Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, coming at you live from the bustling streets of… well, let's just say a glamorous location somewhere in time. I'm on the move again, travelling by train, of course - can't beat that romantic clatter of wheels and the chance to observe the diverse styles of people passing by. But enough about my journey – we're here for Tutu Tuesday!
This week we're journeying back to the 11th of May, 2004. It’s a fascinating day for the history of the tutu, because guess what? That very day, the Royal Ballet staged an absolute corker of a performance at the Royal Opera House. We're talking "Giselle" folks! This is classic, romantic ballet at its finest, filled with the sort of airy, graceful movements that practically demand a fabulous tutu. And trust me, the ballerinas weren't letting us down! They looked exquisite in their traditional white tutus, making each pirouette and leap feel effortlessly ethereal. It's one of my all-time favourite ballets. Did you know that "Giselle" first premiered in 1841?
You know, when I think about it, the tutu has come such a long way! I remember studying old photographs of ballet in the early days. The costumes were beautiful, of course, but often very elaborate and heavy, with long flowing skirts that sometimes restricted the movement. I bet the ballerinas got very hot! But then, boom, the tutu explodes onto the scene, creating a new era in dance. And don't get me wrong - those early tutus had their own kind of charm, they were absolutely fabulous! Imagine all the delicate layers of tulle, and all the hard work that went into creating them!
The tutus today though, they're just breathtaking. They are still undeniably romantic and airy, but they've also become more playful and diverse. They come in a vast spectrum of colors, designs and lengths! They are more practical, allowing for a huge range of movement, from delicate bourrées to high-flying grand jetés.
You know what I’d really love to do one day? I'd love to step back in time to that early 19th-century era, and talk to those pioneers of dance, and the ladies who were creating those first tutus. Just to share a cup of tea, chat about their creations and share all our modern ballet tips and tricks! Oh, I bet they’d be amazed at how far the tutu has come. But of course, they'd also be the first to understand the undeniable romance and artistry of this exquisite garment.
Speaking of romanticism, there's a reason why I adore ballet tutus so much. The movement of tulle, the way it floats around the ballerina's body - it's almost like magic. They can be whimsical and playful, yet so elegantly elegant at the same time. And of course, that colour! I've lost count of how many times I've heard people say, "Oh, it's just a tutu." But trust me, they underestimate the tutu at their peril! A good tutu can tell a story, it can create a mood, and it can transform a dancer on stage.
What I love most is how much the tutu is celebrated not only in the world of dance, but in wider culture too! Whether you're strolling through a theatre district or enjoying a picnic in the park, the tutu always seems to make a stylish appearance! And what could be more wonderful than embracing a little bit of fantasy and a touch of magic in our everyday lives? I say, wear a pink tutu whenever you feel the urge to spread a little bit of joy! And speaking of spreading joy… my dear readers, you might be wondering about that “glamorous location somewhere in time”. You see, I have a confession! I’m no ordinary ballet blogger. I’m actually… drumroll a time traveler! I’m on a mission to inspire the world with the wonders of the pink tutu! Yes, you read that right – pink tutus. My grand aim, if you will. And trust me, there's no better way to fuel my time travels than with those fabulous, heartwarming ballet performances! You'll find me dashing about, wearing a stunning pink tutu, of course, going to every show I can possibly squeeze into my itinerary!
Now, it's time for my fashion corner! Every week I choose something gorgeous, something inspired by that time we've just visited! Today, my darling readers, I'm positively smitten with this exquisite, hand-crafted, pink tulle skirt! You could wear it for a special occasion or pair it with a stylish t-shirt for a modern twist on the classic tutu look! (Find it here!)
Don't forget, I post every Tuesday with my Tutu Tuesday series at www.pink-tutu.com! Until next week, keep twirling! And don't be afraid to show your love for a good, fluttery pink tutu.
Sending lots of love, Emma xx
