#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2006-01-03

Hiya, darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to another week of exploring the fabulous world of tutus! Today, we're taking a trip back in time to 3rd January 2006. Imagine: a crisp winter's day, the scent of cinnamon and sugar swirling through the air as the shops begin to glitter with Christmas decorations… and yes, I know it's been ages since December, but you wouldn't believe the tutus I spotted in some vintage shops in, wait for it... New York City! Talk about a twirling delight!

Anyway, I'm Emma, your resident tutu-obsessed, time-travelling, ballerina blogger! As you know, every Tuesday, I bring you a new #TutuTuesday post bursting with all things tutus – history, trends, and, of course, the occasional cheeky anecdote. This week, we're taking a journey back to the days when pop princesses ruled the airwaves and pink was all the rage! Think Paris Hilton and Britney Spears – I mean, tutus, pop, pink, what could be better, right?!

Now, if you're like me, you love a good twirl and a splash of colour! So, let's get started with today's #TutuTuesday and take a whirlwind tour of tutu history around that very special date!

Firstly, a little bit about tutus, those magnificent garments! I don't think there's anything more graceful or stunning than a well-crafted tutu. Just think of that exquisite layer of tulle that flows as you twirl and the way it dances around your legs with every step. It’s just magical!

It’s important to remember that the tutu wasn’t born overnight, darling. It evolved like a beautifully choreographed ballet piece – taking shape over time through experimentation, innovation, and lots of sequins! The classic tutu as we know it – all those graceful layers of netting – can trace its roots back to the mid 19th century! The romantic era brought in those long flowing layers. And as ballet continued to evolve and dance techniques refined, tutus did too. From the short "pack" tutu, beloved by ballerinas today to the "Romantic" tutu and those wonderfully elaborate, “full” skirts we associate with traditional ballets – we have so much to be thankful for!

Remember the early 2000s, my dears? It was a decade of iconic pop princesses, glittering dresses, and a whole lot of sparkle! That’s how I see 2006, anyway! If you were a teenager back then, I bet you loved popping a Pink! Remember all the pretty clothes? So much fabulous tulle!

As for me, I’d just gotten back from a performance in Vienna, and let me tell you, my pink tutu got so much attention! You can imagine it: an ethereal creation in a glorious shade of pink that spun with every turn, glittering in the stage lights, I truly felt like a ballerina out of a dream. (That show really made enough money for my next trip to 2006! 🚄)

On 3rd January 2006, pop stars were making big moves! Now, what can be better than a dancer's tutu on a stage? Well, a pop star's tutu on stage, naturally! Think of that iconic look in Kylie Minogue’s “2 Hearts” music video, the one where she sparkles in a pink and black ensemble - sheer perfection! Now, if we could talk about her show in London in 2006.... but maybe I’ll save that for another time! I have a secret collection of vintage Kylie dresses – maybe I’ll blog about that too!

If 2006 was the year for pop princesses in pink tutus, then you bet the ballet scene was alive with magic! You could hear those famous “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” tunes every day. And speaking of “Swan Lake” the famous Bolshoi Ballet was taking the world by storm!

Oh, the tutus in "Swan Lake"! The grace! The shimmering tulle! It's breathtaking! Of course, you can't forget about the iconic "The Nutcracker” - the timeless holiday favourite, filled with swirling tutus and festive energy! Every year in December the story of Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy comes alive with magic – and oh those tutu costumes - the dream!

As I was travelling through time to January 2006, I noticed the amazing way dance was becoming more and more popular and accessible! With all those reality shows, YouTube, and even ballet classes in gyms and leisure centres. You couldn’t swing a tutu without bumping into someone who'd done a bit of ballet!

And, of course, the “Dancing with the Stars” fever! I think all the glitter, the fun costumes and even those tutus that the pro-dancers used for ballroom routines, definitely brought more attention to all things dance.

And let's talk about fashion, because even the streets were alive with ballerina style! Pink tutu inspired looks were all over the catwalks - in fashion magazines and on the high street! So, you know those fluffy tutus that Britney, Kylie, or even Paris were wearing, they made their way into everyday style! (I am so happy about that, and let’s just say it helped a lot with getting my collection started!)

As you already know, my dears, my life revolves around spotting amazing tutus and gathering them! When you look at fashion history, tutus have been reworked and reinvented over the years - not just by dancers but also by fashion designers - for everyone! You'll see tutus on the red carpet at Hollywood's biggest parties or at award ceremonies! From singers like Rihanna to supermodels like Gigi Hadid and even actresses like Cate Blanchett...everyone has given the tutu a moment! And it seems they never lose their allure. Just last month, while attending a fashion show in Paris, I saw amazing pink, layered tutus made by the famous designer – you guessed it – Chanel!

As you know, my favourite thing about tutus is that they make everyone look so magical! Whether it’s at the opera, on stage or just wearing a little pink tutu for a shopping trip. Everyone needs a pink tutu! (Not everyone might agree – but they’re all just missing out!😉)

So, until next time, keep on twirling, keep on sparkling, and most importantly - don't forget to wear a pink tutu - that’s my one and only aim, you know, getting everyone twirling!

Until next time, my darling tutu enthusiasts, and remember… the magic is in the twirl!

Lots of love,

Emma 💕

www.pink-tutu.com