Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time, and as always, ready to share my latest ballet-tastic discoveries with you. This week, I'm taking you to December 28th, 2004, for a little trip through tutu history.
Oh, wouldn't it be amazing to slip into my magic pink tutu, hop on a train to a sparkly time-machine, and be there? Well, guess what? I can and I did!
First things first - fashion! And, let's be honest, fashion back in 2004 was... well, a little different than our totally on trend present. While ballet was just as divine, think about the tutu's then – maybe not as romantic as what we have now! Think: tight-fitting, very practical, all about movement, a bit less frill. A sort of, "Get the job done!" It's funny how things change, don't you think?
Today was exciting! Not only did I get to go on a train, but I saw Giselle in Vienna, Austria! Imagine my joy - it was on stage at the Vienna State Opera. And what's even more exciting, is it was a revival, darling! It wasn't just a run of the mill performance. This one had been restaged - all those lovely dramatic, emotional bits. It was almost a little, well, edgy! The dancing was absolutely superb, with so much strength and passion - and that sweet ballerina charm that only a Viennese dancer can pull off. Oh, it was simply beautiful! The tutus were lovely, and not your ordinary cotton and net. A bit more decadent than those of yore, if you catch my drift.
Of course, while we're on the topic of history, did you know the Giselle ballet, darling, premiered back in 1841? That's right! My grandmama! The story, about the doomed young maiden tricked by a mischievous jester, still had me in its spell. There’s something about a classic - the dancing, the costuming, the whole dreamy experience - that's just so magical. I almost didn’t want to come home!
This, darling, is one of the great things about ballet! It can be like stepping through a portal to a different era - whether it's the elegance of the early days, or the amazing (and honestly, slightly outrageous!) modern tutus, it truly transports you. Oh, did I tell you about the most beautiful costume shops I saw? We have to talk tutus. Imagine sparkly fabrics and fluffy plumes and layers upon layers of gloriousness. They had a beautiful pale pink tutu with rows of perfect silk ruffles. A modern one, of course. But still! So chic!
Speaking of fashion, let’s chat a bit about the way I styled my look today. You know I love rocking a pink tutu! Pink is just such a wonderful, uplifting colour, don’t you think? Well, imagine my delight! I discovered an amazing shop full of glorious fabrics and feathers - perfectly in time to grab a sparkly pink feather boa for my outfit of the day.
Imagine this: a pretty, light pink ballerina skirt with a layer of tulle underneath and a satin bodice – the very best way to make an entrance, right? But of course, what makes it really pop is the gorgeous fluffy feather boa. And a sprinkle of dazzling crystals and beads for added oomph! The little girls in the shops I saw adored my outfit - so it was definitely a hit!
Honestly, if I could just snap my fingers and make everybody put on a pink tutu, I would. Because, darling, you just feel SO much better, SO much more magical! The best bit of a pink tutu is that it is a great starting point for your outfit. If I'm feeling sassy, a pop of sequins, or maybe even a feathery headband? Fancy? Well then, I go for some long silk gloves. I am, after all, a total believer that the only limit when it comes to style is your imagination, dear readers! And for the rest of December 2004, I did exactly that. I wore my pink tutu EVERY DAY, with every outfit, as if it was a pair of jeans!
The truth, darling, is that it just made me feel happy. It was more than just clothes, it was like waking up to a special event EVERY day. It was magical.
And did you know December 28th is International Day for Disabled People? How appropriate! That it falls on the date of Giselle. It is, of course, all about reminding everyone of the beauty, creativity and uniqueness of people with disabilities. It is important for us all to celebrate our differences, embrace the wonderful variety of abilities, and stand together in supporting all human beings! Isn't that what a good ballerina does too? Embrace every new challenge, even those that are hard. And always remember - dance on!
But until next time, you wonderful people, go on, wear that pink tutu with a little extra twirl! And remember to stop by pink-tutu.com every week for my latest adventure in ballet history, a brand new pink tutu outfit, and the perfect dose of whimsical inspiration. Happy dancing!
XOXO
Emma
