Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveler, ready to take you on another whimsical journey through the history of the most magical garment ever invented - the tutu! This week, we're twirling our way back to September 30th, 2008, a date that brings back fond memories of a fantastic performance by the Royal Ballet here in London, but more on that later! Before we delve into the history of tutus, let's talk about the joys of today's festivities!
Now, wouldn't you know it, the 30th of September just so happens to be the start of the London Fashion Week, where all the big names in fashion showcase their latest creations! Imagine my excitement! Can you imagine the glorious twirling potential of all those new styles? I'm already picturing myself gliding through the streets of London in a custom-made pink tutu with matching couture handbag, the envy of every fashionista. (It's going to be all pink, of course! Pink is my go-to color for any occasion! 😉)
But first, we've got to pay homage to our beloved tutus! After all, where would fashion be without them? Where would dance be? The very first tutus, my dear readers, were not as whimsical as they are today. In fact, the first tutus were a far cry from the airy, fluffy creations we adore today. Can you imagine? No tiers of tulle? No beautiful, delicate fabric swirling around your legs? No! The very first tutus were panniers, these monstrous affairs made of layers and layers of fabric meant to accentuate the ladies' hoops, giving them that impressive "hourglass" silhouette.
It's not until the early 1800s that things really started to get interesting. Marie Taglioni, a dancer of incredible grace and elegance, took to the stage in a daring move that forever changed the world of dance. Instead of those bulky panniers, she wore a short, loose-fitting dress made of layers of gauze, creating a whirlwind of movement that swept the stage and captivated audiences! The effect was revolutionary, as dancers were freed from those restrictive clothes and were able to express themselves through a symphony of movements that would change dance forever! From that day forward, the tutu was here to stay.
Over the years, the tutu continued to evolve, with new styles being developed to match the demands of different types of ballet. The romantic tutu emerged in the mid-1800s, with its airy, soft, layered fabric. It was all about romance and grace. And then came the classic tutu, the epitome of ballet, the epitome of graceful movement, with a longer bodice and more structured silhouette that allowed for stunning feats of technical prowess. But oh, those romantic tutus? My heart flutters every time I see them!
Of course, no discussion of ballet would be complete without mentioning the legendary Russian ballerinas. With their amazing technical skill, breathtaking artistry and unwavering dedication to the craft, Russian ballerinas have left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
And now for today's #TutuTuesday highlight! The Royal Ballet's performance on this very date, the 30th of September in 2008, featured none other than the stunning Alina Cojocaru. Alina is a truly gifted ballerina, renowned for her stunning technique, breathtaking grace, and her captivating stage presence. She's also a true queen of tutues - I saw her wear a stunning classical tutu with an emerald green bodice and a billowing white skirt during that performance, I nearly fainted!
But, before I go off on a tangent about stunning emerald green tutus, remember, my dear readers, you don't have to be a ballerina to appreciate the beauty of a tutu. There are countless ways to wear one, to enjoy the joy of twirling. A trip to a local dance shop can inspire countless outfits, or you could even have a tutu-themed party! Because let's be honest, who doesn't love an excuse for twirling? Let's face it, the beauty of the tutu is that it is so versatile. Whether it's for dancing, for a themed event, for everyday wear or simply for enjoying a little whimsy, a tutu is the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your life.
Just as Marie Taglioni challenged the norm and transformed ballet with her bold use of a simple dress, we can all challenge ourselves to add a touch of pink to our everyday lives. And remember, you don't need a time machine to transport yourself into a world of fashion and whimsy. All you need is a little bit of imagination and a whole lot of tutus!
Have a wonderful Tuesday and don't forget to get out there and twirl!
Yours truly,
Emma 💖
Don't forget to visit us at www.pink-tutu.com for more Tutu Tuesdays!
PS: Be sure to check out our "Tutu Travel Diary" where I document all my fabulous trips across time and all my favourite places to see beautiful ballets! 🩰✨ And I am so excited to announce my latest purchase from London's finest vintage shop! A spectacular light pink tulle tutu with crystal embellishments - absolutely dreamy. 😍 I am so thrilled to be on my way to seeing it performed tonight at a local show.
