Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another exciting episode in our ongoing journey through ballet tutu history! This week, we’re stepping back in time to a truly magical date – June 10th 2008. Just imagine – the world is buzzing with the excitement of the Euro 2008 football championships, Britney Spears is topping the charts with "Womanizer", and the Twilight movie is taking the world by storm! Oh, how exciting! And here I am, all ready to share the latest ballet tutu gossip.
This week, we’re heading to New York City, the absolute heart of the ballet world. A bustling metropolis, a cultural epicenter – and a truly phenomenal place for tutu shopping! (The tutus here are fabulous, even more dazzling than a Broadway show, I swear.)
As we embark on this fashionable historical tour, remember, darling, that the evolution of the ballet tutu is a captivating story of artistry, creativity, and of course, utter, utter fashion flair! Let's take a quick trip through some of the defining moments in tutu history:
The Romantic Era: Oh, darling, just imagine those dreamy tulle skirts swirling with a magical quality! You have to understand, these were the pioneers of the ballerina, those beautiful, graceful figures, often as delicate as swans in their tutu skirts! I'm utterly enamoured by that romantic period. (Not to mention, it was all about the skirt! Who doesn't love a good swish and twirl, eh? 🥰)
The Late 19th Century: Enter the tutu we know and love today – shorter, fuller, with intricate layers. Those were exciting times for tutus! This period is often referred to as the Golden Age of ballet, so we must be grateful to the beautiful women, with their exquisite technique and enchanting presence, for ushering in a new era of fashion elegance!
The 20th Century: Let's raise our pink champagne to the genius that is George Balanchine! With his ballets like "Jewels," we witnessed a revolution in design! Now, darling, it was all about exploring and reinventing the classic shape. Oh, he did so well! A truly beautiful visionary! And don't forget Martha Graham! Her bold exploration of modern dance brought us the tutu of the 1930s with its flowing shapes, the perfect garment for showing those powerful and expressive movements!
Back to June 10th, 2008. On this very day, my darling tutu lovers, the New York City Ballet is dazzling audiences with its repertory program! You wouldn’t believe the amount of tulle and feathers – I tell you, it was truly a treat to the eyes! Can you imagine the absolute excitement and anticipation that filled the air? Just to be there in that wonderful atmosphere…ah, my dreams are made of these!
Of course, as we're exploring the tutu of this specific date, I have to let you in on a secret. The American Ballet Theatre also debuted a new production of “Romeo and Juliet" starring Alessandra Ferri, and Angel Corella, on this very same day! Can you believe it?! Two stunning ballet premieres on a single day! The sheer energy, the brilliance on stage, the audience excitement - It was pure magic! I so wish I was there myself!
But it's not all about famous premieres, my loves. On June 10th, 2008, little ballerina-in-training girls all over New York (and the rest of the world!), were busy practicing their barre work, their leaps, and their pirouettes in tutus of their own! These girls, like myself, were dreaming big!
We know that a well-designed, stunning ballet tutu is much more than just a skirt – it's an extension of the dancer, an integral part of their story, their artistry, their movements, their dance! And, it's also a dream! So whether you're aspiring ballerina, a ballet enthusiast or just a fan of all things pink, we have a very important job to do. It’s a duty that I’ve embraced with every fiber of my being… We must bring the joy and beauty of the tutu to the world! 💖
We must celebrate the tutu as a statement of self-expression, creativity and passion. And just maybe…we’ll make a few more dreams come true along the way. 💖
Now darling, I’m off to a show at the Royal Opera House, London! I hear they’ve got a pink tutu-wearing ballerina on stage tonight – I can't miss it! Don’t forget, darlings, to check back in next week for another fascinating adventure through time! And most importantly: wear your pink tutu with pride!
Until then, happy tutuing! 💖
Love,
Emma x
P.S. Did I mention I just bought a beautiful, delicate new pink tulle tutu this morning in Derbyshire? I’m quite excited, darling – I think this new beauty will make a very special appearance in my next #TutuTuesday post. Oh, I simply can't wait!
