Happy Boxing Day, lovelies! I'm writing to you today from the heart of the West End, just after a divine performance of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House. Oh, how I adore this classic, with its exquisite music and stunning choreography - it always sets me in a festive mood! 🎄
And speaking of festive mood, it wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday without a dive into ballet tutu history! So grab your favourite peppermint tea, settle into your cosiest armchair, and let's take a whirl back to 26th December 1995…
Tutu Timeline: A Twirling Journey Back in Time
Today, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, marks a rather interesting date for the history of the ballet tutu! If we rewind our internal clocks, it's 1995 - a year of significant change for the ballet world.
Remember how we mentioned The Nutcracker before? Well, 1995 was a truly magical year for ballet in general, and the year Peter Martins, a legendary dancer and artistic director (imagine being a ballerina and a director!), had created a gorgeous, updated production of The Nutcracker for the New York City Ballet. The entire ballet community was buzzed about it! Imagine having your own production, with your interpretation, that takes the world by storm… pure inspiration!
So, as we look back at the tutus from this period, we see a fascinating blend of classic elegance and daring new forms. The Romantic tutus, those impossibly full and billowing tulle skirts, were still firmly in fashion. They allowed the dancers to soar with incredible lightness and grace, giving an air of airy fairy tale wonder, much like the Christmas fairy magic of The Nutcracker.
And while the Romantic tutu held its own, the contemporary designs, that flirted with shorter skirts, intricate layers, and innovative materials, were starting to gain traction! It was exciting - the ballet world was ready for a modern touch.
Think about it! Think of the freedom these contemporary tutus provided the dancers, allowing them to express even more artistry and technique!
Of course, for a real ballet fanatic like me, the sheer delight of watching those impossibly lightweight skirts swirl and dance with every pirouette and arabesque is simply breathtaking. ✨ It’s almost enough to make you want to jump onto the stage and twirl with them yourself! (Speaking of jumping onstage… one can dream! 🤣 )
Pink Paradise: My Current Tutu Crush
Now, as any avid follower of my #TutuTuesday posts knows, I am a self-proclaimed devotee to all things pink! 👚 And when it comes to my favourite tutu colour…well, you guessed it…pink reigns supreme! It's so incredibly feminine and delicate, and it brings a touch of joy to any ballet performance. I particularly adore those vibrant fuchsia hues, that practically hum with excitement.
Fashion Fun in the Big Smoke
But this blog isn't just about the ballet, darling. I can't leave you without talking about my latest fashion finds. Yesterday, I went shopping at Harrods for some exquisite additions to my ballerina wardrobe! 🛍 I found a new pair of silk pointe shoes in the most gorgeous shade of pearl grey - perfect for when I need to add a touch of subtle sophistication to my performance attire. (Because every dancer knows, having the right footwear is key for any ballerina!).
And I'm absolutely smitten with a new tutu I've found. It's a lovely pink number - think baby pink with silver and diamond sparkles that catch the light like a starry night. Gorgeous, darling! Absolutely gorgeous. 🤩
London Delights: A Time Traveler's Rendezvous
Oh, and I can't resist sharing my excitement about being in London. It's always such a delight!
Today, after our glorious ballet, I decided to treat myself to a luxurious lunch at The Savoy - classic afternoon tea, anyone? ☕️🍰 It was the perfect way to finish off a fantastic day. The Savoy, a place with so much history, it's simply dripping with a glamorous and charming vibe, something that you can simply feel as soon as you enter.
I love how it evokes this sense of a bygone era - it reminds me so much of the tutus I saw in our The Nutcracker production tonight, where they use intricate detailing on the tutus for those classical dance sequences - it simply oozes the old-school elegance, doesn't it? I felt transported back in time, especially whilst being wrapped up in a fluffy pink cashmere scarf! (Let's be honest, every self-respecting time-travelling ballerina has at least 20 of those. 😉).
Ballet, Beauty, and the Pink Tutu Dream
I'm really just in love with all things ballet - from the costumes to the amazing art, to the incredible performances of talented dancers. It's more than just dancing, it’s pure emotion. It's truly an art form that never ceases to inspire me.
And it's because of my deep love for the art of ballet, that I feel so strongly about getting everyone in a pink tutu! Imagine! A world awash with a sea of twirling, swirling, feminine beauty! 🤩 It's a dream I can't wait to make a reality!
*Until next Tuesday, darlings, twirl on! *
Emma xx
