Hiya my darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveler, Emma, back again with another blast from the past on #TutuTuesday!
Today, my darling dears, I’m going to take you right back to June 26th, 2007. Now, I know what you're thinking… tutus? In 2007?!
Let me tell you, my lovelies, tutus were still the queens of the dance world back then, though things were just starting to get a little more daring, shall we say? Just a slight move away from the traditionally structured ballerina look, you know what I mean? 😉 But fear not, darling readers, the classics were still in full bloom!
And where better to enjoy these delightful dance creations than Paris? Yes, the City of Lights was my destination for this historical hop, and boy, was it magical! Paris is always full of life, a whirlwind of fashion and culture, but on this particular Tuesday, it seemed even more so. The sun was shining, the cobbled streets were bustling, and the air was filled with the sweet sound of French chatter and ooh-la-laing.
First stop? The Palais Garnier, of course! The very same iconic opera house where the world of ballet truly shines. The Paris Opera Ballet, that magical company with a history stretching back centuries, was about to give a magnificent performance, and I was practically buzzing with excitement! You wouldn't believe the dresses that were out, darling! A flurry of sequins, feather boas, and bold, striking colors! Such a vision of elegance and sheer fabulousness, I can't even!
My own attire? Why, a pink tutu of course! This particular creation had a glorious, fluffy skirt and a touch of sequins that twinkled with every sway of my hips. I wouldn’t have it any other way, lovelies! It’s a rule in the Time Traveller’s Handbook of Style – a ballerina never travels without a pink tutu!
And while the grand performance itself was undeniably magical, the real thrill was mingling with the glamorous crowd before and after the show. Ladies in exquisite ballgowns, gentlemen in dapper suits – oh, how we all twirled and laughed and revelled in the glorious world of dance. The theatre was alive with conversation, anticipation and, of course, endless applause for the magnificent performance.
The performance was breathtaking, of course. The dancers moved with grace and strength, weaving tales of love and longing with each step and gesture. Their costumes, exquisite, a symphony of colours, perfectly matched the emotions of the performance, creating a truly magical experience. The intricate patterns and designs of their tutus and costumes, some so simple and sleek, some elaborate and intricate, really underscored the art of storytelling through movement. You could feel the centuries of tradition echoing in the movements, every gesture a whisper of history, reminding me why tutus hold such an iconic place in our hearts.
After the show, the city was alive, its lights sparkling with vibrant energy. I couldn’t help but grab a coffee and pastry, admiring the fashion flowing down the boulevards, the stunning architecture and just taking it all in. There's something truly captivating about the charm of Paris in the evening. The cobblestone streets echoing with laughter, the scent of perfume hanging in the air – a heady cocktail of emotions that sets you dreaming of romance and whimsical adventures.
And you know what else, darling? June 26th, 2007 was a day that marked the launch of a rather famous social media platform - Twitter. Can you imagine? Tweeting about tutus that year? It's hard to imagine a world without the instant connection it offers, though of course, I think nothing beats the face-to-face connection you find in the theatre!
But back to my darling tutus! 2007, like many periods in history, saw some exciting shifts in ballet attire. While the traditional romantic tutu was still quite the belle of the ball, new trends were slowly appearing, pushing boundaries in creativity and comfort (gasp!).
For example, we saw a little bit of a rise in the neo-classical tutu – still lovely, but with a less full skirt, and a focus on showing off the ballerina’s strength and power. Think ballet, but a little less fluffy! And that’s not to say that we can't still rock a fuller tutu, darling, no matter what the trends dictate! We’re here to embrace the entire spectrum of tutudom, right?
Speaking of trends, London, my home away from home, was also abuzz with excitement at this time! The Royal Ballet was on tour in America, delighting the hearts of ballet fans around the globe. What exquisite shows, and a fantastic way for the British dance scene to showcase its world-class talent. Isn’t it lovely to have a little glimpse of what the global scene was up to back in the day?
Now, while I love the magic of The Nutcracker at Christmas, June 2007 was not all tutus, darlings. Let’s not forget other fabulous events that filled this time with joy and fun. This date, for example, marked the opening of The Shakespeare’s Globe theatre – what a magnificent homage to our greatest playwright! It’s such an inspirational project, bringing back a vital piece of history to life in the heart of London, and I just adore visiting when I’m in the city. It’s truly a masterpiece, a true testament to the enduring magic of storytelling.
All this, and the release of the delightful Shrek The Third, too, with the oh-so-gorgeous Fiona rocking the medieval-esque look – and don’t forget all the fantastic tutu inspired gowns you find in the movie! It really highlights that tutus can be adapted into any aesthetic, from grand to fairytale to... Shrek-tastic!
Right, darlings, my time travelling time is just about up. Time to hop back to the present day! Let me leave you with this thought, my darlings: The evolution of dance, of ballet and tutudom is ever-changing. But we’ll keep spreading the message of grace and beauty - every Tuesday! After all, a little bit of tutu is something that we can all embrace, whether in the heart of the dance world or in the bustling streets of London or Paris.
Until next time, don't forget to dance with your inner ballerina and be kind to one another. See you next Tuesday, for another dose of history and a sprinkle of magic, with #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, the place to be for all your tutu needs and insights into the world of this glorious fashion item!
Always with love and tutuly fabulous wishes,
Emma 💕
