Hello my darling tutu-loving lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another totally fab #TutuTuesday! It's been a whirlwind week, what with a performance at the Royal Opera House (swoon!), followed by a super chic shopping spree at Harrods. My bank balance is feeling a little lighter, but my wardrobe is feeling much more tutu-fied! 💖
This week, we're hopping back in the time machine (courtesy of a rather generous performance fee) to delve into the history of the ballet tutu - specifically, to the glorious year of 2009!
Ah, 2009! Remember the fabulous recession-era fashion? I know, I know, a lot of people think we had to be economical, but not me! My love for tulle is never swayed by economic downturns. (Plus, I've always had my little secret: the magic of time travel funding!). 😉
So, picture the scene, darling! It's April 7th, 2009, and the ballet world is buzzing! We had some fantastic shows going on - remember “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” at the Royal Ballet, a truly enchanting piece! I even caught the last performance – it was magical.
But back to the tutus! The ballet world, even then, was full of gorgeous and imaginative tutu designs. From the romanticism of the “Giselle” to the modernism of “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,” tutus were a key feature. The sheer variety of the designs, from traditional pointe shoes and airy, fluffy romantic skirts to the shorter, sleeker styles favoured by modern dancers...well, it simply takes your breath away!
One thing I find truly fascinating about tutus, you see, is that they are always evolving! While tutus from the Romantic era were all about elongated lines, they have morphed to encompass more modern shapes, colours, and materials. Just imagine a dancer in a sleek, contemporary tutu with all sorts of unexpected shapes, cutouts, and details. Truly innovative!
Speaking of contemporary design, my darling Karole Armitage had an incredibly impactful piece that year, " Herman Schmerman, a dance based on Woody Allen and with the most divine tutus. (I had a blast seeing it!). The use of tutus in pieces like “Herman Schmerman” helped show how tutus can evolve beyond the typical ballet scenario.
Tutus are more than just an accessory, my dears - they are pieces of art. A dance wouldn't be the same without their ethereal grace. And of course, I can't wait for our future tutus. Will we see LED lights embedded in them? Perhaps magnetic fabrics that shift and change mid-performance? The possibilities are limitless! ✨
But before we zoom into the future, darling, let’s all take a moment to appreciate how far the tutu has come. From its simple origins to the breathtaking, bold, and often quite daring designs of the present (and future!), it's a testament to the artistry and creativity that breathes life into ballet.
Well, my dearest readers, that's all from me today. Keep rocking your tutus and remember: there's always something beautiful and exciting happening in the ballet world. (And if you ever find yourself near a dance studio... a gentle tap on the window may be just the way to introduce yourself to new tutus!).
I'll be back next Tuesday, with more Tutu Tales! 💖 Until then, happy twirling!
Yours,
Emma 💕
