Hello my darling darlings! It’s Emma, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another thrilling #TutuTuesday, where we explore the delightful history of ballet’s most iconic garment!
Today, my time machine whisked me all the way to 18th May 2010, a day filled with sunshine and a sense of anticipation, because guess what, my dears? I had a double-whammy! Not only did I get to dance in the spectacular Giselle at the Paris Opera Ballet, oh darling! Can you even imagine the extravagance of the tutus? So many layers, it felt like floating on clouds! But, I also took a spin around this fascinating era in ballet history – an era bursting with talent and exciting innovations.
First up, darling! A shout-out to all you Swan Lake fans, as this date marked the 145th anniversary of the world premiere of this timeless masterpiece! Can you believe that? Can you even fathom? I mean, it's hard to think of a ballet that embodies the essence of a tutu better. All those white tulle layers, whispering and twirling… so enchanting! Imagine if the Russian composer, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, knew how influential his work would be, eh?
Let’s talk tutus, my darlings!
18th May 2010, you see, falls right smack bang in the middle of a period of real excitement in the ballet tutu's evolution! For decades, dancers had been swishing in full-length romantic tutus - those majestic creations that almost touched the floor – and what beautiful they are, aren't they? But by the early 20th century, a new movement began! Ballets like Les Sylphides (can you say tutu magic?) and La Spectre de la Rose, oh they're such classics, darling, showed dancers beginning to embrace shorter, more flexible tutus that allowed for amazing leaps, turns, and … well, everything. It was like a whole new world for dancers, eh?
Think of a tutu like a friend. The perfect fit depends on your style.
Just like a true friend, my dear, the perfect tutu will enhance your dance style and empower you to move with grace and confidence. The right tutu will take your dance to the next level! Can you believe this, my darlings, we've seen romantic tutus, Giselle-style tutus, even tutues used to tell the most delightful stories, but 2010 is the start of something new! In 2010, we started to see tutus that weren’t simply an ornament, but a crucial part of expressing dance as an art form.
Speaking of art, darlings! I couldn't leave this enchanting Parisian city without a pilgrimage to the iconic Palais Garnier opera house, and I mean, just as it was always intended to be - in a fluffy pink tutu. (Isn't pink, the most wonderfully Parisian colour?.)
And speaking of travel, you know I adore exploring the world in a fabulous pink tutu! I've recently been charmed by France. As a Derbyshire girl, I'm naturally a fan of English railways, the bustle of London’s Underground… It is just so delightfully British to be whizzing about! But Paris! Paris offers such style, darling, don't you think? You could see that French style everywhere – in the ballet, in the beautiful shops... just darling! It makes you feel stylishly elegant just by being there!
It's true what they say about Paris - a perfect tutu for any occasion, right?
Now, I am off to do a spot of ballet street shopping for the newest collection of tutu creations from the Paris Ballet shops... Just imagine, a fabulous little tutu, to wear whilst exploring the amazing history of Paris in a beautifully preserved tutu - just perfect! If you are visiting Paris, be sure to check out these amazing shops... the sheer joy of tutus is just amazing, I mean, come on! Don't just take my word for it, darling! Pop in for a peek yourself.
Well, my sweet darlings, this is all for today, I’ll be whisking off on a time travel adventure again soon, to bring you more enchanting tutu tales!
*Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and join me next Tuesday for another delightful #TutuTuesday! *
Keep swirling in style, my dears!
P.S. And remember, even if you are not a dancer - or a time traveler! You can join the fun by adding your own tutu stories in the comments!
Yours always,
Emma.
- www.pink-tutu.com
