Hello my lovely Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad, time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History!
Today, I've travelled all the way back to July 27th, 2004! And believe me, it's been a whirlwind trip! You wouldn't believe the fashions! Honestly, I think I left half my luggage on the platform – just think, this is the world without online shopping, can you imagine? The good thing is I'm not alone, tutus were just as popular back then as they are now, maybe even more so. I found a lovely little shop near the Covent Garden theatre called "The Tutu Emporium," filled to the brim with tutus in every colour under the sun (and some over the sun!).
So, let's dive into this fabulous fashion history lesson. You know I've always said a tutu is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a statement, a symbol of grace, freedom, and all things beautiful! In the world of 2004, that message was just as strong.
Back in the 20th century, ballet had moved far beyond its original purpose of courtly entertainment. This meant that the design of tutus evolved, becoming a symbol of athleticism, expressing the powerful movements of modern ballet, whilst retaining their captivating beauty. You can really see that in the costumes of this era, the focus was on showcasing the body and highlighting the dancer’s strength and artistry.
This was also a time when ballet was gaining even more traction on the world stage. Ballet classes were all the rage, and ballet-inspired fashion was everywhere – think, ballet flats and little skirts. I even saw a "Tutu Boutique" in Paris where you could get a tutu to match your favourite outfit, wasn't that lovely? Just imagine, wearing a chic pink tutu with your favourite little black dress – perfectly fabulous! And this was the time when American Idol was booming in the States and the UK was celebrating Pop Idol - all I could think about was creating an Idol styled tutu – for all my future pop-stars – so sassy!
You've probably heard me talk about the "romantic" period of tutu design before – you know, those beautiful long tutus with all the layers of tulle, a real symbol of airy grace? Well, in the 2000s, tutus started getting a bit shorter and more fitted, designed to show off all those beautiful en pointe leg lines and leaps! But no matter the design, one thing always remained – tutus were all about creating a magical and ethereal feel, making every ballerina a little bit magical. It was all about taking on the spirit of freedom, embracing the grace and letting your spirit soar – it felt wonderfully empowered.
As a time traveller, my job isn't just about exploring history, it's about bringing those feelings of empowerment and elegance into the present day. It's about reminding everyone, from the seasoned professional to the little girl just discovering the magic of dance, that every single one of us can feel like a ballerina. It's about taking that confidence, that grace, that energy, and carrying it with us into everything we do.
So, what were people doing on this date in 2004? Well, just to name a few highlights, the world was gearing up for the Athens Olympics! The football world was in a frenzy with the European Championships. The UK was dancing along with Strictly Come Dancing – how I wish I had a tutu for every dancing style – so elegant and stylish. I even snuck in to see Mamma Mia! *in the West End - such a fun show with fabulous dresses. And don't forget *Grease on Broadway! Now those tutus were really something else. It’s fair to say the fashion scene was truly vibrant. This was a period of artistic and cultural expression where people weren't afraid to experiment and create – a beautiful sentiment to hold onto, even today.
As I write this, I'm sitting in the heart of a busy café in London, wearing a fluffy pink tutu and sipping on a very pink cocktail – don't worry, I brought a spare one with me! But there's something special about exploring the history of our beloved tutus and how they’ve changed with time, while wearing a tutu, don't you agree? It's a testament to the timeless appeal of tutus, that iconic symbol of elegance and grace.
Now, I know you’re going to ask so I’ll answer this straight away. No, I am not a time-travelling ballerina. I can’t teleport my pink tutu (even though it would be pretty darn amazing), I just like dressing up and talking about the glorious history of ballet! I get my inspiration from some incredible historical dancers! So for my tutu style I mix a bit of the classic Romantic tutu with the elegance of a more modern-day ballerina - and I love it. As for travelling, I prefer trains – such glamour.
And as always, darling, remember: Every day is Tutu Tuesday! And please remember to check back next Tuesday for another incredible journey through the enchanting history of ballet! And in the meantime, don’t forget, spread the Tutu-Love! 💖
