Hey everyone! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back for another edition of #TutuTuesday. Today, I'm taking us on a little time travel adventure to explore the history of our beloved tutus, specifically on March 5th, 2002.
Now, as many of you know, I absolutely adore all things tutu. I wouldn't be caught dead without one, and I always aim to incorporate it into my daily fashion, whether it's a full-on poofy, fluffy number or a more subtle, sleek, ballet-inspired look. So, to properly understand our tutu history, let's rewind to the year 2002 and see what's going on!
Tutus Then and Now
2002? That's just about a lifetime ago, wouldn't you say? Well, not quite. While fashion trends are constantly changing and evolving, the essence of the tutu remains steadfast. Back in 2002, tutus were still an integral part of ballet, and their influence on fashion was also starting to pick up steam. Remember the rise of pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera? They loved incorporating tutus into their music videos and stage outfits, giving the tutu a sassy, rebellious edge!
You see, I've been studying up on tutu history – after all, it's vital to have a proper grasp on our tutu lineage. It all began in the late 1800s with the creation of the "tutu-proper" or the tutu romantique, a soft, flowing, mid-length skirt worn by ballerinas, much like the one Marie Taglioni wore in her iconic performance of “La Sylphide.” From there, the tutu developed its iconic "poofy" silhouette, which came to be associated with classical ballet in the late 1800s.
That classic, "poofy" style is what we now know as the tutu * - which stands for Tu *tour* (which means turn or whirl). Imagine the whirling and twirling motion the tulle skirt allows on the stage! It's what makes ballet so visually stunning. Of course, this isn't the only kind of tutu we see. Nowadays, the tutu world is vibrant and diverse with plenty of styles, like the more fitted tutu * *de ligne, the tutu p au de chat, which resembles a more practical cat’s paw and is often worn in pointe work, and even the tutu de* velo, the velvet style favoured by the French ballerinas in the early nineteenth century, which are all stunningly elegant. It's wonderful to see how tutus continue to inspire fashion and performance, right? I believe it’s the **whimsy, grace and playful femininity which appeals to so many and that's definitely the case today. You'll spot it everywhere, and I have a real passion for it!
Back to March 5th, 2002!
So, back to our time travel journey, March 5th, 2002, in particular. What’s special about this day, you ask? Well, on that very date, something quite exciting happened: The Royal Ballet, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, held its premiere performance of the iconic ballet “Swan Lake.” Imagine – I must have been there, watching the incredible performance by some of the greatest ballerinas of our time. Seeing that ballet live, with the incredible swirling tulle skirts of the "swan" dancers - ah! I am obsessed! It was such a magical experience. I can still feel the goosebumps, the music...the whole atmosphere is just mesmerizing!
That day, I felt a true connection to the world of dance and how much impact ballet has had on fashion, art, and even our sense of self! Even then, I could feel the strong influence tutus held – and their enduring popularity. Today, you see them in fashion shoots, at festivals, on street style bloggers – they are the ultimate symbol of feminine empowerment and joyful creativity, something I aim to spread through my blog!
Let’s Talk Travel & Trainspotting!
Oh, and just before I forget - my trip back in time! I managed to fund it thanks to the latest production I performed in – Sleeping Beauty! I know, it’s a little cheesy! But it allowed me to take my love of travelling one step further, and since I’m a complete train buff I made a beeline for a 1st Class journey on the Orient Express for my travels to the UK! The opulent carriage interior – with all the velvet and marbled stone, plus a silver service tea set was an absolute dream! I wore my most exquisite, tulle laden ballerina gown – think ivory lace, satin piping, and shimmering pearls, and of course, a very fetching pink satin tutu! It’s about spreading a bit of ballet chic, you see? But more on that later! For now, I’ll be travelling back in time again and trying to locate a really old tutu … but what would you call a really old tutu, like from hundreds of years ago? I might have a chance to take it apart and make a super sparkly new one, so ** I *can’t wait to find out!
That’s it for this week's #TutuTuesday! If you have any thoughts, ideas or memories of this time - why not comment below? Don't forget to stay up to date with all my tutu adventures on www.pink-tutu.com Until next Tuesday, happy twirling, my lovelies! 💖
P.S: Make sure to check out the fabulous range of tutu accessories on my blog today – they would be the perfect touch to a fab pink tutu! 🩰
