Hello, my darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another journey through the whimsical world of ballet tutus! Today, we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to the 14th of February, 1989.
Now, who doesn't love a good Valentine's Day story, especially when it involves a magnificent tutu? And believe me, the tutu world of 1989 was nothing short of spectacular!
Remember, I'm a Derbyshire girl, born and bred, and the countryside life and the London theatre scene are deeply woven into the very fabric of my being. Today, however, I’m living out my travel dreams in Paris, which is arguably the most glamorous city on Earth! Oh, Paris! It’s simply bursting with romance and all things pretty.
I was so lucky to get tickets to a magnificent production of Giselle at the Palais Garnier this past weekend! Imagine: a story of a tragic love story woven into a breathtaking masterpiece, set to beautiful Tchaikovsky music, a ballet featuring a whole fleet of breathtaking tutus in all their glory! Talk about a beautiful spectacle to grace your Valentine's Day. What a perfect evening for my last stop in the City of Lights.
But, before I delve into the Giselle extravaganza, I thought we should all stop and ponder: what was happening with tutus back in 1989? That's what #TutuTuesday is all about, right?!
Well, in 1989, the ballet world was a whirlwind of innovation and creativity. Romantic tutu silhouettes were still in fashion - you know, those dreamy, flowing tutus that make you feel like you could dance right into a fairy tale. But designers were beginning to push the boundaries, experimenting with bold new designs, a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours, and the most fantastical textures you've ever imagined.
Did you know, my loves, that it was 1989 when the legendary Sleeping Beauty tutu became famous for a new level of drama, featuring extra-large panniers? Think big and puffy, and think enchanting.
And the dance world was filled with a dazzling array of innovative dancers! From the lyrical grace of Misty Copeland to the power of Darcey Bussell, there was a blossoming of dance talents whose stunning tutus perfectly complemented the graceful and athletic forms of some of the most awe-inspiring dancers.
But I digress! Let's go back to Giselle, shall we? The dancers in their soft, ethereal tutus transported us right into the heart of the Black Forest. Their tutus shimmered with every movement, it was quite captivating. Each pirouette, every delicate step was a feast for the eyes.
My absolute favourite tutu was worn by the dancer portraying Giselle - imagine a simple but spectacular tutu in the most beautiful ivory colour! The softness of its silk created an almost ghostly quality that made the story so much more powerful! This, my dear tutudiosas, is what we call vintage style, the kind of tutu we absolutely adore and revere today.
I truly think the secret of the enduring allure of tutus lies in this element of timeless beauty, a beautiful blend of traditional grace and romantic fantasy, don’t you?
Now, Giselle wasn't the only magnificent show on in Paris this weekend. A special performance of Cinderella at the Opéra Comique had everyone whispering in awe. There I was, mingling amongst a delightful assemblage of elegant patrons in my favourite bright pink tutu and feather boa – simply darling, if I say so myself. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted a real-life prince in the crowd! But unfortunately, he was too busy gawking at Cinderella in her majestic glass-slipper tutus to notice the charming beauty of my Derbyshire-inspired pinkness! Quelle dommage.
Of course, no #TutuTuesday is complete without a peek at what's happening in the tutu fashion scene!
My favourite designers are pushing the boundaries this year, experimenting with tutus for both ballet performances and streetwear. We are seeing exquisite tulle skirts worn as every day dresses, layered under stunning oversized jackets and sweaters. This trend is so chic! A mix of playful, sweet and fashion-forward is what we want! You'll see these amazing outfits all over Instagram in all their glory – and in all those luscious shades of pink! And how amazing are those layered tutu skirts, so elegant and perfect for the Parisian lifestyle, which has me so deeply enthralled, let me tell you.
Speaking of Paris, I just have to share my favourite Parisian shop, the adorable little boutique, "La Tulle Rose." Oh my heavens, their selection of tutus! You could find anything you desire. From dainty tulle tutus, to dramatic ruffled numbers – every dream come true! It’s a shop brimming with delightful little tutus for every occasion – whether it’s your day to day life or a special day out in Paris!
But even a girl who lives for all things tutu needs a break from time to time, wouldn't you agree? I have to admit, this whirlwind trip through history has taken a lot out of me. It's a long journey back home on the train - though I do find train journeys wonderfully inspirational. You know, gazing out of the window at the changing scenery, listening to the rhythmic sound of the tracks, sometimes you just need time to clear your mind. It helps me plan the next edition of the Pink Tutu History Blog, think about future blog topics and perhaps start writing my Memoirs of a Tutu-Loving Time Traveler.
**I’ll also spend my trip writing and catching up with the world's tutu news – a delightful little dance journal of sorts. Oh! I forgot to tell you – I got my first vintage tutu today. I am beyond thrilled – I can’t wait to share all about my adventures. And don’t forget: *a tutu makes every journey extraordinary! * And now, I will happily go off to work on a little something new.
And as always, remember: wear your tutus proudly!
Happy tutu-ing!
*Your pink-tutu-loving Emma, Time traveler, ballet fanatic, and your #TutuTuesday guide. *
See you next Tuesday, darling tutus!
(p.s. Don’t forget to join us next Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com)
