Helloooo darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always in fashion and a sprinkle of magic is never too much. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dip into the fabulous history of our favourite frilly friends: tutus!
Today, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, we're time-hopping back to the 20th of August, 2002, a date that holds a special place in my heart. It was the day I finally, FINALLY, got my hands on that magnificent blush-pink tutu from that little vintage shop in Notting Hill. You know the one? The one with the layers and layers of tulle and that beautiful, subtle sheen? Oh, it was a dream!
But hold on, you might be wondering, "Emma, what does that date have to do with tutus?". Well, my dears, everything. You see, back in 2002, the world was just beginning to truly appreciate the magic of tutus. We were just at the cusp of what I like to call the "Tutu Renaissance".
The early 2000s, much like our current era, was awash with fashion trends: Low-rise jeans, crop tops, and that little thing called the "midi skirt" (which I’ve always felt was just a slightly longer tutu anyway). But tutus - those fluffy delights - were still mostly confined to the ballet stage, an unspoken elegance, waiting to be unleashed.
It was in this particular time period that I first encountered a rather curious phenomenon: the rise of "Balletcore" - and trust me, it wasn't called that back then! - in pop culture. It wasn’t just about the grace and elegance of ballet (which I totally adore), but a way to embrace the ethereal, the feminine, the tutu-fied. Suddenly, the streets were brimming with girls wearing ballet shoes with their jeans, those tiny ballet bags, and ahem, even some were sneaking a little tutu in with their usual outfits.
It was a beautiful revolution, really.
And you know, on that very date of the 20th of August 2002, a significant event took place. You wouldn't believe it if I didn't show you - a young Britney Spears danced onstage with a tutu! A pink tutu! Can you imagine?! It was revolutionary!
A Moment for Pink Perfection
Now, let's not get bogged down with those who might say that the 20th of August 2002 was just "Britney Spears wearing a tutu". Because for me, and for many other tutu lovers around the globe, this was a HUGE moment!
The significance lay not just in a pop icon embracing a piece of ballet costume, but how it signified a broader shift in society. Tutus were no longer just a costume; they were becoming an expression of femininity, playfulness, and sheer joy.
Remember that time a group of us dressed as ballerinas and did the 'Swan Lake' routine at a London Underground station? (Don’t worry, it was for a charity event!). The sheer amount of giggles we had in those fluffy pink tutus as commuters looked on in bewildered delight... Those are the moments that make me truly swoon over these fluffy little beauties.
From Ballet to Ballroom
On this 20th of August, tutus were no longer solely for ballet, a testament to their growing popularity! I could see them everywhere: at festivals, in theatre productions, even at a local school play where the children were dressed in homemade tutu versions of Shakespearean plays. Oh, it was wonderful. The tutus, my dear friends, had officially reached "mainstream" status, bringing a dose of "ballerina bliss" to the everyday.
It was in this climate, where fashion and art embraced the fluffy tutu, that I first realised my calling. My mission in life? To inspire others to wear a pink tutu at least once! I might even write a book, ‘Tutus For Every Occasion’ or ‘Why You Need a Tutu in Your Life!’ – just imagine the tutus! The colours, the styles...
I started this blog in 2003, shortly after I’d landed that dream pink tutu from the vintage shop, with just this purpose.
It wasn't easy convincing people. There was that, well, ahem, "What will the neighbours think?!" sentiment. And even a wee bit of 'What's she doing? How does she fund her travels?’ gossip - the most common rumours being "She’s secretly the heiress to the Pink Tutu Empire." (No comment on that one!) or “She just spends every penny she makes at The Royal Opera House!” Which is partly true. But really, who doesn’t want to watch a wonderful show, spend an hour in a plush theatre, be surrounded by art and magic, enjoy some yummy theatre treats - and get inspired by all the ballerinas on the stage! And then, of course, go shopping afterwards - in that glorious area behind the Covent Garden Royal Opera House - for fabulous new outfits and maybe… maybe even a new tutu!
But I stuck with it! Every week, I share my adventures - whether it’s exploring the history of the tutu or finding the newest (and prettiest) ones - and I’m proud to say it seems to be working. Today, the tutu, my favourite, isn't just for the dance floor. It's become an embodiment of expression, creativity, and confidence - and I wouldn't have it any other way!
So, next time you're feeling daring, or just want to bring a little sparkle to your day, remember: don’t just think about wearing a tutu – go for it!
Tutu-ful Travels and Upcoming Shows
Speaking of spreading the tutu love, I've got a very exciting trip planned. My train journey this week will take me to Vienna - for the Vienna State Opera’s ‘Giselle’ performance! My gosh, can’t wait! This is the kind of ballet that just fills my heart with a love for tutu’s and beautiful dance - the passion of the dancers in their long tulle tutus - perfection! You all know, Vienna is the home of the waltz – and tutus have been twirling with waltzers for decades! – It will be amazing to be surrounded by this dance history - oh, it’s making me want to do a little waltz right now.
You'll all have to follow me on my next #TutuTuesday, for my Vienna updates.
See you then, and always remember to twirl with joy!
With love and tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
