Hello, my darling tutufarians! It’s Emma here, back with another dazzling dose of ballet tutu history for your #TutuTuesday fix. I'm still buzzing from last week's visit to the Met Gala! Those tutus, darling, just divine. It seems they're finally taking a cue from us, bringing those dramatic lengths and swirling skirts to the red carpet. Progress, my friends! Progress!
Today, my time machine took me back to 6th February 2001. I found myself in the heart of Paris, at the Palais Garnier, watching the magnificent étoile (that means 'star' for you non-ballet folks!) Sylvie Guillem effortlessly dance her way through a mesmerising performance. You know me, I couldn't resist sneaking into the backstage area afterwards – just to take in the magic!
2001 – a pivotal year, my dears! Just the year before, a wonderful film was released called Moulin Rouge! It painted such a colourful picture of life in 19th century Paris – the can-can, the feathers, the glitter – pure Parisian joy, and they couldn’t resist incorporating a few delightful tutus for good measure! You wouldn’t catch me in one of those massive layered ones (I'm all about a little more structure and movement), but it's hard not to admire the theatrical extravagance.
Speaking of theatricality, while 2001 was a glorious year for fashion – think the emergence of the low-rise jeans, a daring look if I ever saw one – the world of ballet was in full flight, as always. This year brought a captivating new production by The Royal Ballet of Giselle. Ah, that story! So heartbreaking yet so beautiful, full of poignant symbolism and the most graceful moves, you just fall in love with Giselle, even if she does, sadly, fall victim to her heart's desire!
Oh, darling! As if I haven't told you enough about the past, I simply cannot resist a little trip down the memory lane of my own favourite ballet outfit. This trip, you know what caught my eye? A vibrant pink, full-skirted tutu! My friends, the ultimate combination – colour, cut, and confidence. A tutu that truly takes centre stage. What do you say, shall we give a big round of applause for that glorious garment, a symbol of grace and passion, a ballerina’s very best friend!
Speaking of love, can we take a moment to appreciate the enduring power of tutus? From the 19th century through to the 21st, these lovely little creations just refuse to stay on the sidelines. I mean, how can they, when they're so enchanting and inspiring? I've worn a tutu to every important occasion in my life - my first ballet recital, a picnic in Hyde Park (you’ll see my favourite park photos in my new blog post coming next week – stay tuned!) and even on a date with my gorgeous man (he was wearing a pink bowtie, he loves my pink!). Yes, tutus are truly all-purpose magic!
That reminds me, I haven't introduced you to my adorable pug, Pierre! I don't dress him up in a tutu yet – he's got his own style, you know, little pink collar and a very distinguished personality – but I've seen plenty of canine companions with an impressive fashion sense. The world's got it all, darling.
On a final note, I'm a big fan of travelling by train, as you all know, a truly stylish mode of transport for any well-dressed tutu-loving traveller! With all these fantastic historical and fashion finds, I think I'll get back to Paris next week. Paris, London, New York, Dubai… oh, the possibilities are endless! So grab your tea, darling, your most beautiful tutu (a vibrant pink, of course!), and prepare to embark on the fabulous adventure of fashion history!
Yours in pink tulle, Emma
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive *TutuTuesday post every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com! * And let me know what you think.
P.S. Did you see that wonderful *Swan Lake performance at the Royal Opera House on the 6th February? Just magical, darling, the dancers so elegant! The costumes, to die for! I simply had to go! That show was truly the perfect ending to a delightful Tuesday.*
I’m so excited for my upcoming adventures, I just hope you are too! Next week I'll be back with some exciting fashion finds! Stay tuned! xx
