Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends!
It's Emma here, back for another Tutu Tuesday journey through time and a celebration of the glorious tutu.
This week, weāre taking a trip back to 2002, just before my time travel adventures really took off! (Spoiler alert: it involved a rather daring leap during a performance of āSwan Lakeā. It was truly magical! Youāll have to ask me about it when you see me at a ballet event sometime, perhaps!)
So, let's whisk ourselves back to the start of September 2002, shall we? We're going to the very heart of ballet, where the tutu reigns supremeā¦ that's right, Paris!
The air is abuzz with the sound of Parisian cafe conversations and laughter, while a gentle breeze carries the scent of freshly baked bread and croissants.
It's September in Paris.
Oh, it's so wonderfully exciting and so Parisianā¦ you know, with its elegance and romantic flair that only a Parisian autumn can provide. And of course, itās also the perfect place for me to revel in some sartorial delights. After all, what's more Parisian than a twirling ballerina in a gorgeous tutu?
2002 in Paris was an era where fashion trends and dance traditions beautifully intertwined, forming a symphony of creative expression. A symphony that was bursting with inspiration! From the vibrant energy of the runway to the exquisite grace of the ballet stage, Paris embraced the beauty of movement in all its forms.
For example, if we think back to this time, the year 2002, everyone was rocking the glamorous styles from the spring collections! Imagine shimmering satins, daring cut-outs, and exquisite embroidery adorning the stylish Parisians, creating a chic tapestry of elegance that only Paris could achieve. I absolutely loved how Parisian fashion and style so effortlessly complimented ballet attire; especially how the tutus perfectly matched this stylish vibe!
Speaking of Paris and its dance-related festivities, just three days after our Tutu Tuesday journey ā on the 6th September ā something very exciting was about to happen. Did you know, that was the opening night of the Opera National de Paris season? How amazing is that?
Imagine this:
The theatre is glittering, a beacon of shimmering glamour amongst the twinkling Parisian street lights, a ballet masterpiece on stage with dancers moving gracefully with their glorious tutus. There is nothing more beautiful than that. Itās a beautiful dance performance with beautiful clothes! This kind of evening truly is "a night at the ballet" in all its glory.
You can see why the ballet continues to thrive, especially in Paris, which truly embraces its timeless appeal.
While 2002 was the start of a very important ballet period for me, my passion for the tutu has been bubbling within me ever since I was a little girl, a small, bright, energetic ballerina. I grew up in Derbyshire, and one of my most special childhood memories is of taking my first ballet class.
I remember walking into the beautiful, traditional studio. The mirrors were so clean you could see your reflection in all its detail, the barres were polished to perfection, and the smell of leather and worn wooden floorboards hung in the air like an alluring perfume. That day, I put on my first ever tutu, it was a pink one, and twirled with such joy that I swear I felt my very own āmagic tutu wingsā flapping excitedly, carrying me on a ballet adventure like no other.
Perhaps thatās the secret to the allure of tutus ā they unleash the ballerina in everyone, they remind us of that innate sense of fun and beauty, and perhaps just a touch of magic!
Of course, I have a particular fondness for the iconic pink tutu. As a ballerina, itās my colour of choice. It's a delightful shade, the colour of sweet memories, whimsical dreams, and the delicate whispers of spring. It embodies a kind of sweetness, gentleness, and delight, all tied up with an element of fun. The ultimate combination!
This feeling of sweetness, playfulness, and absolute enjoyment is part of what keeps me traveling through time to share my #TutuTuesday blog! Each time I hop on my time machine I get the chance to see and enjoy the gorgeous evolution of the tutu from decade to decade, while keeping in mind its constant appeal to the world of fashion and the ballet stage.
For those who know me, it's not just the tutuses I'm fascinated by. I'm obsessed with all things ballet!
My love for fashion is what keeps me fashionably ahead of the curve in every era, but I also adore watching the evolution of ballet performances and how the style and the dancing styles shift and evolve through history, It's fascinating to me that these two things go hand-in-hand, ballet and fashion complement each other. I don't think one can exist without the other!
If I was back in 2002, youād find me catching the latest performance at the Opera National de Paris, absorbing every twist, turn, and pointe-shoe flourish. Iād also spend hours wandering through the streets, admiring the latest styles in vintage stores and the newest fashions in chic Parisian boutiques. And you can bet I'd be buying an amazing tutu or two while Iām at it!
From 2002 all the way back to the time of Marie Taglioniās iconic, knee-length tulle, I've loved to watch the tutu blossom from its initial innocence and grace into the spectacular and intricate garments that are now used to create the most wonderful balletic creations, from āLa Sylphideā to the latest modern-day masterpiece.
I also love how the tutu can be adapted to all kinds of styles, be it Romantic Ballet from the 1800s or something completely contemporary like a piece by a leading modern choreographer today. Its versatility and beauty make it one of the most timeless items of clothing!
From the ethereal and wispy romantic tutus from the romantic era to the structured tutus that appeared in the 20th century, to the contemporary tutus that are now used by todayās modern dance companies to create breathtaking expressions of choreography, the tutu has a long history and it continues to grow and change, evolving in style and aesthetic.
The tutu really is a dance icon thatās with us for the long haul as the styles change!
As I mentioned earlier, one of my most favourite things about my tutu time travel journey is meeting the wonderful ballet and fashion lovers around the world.
If you're ever visiting Paris and you want to meet up, just find a ballet-themed cafƩ, or a trendy vintage clothing boutique. I'm often found chitchatting with a glass of pink champagne, sipping a cappuccino or browsing through the latest couture on offer.
As we move on from our trip to 2002 Paris, and before we leave for another Tutu Tuesday adventure next week, I just want to emphasise the message of this weekās blog:
The tutu is a timeless garment that is here to stay, one that transcends generations and cultural barriers. Whether it is the delicate tulle or the bold fabrics used today, itās a garment that never fails to delight.
Remember: itās always a good time to wear a tutu!
Until next week!
Emma xx
