#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1991-03-12

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina blogger, and today, we're whisking ourselves back to March 12th, 1991. Buckle up, buttercup, it's a fabulous journey ahead! 💖

This is #TutuTuesday, post number 8307, and today's topic is going to be particularly exciting, especially for you lovers of classical ballet: we're diving into the grand history of the tutu.

I just adore time travelling by train - the romantic clinking of the wheels on the tracks, the plush velvet seats, the charming, slightly nostalgic atmosphere. And imagine all the fashion you get to see in different eras! And when I arrive in my new location, you can guarantee that I'm headed straight to the shops, and this time, we are on the hunt for the perfect pink tutu! 🎀

As the time travel fog fades away, we arrive in ...wait for it… Paris, darling! Of course. We're in the very heart of ballet, where those tutus first started getting their groove on. It's absolutely buzzing with beautiful architecture, stunning art, delicious croissants (I might just indulge a little in some café culture) and, oh, the fashion! This era was all about bold shoulders, big hair and flamboyant colour. Think Madonna, Princess Diana, a real explosion of colour and confidence! I simply cannot get over how utterly glamorous everyone is.

We're on March 12th, and the weather in Paris is decidedly chilly, so the thick layers, coats and knitwear are out in full force, but underneath it all… I spy the occasional ballerina with a tutu peeking out. It's all about classic elegance. Think long, flowing romantic tutus, made with gossamer tulle and those perfect soft ballet pink hues, perhaps with some stunning embroidery or delicate ribbons.

These tutus were all about romantic, feminine grace, so no big, spiky frills here. And of course, I'm talking about the romantic tutu - it's become such an iconic ballet silhouette and, well, quite frankly, they make every dancer look absolutely fabulous! Just try resisting the sheer charm of a delicate pink tutu, I dare you!

Speaking of iconic, we've got to mention the chignon, my dears! You can't think ballet in this era without those effortlessly elegant buns adorned with lovely bows. And if you thought that was all, imagine a glorious explosion of florals: it's floral fabric, it's floral hair accessories, it's floral everything! The ladies are truly taking the 'Bloom where you are planted' advice to heart.

But let's go back to those iconic tutus! This era was all about traditional technique and refined movement, a world where grace and fluidity took centre stage. The focus on long, elegant lines demanded the movement freedom these delicate tutus provided, and frankly, just the thought of these magnificent performances sends shivers down my spine.

The tutu design is a big part of this, darling, because when those beautiful costumes billow out, they accentuate each turn, leap, and arabesque, creating the illusion of flight and expressing pure joy and emotion! Oh, it's enough to make your heart skip a beat!

What's a lovely day trip without a bit of ballet performance, right? There is no lack of glorious dance halls here. They are all stunning! Paris is brimming with dance, with The Paris Opera as the star, showcasing world-class talent. Oh my, the stunning beauty of those ballet costumes - each one a mini masterpiece. Today I saw The Nutcracker - and who doesn't love a little Christmas ballet?! 🩰✨🎄

But it's not just the stage that’s captivating me. Everywhere you look, you see fashion in this era inspired by this elegant silhouette. My eye is especially drawn to the lovely young women strolling down the boulevards in beautiful outfits with soft skirts that remind me so much of the ballerinas' tutus!

I am imagining a bright and happy, bright pink and vibrant green mix, something simple and beautiful with a few layers for a modern, practical take on the tutu style! Oh, I can practically picture it! My vision is becoming real. I am imagining a tutu explosion in this time. How about you?!

Now, it’s time for this little ballerina to catch the train back to my own era, my own life, and my little corner of Derbyshire!

Until next Tuesday, darlings, keep rocking those tutus. We will explore the glorious evolution of the tutu week by week! This history of the tutu is so inspiring, full of such magnificent moments. We are entering a future full of style and fashion, and the tutu is there, ready to grace our lives.

Now, I have a question for you! What would you wear in this era?

Tell me your tutu fashion musings and ideas below, darling! Keep those tutus flowing and the glitter shimmering!

Much love,

Emma 💖🎀

(Don't forget to visit my website for all things pink tutu: www.pink-tutu.com!)