#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1993-03-02

Hello darlings! Welcome to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutus and twirling! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu-obsessed blogger, ready to take you on a whirlwind trip back in time to explore the enchanting world of ballet and its glorious tutus.

This week, for #TutuTuesday, we're putting on our dancing shoes and heading back to 1993-03-02. Grab your favourite pink tutu, darling, because today's journey will be filled with sequins, swirls and plenty of sartorial delights.

But first, let's sip on some hot chocolate and take a moment to appreciate the stunning beauty of a classic ballet tutu.

For the uninitiated, tutus are the iconic garments of ballet, crafted from layers of tulle, with the aim of showcasing the ballerina’s movement with ethereal grace. While they might appear fragile, a well-made tutu can withstand incredible spins and leaps!

But where did this stunning garment, this ballet ballerina’s must-have fashion statement, come from?

Well, believe it or not, the tutu’s history stretches back to the early days of ballet, long before it became the shimmering beacon of elegance it is today.

In the late 18th century, ballerinas wore long skirts that hampered their movements. Thankfully, the ingenious Monsieur Taglioni (a renowned ballet master, not a dressmaker, believe it or not!) envisioned a different silhouette for the ballerina: something flowing, graceful, yet light and airy, to allow them to fly across the stage. From this groundbreaking vision emerged the first ballet tutu, and what a wonderful evolution it has been!

Now, stepping into the swirling world of 1993, our time machine lands us amidst the blossoming reign of a classic style called the Romantic tutu. It’s still wildly popular today, offering a lovely cascade of tulle, creating an image of light, airiness and effortless grace. The Romantic tutu has a more extended skirt, reaching just above the knee. This, I think, brings a delightful airiness to the dancer’s movements. The graceful folds of tulle make the whole performance seem dreamlike and ethereal.

I could go on for hours about the sheer brilliance of Romantic tutus - the romantic layers, the shimmering colour variations, and their wonderful fluidity as the dancer takes centre stage! But, we mustn’t forget the very special date we’re travelling through!

1993-03-02, in the realm of ballet, was a night for magic. If we’re travelling to the home of ballet - you guessed it - I'm heading to London’s Royal Opera House! Now, this was where history was being made on 2nd March, 1993, with the debut of "La Bayadere", a breathtaking spectacle! If I could just hop on a train, I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Imagine, those layers of gorgeous tulle, swaying as the ballerinas graced the stage in this timeless classic, “La Bayadere”!

With my own love of vintage fashion, this tutu trend was just my style! You can bet I found a pre-loved 1990s tutu, a perfect treasure at a fantastic price at one of my favourite antique shops, in a little village near Derby , just a stone's throw from where I grew up. It's a dusty pink delight - oh my! Just the right shade to blend in with all my pink frocks and accessories! It’s such a versatile piece!

What a whirlwind that trip was, don't you agree? It really helps put things in perspective, doesn’t it? I love sharing this fascination with you all, because each week’s #TutuTuesday gives us all a little bit of magic, a peek into a bygone era, and a reminder of the enduring legacy of the tutu.

As I always say, tutus have always been in vogue - they transcend fashion and tell stories with every swirl, twirl and jump! Now, before we depart, let me remind you to look fabulous and don a pink tutu this week! The colour of tutus, pink is vibrant, bold and daring. Don't be afraid to step out and make a statement in a sea of tutus. It's your chance to channel your inner ballerina, twirl with joy and spread the message of sartorial freedom. It is so fun, it makes every day seem special!

Now, get ready to take centre stage! Go ahead and tag me in your pics with your favourite pink tutus, I want to see those stunning swirls. You’ll find me on @Pink_Tutu on Insta, and on Facebook. Remember to check in on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for the latest on all things #TutuTuesday - you know I wouldn’t let you down! Until then, may all your dreams twirl beautifully.

Love and twirls,

Emma xx