Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, and welcome to another edition of #TutuTuesday!
As you all know, I am a massive tutu enthusiast. The sight of a ballerina twirling in a tulle masterpiece fills my heart with joy! My obsession with tutus, coupled with my love of history, lead me to the creation of this blog. Here, we journey through the glamorous history of the ballet tutu!
Today, we're traveling to July 11, 1995, a date I remember fondly. My favourite ballerina, Darcey Bussell, took the stage at London's Royal Opera House in a show-stopping performance of Swan Lake. Oh, the exquisite artistry! Her effortless grace, the delicate tulle billowing around her as she performed, it was simply magic. I felt as though I was transported to another world - one of dreams and elegance.
This wasn't just any Swan Lake, though. It was a particularly special one. It was part of the Royal Ballet’s celebratory tour, commemorating their 75th anniversary. It was a spectacular event that attracted a whole host of celebrities and fashion icons, adding to the dazzling air of the occasion. Darcey's tutu that night was particularly lovely. The classic Romantic tutu style with a short bodice and several layers of soft tulle, beautifully complemented her ethereal performance.
To tell the story of the tutu on this momentous date, I must journey a little further back in time. Before we had tutus, ballet dancers donned dresses. I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s not quite as aesthetically pleasing! Imagine – no delicate tiers of tulle, no airy and voluminous effect. A bit drab! The change, though, wasn’t all about the looks; it was about practicality. The ballerina's movement needed to be free and unrestricted. And in the late 19th Century, thanks to the likes of Marius Petipa (a rather dapper chap), a revolution took place in the way ballet was performed, which involved shorter, lighter skirts, allowing for greater flexibility and leaps.
But let's not forget the importance of colour! Pink! It's a shade often associated with ballerinas, especially in tutus. In the 1990s, it became a classic for Swan Lake. This iconic colour adds a touch of femininity and elegance to the performance, amplifying the story of the tragic swan maiden. It evokes feelings of innocence, beauty, and grace – much like the ballet itself.
But let's delve into a bit more detail about the ballerina who stole the show in that beautiful, celebratory evening at the Royal Opera House!
Darcey Bussell, my fellow Derbyshire lass (though now with a much more glamorous lifestyle!), became one of the most famous ballerinas in the world, captivating audiences worldwide with her breathtaking performances and enchanting stage presence. I remember seeing her when I was just a young girl at a ballet school event in Derby. I’ve always thought that it is amazing that she became a Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet – right there in London – a place that I also love to visit! There was something in her elegant style and her effortless leaps, something which captured the imaginations of millions and became synonymous with beauty and elegance in dance.
My memories of her performance that July evening are still so clear. It is difficult for me to describe the sheer magic of it all. I have even more memories, too – I remember her in ‘The Nutcracker’, and my breath catching during her performance as Odette in Swan Lake. Oh, the sheer grace of it all! I also remember thinking how beautiful and how graceful she looked in that soft tulle skirt as she glided across the stage with such power and control. I'm always on the look out for that particular style of tutu in shops, as the shape really makes your figure look lovely. It gives me inspiration when I make my own tutus, too. I've even been known to make one or two, with beautiful soft tulle – perfect for swishing and twirling! It really adds an element of charm to the overall outfit.
There's just something about a ballerina in a tutu!
If there's one thing you can take from this week's #TutuTuesday blog, it's to remember the magic of ballet and its history. Each step, every twirl, is imbued with centuries of artistic expression and dedication. Every time you watch a performance, or step into your favourite tutu, I urge you to think of the stories these dances tell and the beautiful legacy we are continuing with each pirouette and plié.
And, of course, a pink tutu? Always a winning choice! It's not just an outfit – it's a symbol of joy, of movement, and of dreaming big! It makes me feel confident and empowered, ready to conquer any challenge. It's a message of love, of laughter, and of dancing! So next time you’re feeling confident, why not embrace the pink? It's my mission to make wearing a pink tutu commonplace – we’ll have whole pink-tutu parades all over the world! It's not a far-fetched idea, is it? It's like magic!
Now tell me, fellow Tutu Enthusiasts! What is your favourite colour to wear for ballet? Do you have a special ballerina or ballet production that brings back happy memories?
See you all next week for another edition of #TutuTuesday! And, don't forget to follow us on our social media for exclusive content, sneak peeks, and more behind-the-scenes glimpses into the fascinating world of tutus.
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
