegance of the dancers… Oh, how I would have loved to be there!
Of course, no grand opening is complete without the perfect outfit! And let’s just say, the tutus were certainly not lacking! We're talking exquisitely crafted masterpieces, bursting with colour, volume, and detail. From the billowing tulle of classical ballerinas to the contemporary designs showcasing innovative silhouettes, it was a truly spectacular sight.
A Brief Journey Through Tutu Time
I always say, the best way to appreciate a good tutu is to understand its history. So, let’s take a little trip through the time of ballet fashion:
18th Century: We start in the Romantic Era, when the tutu really began to take its form. Think delicate layers of white tulle, designed to allow ballerinas a greater range of movement and create a ethereal look – just heavenly! This era brought about some of the most iconic tutu designs, like the "romantic tutu" with its wispy, layered skirt.
19th Century: As the century went on, we saw a transition to more streamlined designs. Ballet transitioned from Romantic and airy into neoclassical designs with their strict rules about skirt lengths. We’re talking the ‘classical tutu’, designed with a fitted bodice and a fuller, shorter skirt – think "Giselle", my personal favourite!
20th Century: In the 20th century, ballet embraced modernity, and the tutu evolved with it! Think shorter tutus, and an array of fabrics from velvet to silk, sometimes featuring a beautiful floral detail to match the floral backdrop of a stage set. You might even see a ballerina rocking a tutu in a bold, primary colour to emphasize a mood. Oh, how modern and adventurous!
The Tutu in Today’s Ballet World
Here in the 21st century, we see even greater creative freedom! Modern choreographers are pushing the boundaries with daring designs that mix traditional and modern. We’ve got tutus in a variety of materials – think luxurious satin, shimmery sequins, and the softest lace! It’s truly a wonderful time to be a tutu-loving aficionado!
Pink is Still the Perfect Choice
Don’t worry, lovelies, I know some of you may think my obsession with pink tutus is a little extra – but trust me, you can’t go wrong! Think of the bright energy pink radiates! Just as ballet dancers have radiated confidence, artistry, and power in all colours and shapes of tutus, we should radiate our energy! Pink tutus are definitely the epitome of joy, grace, and, well, just plain fun! So, go out there, dear readers, and find a pink tutu that makes you feel utterly fabulous!
A Few Personal Touches
As a time-travelling ballet enthusiast, I know a little about fashion, too! Today, I’ll be twirling in a pink, silk satin tutu, paired with a lace-trimmed blouse and a delicate, antique brooch. Oh, don't even get me started on my sparkly shoes! But that's for another time. I think it’s a look that whispers both a touch of the past and a vibrant embrace of the present!
This Saturday I'm taking the train to the National Ballet School, so you know I’ll be documenting everything for my next #TutuTuesday blog. Make sure to follow @pinktutu.com for some incredible updates. Let me know what you think of this post. Don't forget to let me know about your own adventures with ballet in the comments! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Until next Tuesday, stay sparkling!
Emma, xx
