Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and it's #TutuTuesday! Get your twirls ready, because today we're taking a trip back to September 5th, 1995. Ooh la la! Can you imagine? Just picture the world: all that exciting new technology, the iconic music, the fabulous fashion!
Speaking of fashion, I was practically bouncing with excitement when I arrived back in time. 1995, what a time to be alive! You wouldn't believe the amazing vintage clothes shops I discovered on my jaunt through London. Oh, the frills, the glitter, the gloriousness of it all! And guess what, darling? There were actually a few people rocking some rather charming, retro tutus. Imagine my delight!
Speaking of tutus, let's get into the history, shall we? Today, I'm whisking you all the way back to 1830, right to the heart of romantic ballet. Think long, flowy tutus, think soft pastel colours, think of a graceful swan gliding across the stage. Now picture a talented young dancer named Marie Taglioni. This elegant ballerina made a significant mark in ballet history by performing the role of the Sylph in “La Sylphide”, which required a shorter, airy, romantic tutu, a far cry from the heavy, floor-length tutus of the time! This style change, championed by Marie, was an absolute revolution for tutus, and it set the stage (pun intended!) for all the elegant, airy tutus we see today.
Fast-forward a little to the mid-19th century and we find a little more structure and fullness to the tutus. We're still talking about the classical romantic style though, just a little more oomph! By the end of the century, the "Romantic Tutu" had morphed into the "classical" or "traditional tutu" we all recognise, that magical tutu made from multiple layers of tulle which gave the ballet dancer a glorious feeling of lightness as she spun across the stage. You know the one I'm talking about! You've all seen them on the stage at the Royal Ballet or the English National Ballet! Imagine watching the most gorgeous tutu as the ballerina dances with breathtaking grace! Absolutely breathtaking! I can't imagine not wearing a tutu!
Let's jump forward a bit. From the 1900s onwards, designers began playing with new styles, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that the world witnessed an explosion of creativity! The tutu went through a kind of makeover! Modern tutus! Imagine tutus with bold colours, asymmetric designs, new fabrics, even non-traditional shapes and forms. This wasn’t just about looks though! Modern choreographers challenged the classical aesthetic. Imagine contemporary, powerful movements and daring choreography! Who wouldn't be enthralled?
Speaking of dance and tutus, what else was happening in 1995, you ask? Well, you can bet your favourite pair of pink pumps, that some amazing ballets were captivating audiences around the world! I was particularly fond of a dazzling performance of Swan Lake by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Those exquisite, airy tutus and the expressive, lyrical dance movements? It was like magic! I almost didn't catch my train back to Derbyshire!
So here we are, my darling tutu-loving friends! I’m signing off from #TutuTuesday! But remember, I will be here, every week, bringing you the latest in tutu-filled news, history, fashion, and of course, the very best in tutu-loving fun! Let's continue our passion for tutus, and never forget the impact these incredible pieces have made in the history of ballet. And always, always remember, the more pink tutus in the world, the better! Now, who's ready for a spin around the block in their finest pink tulle? Don't be shy!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Blogger,
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. My newest book, "Tutu: A Journey Through Time," just hit the shelves. You can snag it on my blog! Don’t forget to add a pink tutu to your outfit too. Let’s make this a pink tutu party.
