Hey lovelies!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things pink and twirly! Today, we're going to take a little trip back in time for another #TutuTuesday installment of my Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're travelling back to the 26th August 2008! Ooh, it’s exciting to go back to a time not that long ago!
I can feel the excitement bubbling inside me just thinking about it. A quick change into my sparkly pink tutu, a trip down to the station in a fabulously ruffled skirt, and then, whizz! Back in time, I go! (Let's be honest, you guys, travelling through time isn't easy, especially with a massive wardrobe that must come along for the ride!). My train tickets must be the envy of every other time-travelling fashionista, it's all part of the ballet life, darling!
Anyway, enough about the journey. This week, I've landed in New York City. Yes, the Big Apple itself! There is just SO much happening here! There are all the amazing stores, the ballet companies - American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, so many choices for shows to see and I've got to choose a fabulous outfit for every night out!
Ooh, that reminds me – a lovely woman named Carolina Herrera just released a fabulous collection and guess what? There was pink! Can you believe it? Of course, there was pink, and it is absolutely heavenly – perfect for a new tutu-inspired ensemble. So I just had to dash over to Bergdorf Goodman for a quick purchase. Did you see my photos on Insta? You have to!
It was such a treat to be in the heart of Manhattan! There was something going on at every turn. So much going on, I was a little dizzy.
Today though, it’s all about those tutus! Did you know, the ballet tutus we see today started becoming popular in the mid-19th century! You have to remember, it took some time for them to become what we know and love now, you know, like the glorious pointe tutu.
Just to clarify, for those new to the fabulous world of ballet tutus – pointe refers to ballet shoes designed to enable the ballerina to go ‘en pointe’, where the entire weight is supported on the tip of the toe. They were made possible with the creation of toe shoes.
For our Tutu Tuesday exploration today, I’m heading to the Metropolitan Opera House for an absolutely splendid performance by the New York City Ballet. Now, don’t you think that this amazing Opera House is the perfect setting for ballet? Think of the grandeur of the building, the beautiful velvet seating, the gilded decor… and that dramatic arch! A theatre, especially one of this calibre, adds a truly dramatic element to any ballet performance!
Remember when they started with those romantic tutus, with multiple layers and even hoops? We can thank The Sleeping Beauty for these wonderful romantic tutus that are still so breathtaking to this day.
However, even the most luxurious Romantic era tulle still pales in comparison to the absolutely magical experience that is Giselle! Just think of the pure grace and emotional impact of seeing a beautiful ballerina, dressed in her white tutu, expressing so much passion! Absolutely breathtaking!
But darling, even those grand Victorian-era tutus are a little bit… old school…
Thankfully, as ballet started moving forward, they created what we now see as the 'traditional' ballet tutu with those tiers of fabric. Isn't it simply delightful how the pointe tutu has continued to develop? There's the iconic white tutu that the ballerinas in Giselle wear. Then there's the one-tier tutu… two-tier tutu... You see, a bit like cake! It’s quite beautiful to watch, even just in class!
Oh, speaking of ballet class, I popped in for a spot of barre work just before I jumped on my time travelling train. I find ballet classes absolutely heavenly, so much joy, even in those stretches that you have to repeat twenty times. But once you find the perfect fit for your new pink tutu… you're absolutely unstoppable!
Just like today in 2008, tutus are just as fashionable as ever! The beautiful ballet stars dancing in all the big companies look simply phenomenal! I have to mention – there’s one ballerina I admire deeply, an absolute icône. She wears tutus with the utmost grace and artistry. I am absolutely delighted to talk about her! She’s the utterly sensational… Svetlana Zakharova! She’s such an inspiration to us all, I could watch her for hours. Have you seen her performances of Swan Lake or Don Quixote? She truly captures the magic of ballet!
She truly embodies the essence of tutus – elegance, strength, and joy! Every twirl, every grand jeté, just magical! I wish I could see her dance live right now, even from across the time stream. You'll find my photos of her performances on pink-tutu.com along with all the others. If you're thinking of learning to dance, ballet is absolutely splendid! Don't you think?
Oh! Just a thought – have you checked out the Victoria & Albert Museum? Oh, darling! It’s a treasure trove of costumes, even from the earliest years of ballet history! Oh, those 18th and 19th-century costumes! And the designs – they’re divine. Do have a peek!
Speaking of which… *my darlings, do have a browse of all my tutu-tiful posts here at www.pink-tutu.com! * We have all sorts of posts on the history of ballet and some extra sparkly outfit suggestions – especially pink tutus, you can’t have too many!
Before I go, you know what I’m saying! Make every day #TutuTuesday! So put on your most twirly pink outfit and spread some pink tutu joy to the world!
Happy twirling everyone! See you all next week!
Emma
P.S. Just remember… a little bit of pink goes a long way, darling. ;)
