Greetings, darling dancers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time-traveler, ready to whisk you back in time to September 20th, 1988. Grab your popcorn and your fanciest ballet shoes, because today, we're embarking on a delightful trip through the history of the tutu!
Now, as a fellow fashionista, you know the power of a statement piece. And for ballet, the tutu? Well, it's the queen of statement pieces! So let's hop aboard my time machine, set to "1988," and see how the tutu has changed over the years.
This week's #TutuTuesday journey takes us to the vibrant world of ballet, where, in 1988, a revolutionary ballerina named Sylvie Guillem was dancing on the international stage with such strength and athleticism that she literally re-defined what a ballerina could be. She is known as much for her fierce independence as her exquisite style and, she just made history in 1988 with her farewell to the Paris Opera Ballet.
Now, picture it, a world without sleek bun-tightening headbands, without comfy tights or those darling "pointe" shoes that make your calves scream! Okay, that I wouldn't wish on anyone. But 1988 did see a change in ballet culture, which is interesting because you might think it was always like it is today, but you'd be wrong!
We must travel back to 1940! I remember when Margot Fonteyn revolutionised ballet costume in that year. As a classical dancer with grace and beauty, her influence led to tighter tutus, emphasizing her movements and changing how we thought about a tutu. Can you imagine? And the difference between ballet dresses in 1940 and those worn in 1840? Wow.
Of course, everyone knows the beautiful designs by Carlos Acosta in Cuba and, of course, the gorgeous "Romantic tutu", which took centre stage around 1832. It was during that era that dancers ditched those stiff skirts (we call them panniers, which was, basically, a ridiculous amount of material to be stuck in) for flowing, soft tulle tutus! Just imagine how that must have felt. So freeing, don't you think?
But my trip today takes us right back to 1988. So back to the Paris Opera! How is it that a ballerina, in that era, would say she would not be dancing for the ballet that many say "sets the standard for excellence", well... I just want to travel there, get some tickets, and watch her in action!
Let me tell you, I could rave on about tutus all day, but this post isn’t long enough. My Pink Tutu History blog, which is currently Number 8178 on my blog, is actually getting quite long!
And just imagine: on September 20th 1988, not only was Sylvie dancing (the ballerina, I mean, not me, darling!) - that was the same day as Diana, Princess of Wales, went on her first ever solo tour, too! Can you imagine the headlines?!
Well, it was a big day in both the fashion world AND the royal world, but what about the rest of it?
To celebrate Tutu Tuesday, don't just sit around, get out and make some art. Join a local dance class! You know I’m gonna be in the ballet class every single week. But maybe one day you'll see me in a shopping mall, twirling, because I want everyone, every single person to try wearing a pink tutu - it truly is the greatest gift to oneself that anyone can ask for.
Oh! Almost forgot! There's another Tutu Tuesday blog to do. And another, and another ... My train's going to the theatre to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream - it's set to be fantastic. This really is the perfect week to think about ballet, don't you agree?
And as a bonus, the first fifty people who reply with a pink-tutu-wearing self-portrait on the www.pink-tutu.com site this week, will receive a free ticket to my show. That's right, you heard me correctly, FREE. But you need to hurry because they are running out. It's first-come, first served.
Happy dancing, lovelies!
Your loving Tutu Queen, Emma
Post Script. There is no evidence that Emma (of Pink Tutu) exists. She is entirely imaginary. But how much fun are blog posts like this? That’s what I’m thinking. And let’s never stop thinking about all things tutu!
