20th December 2005
Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! It's a chilly December day here in New York City, but even the frosty breeze can't dampen my excitement for today's topic: the tutu! Oh, how I do adore this iconic garment! It's the embodiment of grace, femininity, and pure magical wonder.
I’ve travelled all over the world through time thanks to the sheer power of the tutu. Imagine, darling – the world, at my feet, just by slipping on my most fabulous pink tutu! Now that’s what I call a proper Cinderella moment!
But enough about me. Let's delve into the fascinating history of this utterly delightful dancewear masterpiece! Today's date – 20th December 2005 – is special for so many reasons, not just the wonderful festive cheer but for ballet fans everywhere! Today marks the grand opening of the David H. Koch Theater, a breathtaking new home for the New York City Ballet. Imagine – a haven dedicated to ballet in the heart of the Big Apple! It's a dream come true for every ballerinas, young and old. Just picture this – an amazing dance floor surrounded by dazzling chandeliers, gleaming marble, and state-of-the-art lighting. That's the beauty and magic that the new home for the New York City Ballet embodies. And how could it be possible without our lovely tutu? I simply adore these grand new theatres; a testament to the enduring beauty of ballet and the magical tutu, don't you think?
Tutus through the ages
From the humble beginnings of a simple skirt to the elaborate works of art you see on stage today, the tutu has a captivating journey.
Early tutus were far less extravagant – more of a simple, frilly skirt designed for greater freedom of movement. As time progressed, ballet itself evolved, pushing the boundaries of choreography and spectacle. With it came the rise of the tutu-in-its-modern-form – more dramatic, voluminous, and crafted from multiple layers of tulle, with breathtaking embellishments that made the tutu a show-stopping spectacle.
For those of you who don’t know, the tutu was inspired by the "crinolines" worn by ladies in the 19th Century! Now wouldn't that be a story to tell: how we went from voluminous skirts to a gorgeous little, twirly, elegant dance-ready beauty that has swept across the world of dance?
Think of those iconic tutus: Marie Taglioni’s ethereal and airy tutu in La Sylphide in 1832! That is a tutu with serious panache – simply sensational! Then there was Carlotta Grisi, known for her "Giselle" in 1841, she was so light on her feet and she made the tutu even more feminine and elegant, with graceful movements. Her style inspired even more designers.
From the delicate elegance of Marie Taglioni to the romantic charm of Carlotta Grisi, from the bold and dynamic creations of the late 20th century to the experimental and contemporary designs of today, each tutu tells a story, expressing the grace and passion of dance in the most enchanting way possible! Don't they, darlings? I mean, who hasn’t wished for the wings of an angel or the magical tutu of a dancer?!
But darling, it is not all about the past; just like you, I also live in the present, embracing all that is chic and stylish today. It's no secret that the tutu has come a long way. It's evolved, adapted, and emerged with breathtaking contemporary designs. Whether it’s an ethereal ballerina in a fluffy, pale pink tulle, or a modern dancer experimenting with asymmetry, colour, or dramatic textures – the modern-day tutu is pushing the boundaries and redefining the art of performance, just as it did in centuries past.
Of course, dear readers, you know me; my personal love for pink tutus is just that – my own personal love! From classic tulle, adorned with shimmering sequins, to elegant, satin-lined options, and even contemporary variations with funky designs, a pink tutu always feels special. It speaks to my heart, whispering promises of beauty, grace, and effortless style.
You see, darling, a tutu is a piece of art; a piece of fabric that tells a story! From the romantic allure of the classical tutus to the edgy and experimental pieces you see on stage in contemporary ballet today, there's a style for everyone. Just like fashion, the tutu's designs reflect the cultural changes around them, and let’s face it – you'll never get me out of a pink one!
The Tutu in my Life:
So, tell me, my lovelies, what are some of your favourite memories about tutus? Maybe it was the thrill of seeing a dancer effortlessly float across the stage? Perhaps it was your very first pair of pointe shoes? Maybe it was the first time you wore your very first little tutu? I do have to say that I was quite the ballerina in my youth (with my mother as a keen instructor). I spent my days pirouetting in the fields of Derbyshire. Oh, how those were magical times! Even back then, the sheer beauty of the tutu captivated me, the dream that it would be me up on stage, a tiny pink ballerina with a sparkle in my eye! Now my travel funds all come from my dance performances – just shows what a bit of tutus and charm can do for a girl!
Do you have a favorite tutu memory? If you’ve ever seen a ballet performance or dance show, I am certain it will be deeply ingrained in your memory - as it has been for many! Let me know what yours is! Share it on the comments below!
This weekend I'm going to see the most fantastic show in the beautiful new Koch Theatre here in New York. I have the perfect pink tutu chosen for the occasion – all thanks to the fantastic vintage shop just down the street from my hotel. My friend and I found this little gem – just by pure chance – and oh darling, this store is heaven! Everything about it is so whimsical and decadent. I managed to nab the perfect tulle-licious masterpiece and the store’s owner, this lovely lady, had such fantastic ideas to help me pull the look together. Can’t wait to share it all on #TutuTuesday next week!
But before we get there, let's celebrate the magical, swirling, graceful world of the tutu, which is more than just a piece of fabric, it's a symphony of movement and emotion!
Love, Emma
P.S: Don’t forget to visit us at www.pink-tutu.com, for all things tulle and dancing. Until next time, darling! Stay fabulous, keep it twirly! 💖
