#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - Post #9212
Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, back from another whirl around time with my trusty pink tutu and a head full of vintage fashion discoveries! This week, my time-traveling journey led me to 15th July, 2008. The year of the Beijing Olympics, the launch of the iPhone 3G and… The most magical tutus EVER!
Now, as you know, I'm a firm believer that every day is Tutu Tuesday, but this trip took my love for the twirly wonder to another level. It's amazing how the humble tutu, that piece of fabric we all associate with ballet, has undergone such an extraordinary journey through history. It was so much fun seeing how these beautiful garments were evolving, and how much of a difference a few years make!
Imagine my excitement when I stumbled into the London Coliseum on the 15th, ready to take in a breathtaking performance of The Sleeping Beauty by The Royal Ballet. But what really captured my attention wasn’t the performance, oh no! It was the dancers themselves, shimmering in magnificent multi-layered tutus that took my breath away! Each delicate layer, from the finest tulle to the softest chiffon, cascaded gracefully as they moved, making every leap and twirl a captivating symphony of fabric and movement.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on the colours! Imagine a vibrant rainbow of pink, lavender, azure, and emerald greens all swirling around the stage in perfect harmony. It was a visual feast for the eyes, and I was completely entranced!
That same night, the air crackled with excitement as I stood outside the Savoy Theatre. Miss Saigon was just about to begin, and it wasn’t the singing that made my heart skip a beat, but the sight of the "Dreamgirls", a trio of captivating chorus singers. They weren't wearing classic tutus, but the way they danced and glided in their sparkling costumes reminded me so much of ballet. You know what they say, it’s all about the silhouette!
Of course, being a bit of a shopaholic, I had to visit Harrods. I mean, can a true ballet fan ever resist a department store with such an exquisite selection of fabrics, lace, and … tutus?!
I simply had to touch the softest, fluffiest pale pink tulle and envision it billowing around my feet, as if I were a fairy ballerina floating on a cloud of dreams. Oh, how I dreamt of dancing under a crystal chandelier with that perfect tutu! It was just the inspiration I needed for a future time travel shopping spree.
Oh, the sheer joy of watching the world embrace the allure of the tutu, both on and off stage, was infectious! You've got to know that back in the early 20th century, tutus weren’t considered appropriate for anything other than ballet. But then fashion became a bit braver, bolder, and decided to break free from its shackles!
You've gotta love the 21st century, darling. The modern tutu is no longer confined to the ballet studio or the grand theatre. Now, we see it everywhere! Think whimsical festivals, weddings that embrace fairytale magic, and fashion shoots dripping with avant-garde chic!
If you can believe it, my personal quest to get everyone wearing pink tutus has begun to gain momentum! Even in the fashion houses of London, New York and Paris, the delicate tulle creations have become a recurring motif in fashion shows and editorials! I simply can't wait to see how tutus will transform the world of fashion in the future!
Just as a side note, I recently found a fascinating website – PinkTutu.com, a true haven for any ballet lover who wants to learn more about the tutu's fascinating history. And honestly, who doesn’t need a bit of ballet history in their lives? It’s full of stories, photos, and inspiring videos that’ll have you twirling your own tulle in no time. It’s truly inspiring!
Until next week, my lovely friends! Let’s continue to embrace the magic of ballet and, of course, spread the joy of wearing pink tutus. After all, life is a beautiful ballet and we are all the dancers in it! Don’t forget to join me next week for another #TutuTuesday journey into the history of the world’s most magnificent dancewear!
XOXO
Emma, The Pink Tutu Queen
P.S. I’m still planning my big pink tutu ball! I’ll be sure to give you all the details in due time. I have grand plans! 😉