#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2008-06-17

Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, back again for another #TutuTuesday post, fresh from the whirl of a truly spectacular ballet performance at the Paris Opera - talk about dazzling! But let's get down to business, as always, with the topic closest to our tulle-covered hearts: the tutu!

This week, I've popped my time-travelling hat back on, setting the date for 17th June 2008. You know, I just adore those noughties fashion trends. The skinny jeans (always rocking a pair myself), bright colours and those fabulous dresses with giant bows. Honestly, there's something so endearing about that era. And of course, the tutus were absolutely divine!

Today's tale takes us back to the dawn of ballet as we know it. Can you imagine a world without tutus? I mean, I just can't! And just imagine all the gorgeous fluffy skirts those elegant dancers would be wearing instead. Oh, the tragedy!

But fear not, dear tutu fans, the world as we know it - or, at least, the world of ballet - is chock-a-block with magnificent tutus, all thanks to one groundbreaking dance icon. We owe a huge thank you to none other than Marie Taglioni for truly giving us the tutu as we know it!

Now, some of you might know Marie as a pioneer of ballet (because really, who wouldn't recognize her? She was simply breathtaking!) But what a lot of you might not know is she was also a total innovator when it came to fashion! Can you imagine this woman, back in 1832, making a groundbreaking leap onto the stage with an absolutely mind-blowing new skirt, not just in design, but in material, too? I can practically feel her twirling on stage right now!

And here's the kicker - Marie wore a tutu made of tulle! Tulle, a delicate, lightweight material, changed ballet forever, literally transforming how dancers moved. Think of how it gives you that ethereal, swirling look, making every step float on air. It's a total show-stopper, honestly. I just adore tulle!

After that? The tutu has just continued to grow and evolve, becoming a statement piece, showcasing so much more than just the grace of the dancers, but their personality and power too!

For me, I just can't imagine ballet without tutus! Every time I step on stage (which is frequently - I travel so much, you know), I think about how much my love of tutus helps me journey through history. Every twirl is a celebration of how this incredible piece of fashion has come to be such an important part of our lives!

But don't just limit your tutus to the stage, my dears!

These are seriously versatile! From party-perfect to everyday chic, let me tell you, tutus transform an outfit in an instant - just like a sprinkle of pink fairy dust!

Whether it’s a romantic afternoon tea, a picnic in the park (just imagine it with a pink gingham blanket, you could simply cry from delight!) or a casual walk in the London streets (maybe pop on a stylish cardigan over your tulle for those chillier evenings), the tutu is a piece of pure joy that adds a splash of feminine fun to any look.

Now, let’s talk about some of my favourite shops for those stunning tutus. My recent adventures include the delightful boutiques tucked away on Carnaby Street in London, where I found an array of tulle-tastic treats! I picked up a little sparkly number, perfect for a swirly, glamorous night out.

Of course, you can also find absolute wonders online, with shops like Etsy and Depop boasting unique handmade tutus. I even spotted a fab one on Asos the other day - a cute little pink one with sparkly butterflies (it was simply divine!)

And don't even get me started on vintage tutus! If you're lucky enough to find one tucked away in a charity shop, well, snap it up before someone else does! I mean, it just wouldn’t be right for a history blog to neglect vintage fashion!

But remember, dears, a good tutu can cost a pretty penny, so I highly recommend visiting a charity shop for some truly treasured pieces, especially for vintage lovers like myself! Recycling is always good, you know? Just remember to keep those little tutus far away from pets!

Okay, you'll need to forgive me. I simply can't help but share the most wonderful spectacular event that I attended here in Paris! It was just yesterday, on the 16th of June, the very day before our time travel adventure to 2008, in the hallowed halls of the Palais Garnier! And the dance was The Sleeping Beauty!

It was absolutely breathtaking, such an awe-inspiring journey into the world of enchantment and beauty. Oh my goodness, the costumes! Spectacular doesn't even come close to describing the exquisite creations - the tulle flowing like dreams! You could really see the historical influence of Marie Taglioni's original tutu! It truly did feel like a journey back in time.

You see, dear tutu lovers, these tutus, these shimmering creations of pure joy and creativity, remind me that fashion, like ballet, is a universal language! It speaks to us all, regardless of our age, nationality or even time period. That's why it is important to preserve history. It keeps reminding us of the magic in ballet.

And don't forget, it's always good to look ahead and dream about what our future holds, too. Who knows what wondrous designs and revolutionary materials might be waiting for us on our ballet-loving journey ahead!

And so, my dear friends, go forth and dance! Wear your tutus with pride, swirl, twirl and express yourselves, because, in a world that could often feel grey and dreary, the tutu adds a splash of magical colour.

Until next time, keep it pink and tulle-tastic, my dears.

Emma xx