#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2006-12-05

Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back with another whirl through the enchanting world of ballet history. Today, I've zipped myself right back to December 5th, 2006 – a day that was buzzing with ballet excitement!

The air is crisp, and London is aglow with Christmas lights. I'm wearing my favourite fuchsia tutu (I just had to pick a pink for this December jaunt!) and feel utterly charmed by the festive atmosphere. This is exactly where a ballerina needs to be – especially with a new collection of gorgeous tutus just arriving in Covent Garden. I've found the most perfect pastel pink tulle skirt to pair with a delicate velvet bodice – simply heavenly!

Let's get to the time machine, darlings, and explore what makes December 5th, 2006 a date worth remembering in the ballet world...

2006 was a fabulous year for ballet! Remember the dazzling costumes in The Royal Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker”? Absolutely magical! I especially adore the snow scene, a symphony of soft, feathery tutus, evoking that ethereal snowflake effect. I was fortunate enough to see the show myself, and it truly was a breathtaking performance, leaving everyone completely enchanted.

Of course, no December is complete without the holiday staple – "Swan Lake". My favourite "Swan Lake" performance in 2006? Well, the English National Ballet's "Swan Lake" production starring the glorious Natalia Osipova. Her incredible technique and passionate performance were utterly captivating – the perfect Christmas treat!

Oh, and let's not forget those dazzling costumes! They were the talk of the town! Imagine shimmering white tutus for Odette, with layers upon layers of soft, flowing tulle, and then black, flowing tutus with a powerful, majestic presence for Odile. A real spectacle!

And on a personal note – December 5th, 2006, saw a wonderful production of “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Royal Opera House with the beautiful Alina Cojocaru as Aurora – I mean, could you even imagine a more beautiful and delicate tutu than hers? Absolutely dreamy!

Now, darling, back to the important bit! Tutus, of course! Let's dive into the enchanting evolution of the tutu:

Remember back in the 18th century? The dancers had lovely gowns with their flowing silk skirts. And then...a light bulb (or perhaps it was a spark of genius!) went off. Enter Marie Taglioni, who redefined ballet! With the help of her brilliant father, a French dancer and choreographer, she gave us the romantic, poetic, "tutu" we know and adore – and it’s a style that still influences designs to this day! Think "La Sylphide", a quintessential romantic ballet.

Now, let's rewind a bit, back to the beginning.

The “Tutu”, the word itself, wasn’t widely used until the late 19th century. Fancy that! And, fun fact - in French, it actually means "skirt" or "tunic"!

Imagine that, being so much younger than the world’s current favourite ballet outfit!

Then we moved into the 20th century – and that’s when the tutu took on a variety of fabulous forms, like the more form-fitting “demi-tutu”, made with fewer layers. I just love the sleekness of a demi-tutu! The perfect mix of elegance and comfort, ideal for dynamic movements and elegant lines.

*And guess what? Those famous pointy shoes - those elegant "pointe shoes"? * That's a modern design as well. Ballerinas used to perform on their toes with only a few extra layers under their satin shoes. Can you imagine trying to execute grand jetés like that?! Brave souls! But thanks to these innovations, we can now enjoy even more exciting ballets with incredible lifts and spectacular leaps. We must thank those brilliant minds who kept inventing and making this dance form even more amazing.

But back to my mission: inspiring everyone to embrace their own pink tutu! Now, with this amazing mix of historic grace and modern sophistication – who wouldn’t love wearing a tutu for every day?

It’s all about confidence, my lovely dancers! You've got it. And nowadays you can find some fabulous tutus, whether you want a full-blown classical tutus or a contemporary number for everyday style. (Don’t forget a stylish beret for extra chic!).

My December 5th look? My go-to – a pink tutu with a velvet jacket and ballet shoes! Simply adorable and super stylish! Don’t forget those accessories – a glittery headband, some pearl earrings, and a touch of pink blush to complete your look.

Now, off you go, beautiful people! Have a blast, remember your confidence and dance like no one is watching. (But secretly, I will be. grin).

Love always, Emma

This diary is for my eyes only, darling.

Well, this is rather magical. This Christmas in 2006 is pure holiday cheer, especially here in Covent Garden, full of shoppers and festive spirit! And there is definitely more glitter on every single item than I expected – even on the sweets! But I am not complaining – glitter is truly amazing.

The "tutus" - Oh my – I have already visited every single shop in this lovely little street and have made a huge pile of purchases. I mean, can a pink tutu collection be too big?! Of course not!

I can’t believe the variety of styles they have available here! I bought some sweet floral print fabric, a pair of white tulle tights and the softest, peach velvet ribbons.

Now, my darling tutu-loving friends, I am off for more shopping – London always has a way of making a girl smile! Stay tuned for my next #TutuTuesday, and until then, keep those pink tutus whirling!

See you soon!

Love,

Emma

P.S. I absolutely adore taking the Tube! There is so much more to see in the city than by foot and so many new people to observe! You never know who you might meet. And as for fashion – I never travel without my favourite pink suitcase and of course, this never-to-be-out-of-place-pink tutu! I love its sparkle and glamour! I feel like a true ballet princess wherever I go!

P.P.S. And for all my friends reading this blog – remember this time-traveling ballerina needs your help. If you want to see more fabulous time-traveling tutus - remember to share this blog! Every new tutu-lover inspires my next incredible ballet adventure.