Greetings, my dearest tutu enthusiasts! It’s your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another delightful dive into the fabulous history of our beloved tutu! Today, we're stepping back in time, specifically to the 22nd of August, 2006, a date bursting with ballet-related excitement! Buckle up, darling, as we take a thrilling trip together!
Now, 2006, just a hop back in the time machine, right? That's when the ballet world was buzzing with a brilliant performance of Sleeping Beauty by the Royal Ballet. It was at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the very heart of London's dance scene! I can't even imagine the feeling of being there in the audience. Can you imagine the stunning tutus, the majestic movements, the sheer artistry! Oh, to be transported back!
It's moments like this that make me utterly thankful for the gift of time travel! I’ve always been captivated by the way tutus can bring a story to life - from the whimsical swish of Aurora's iconic pink tutu in Sleeping Beauty to the tragic grace of Odette's white tutu in Swan Lake, they tell a silent story that speaks to the very soul.
Speaking of history, I do believe today is the perfect time to reflect on the glorious evolution of the tutu itself. Did you know that it's been around for well over two centuries?! The original version was nothing like what we know today! In fact, it started out as a simple skirt for ballet dancers - just think about that! Ballet shoes were a relatively new invention around the time, but dancers still wore shoes with little support and the costume had to be more functional, a bit like a little skirt. In the 1830s, the great choreographer Marius Petipa wanted something much more impressive. His brilliant idea was to shorten the skirt, create some volume with more layers of fabric, and the "Romantic" tutu was born! I can just picture the excitement and glamour!
And then came the 19th century! What an era! The tutus we adore today took centre stage - the layered and billowing "Romantic tutu" made a grand entrance and became iconic. But darling, can you imagine the layers? My back would be screaming after just five minutes of rehearsal! Oh, to be a ballerina in those days! The tutu became symbolic of grace, freedom and even a touch of rebellion, setting the scene for decades of ballet excellence!
Don’t worry, I’m not about to lose track of the importance of our #TutuTuesday! My journey to the 22nd August, 2006 wasn't a trip for no reason, dear reader! Oh, I did do some fantastic sightseeing – visiting the amazing London Fashion Week, strolling the vibrant streets of Carnaby Street – it's like stepping straight out of a vintage fashion magazine, it's just such a glamorous setting.
But, while the sights and sounds of 2006 were sparkling and glamorous, let’s focus on our love of #TutuTuesday for a moment! Do you remember your very first tutu, dear reader? Mine was a simple pale pink, bought at a local fair in my lovely Derbyshire! The thrill! I remember my parents took me to see the Nutcracker, I just couldn't get over how grand it was! So magical! Oh, the memories! I think it’s no surprise why this glorious dance form, and its magnificent tutus, have taken a hold of my life, don't you agree?
Right now, I'm picturing my tutu wardrobe back at my place – from classic black tulle to shimmering, iridescent purple with sequins – my imagination is already overflowing! Don't be shy to tell me your favourite style and colour in the comments below, I always adore hearing from my dear Pink Tutu family! I am so excited to continue our journey through #TutuTuesday and see what fascinating tidbits of ballet history await us. Don't forget to pop over to our website, www.pink-tutu.com , where I'm showcasing a dazzling collection of #TutuTuesday articles and posts!
See you next week, my dears! And, remember, wear a pink tutu always, because we can all be ballerinas, wherever we are and whatever we do!
Until next time!
XOXO, Emma
