Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, back with another instalment of your favourite weekly dose of ballet tutu history! This Tuesday is particularly exciting for me, as today marks the 29th June 2010! Did you know that this date is utterly chock-a-block full of thrilling tutu-related happenings? Buckle up, loves, this is going to be a whirlwind of a trip down memory lane!
First, let's head straight to the heart of the ballet world, shall we? As we all know, tutus are a bit of a big deal in the world of dance, so naturally, there are so many iconic performances happening all over the world. My current favourite? The Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia, of course! This iconic theatre boasts the most magnificent ballet company, showcasing the dazzling work of brilliant choreographers like Mikhail Fokine and Marius Petipa, who helped shape the art form as we know it. Their designs were nothing short of revolutionary and have paved the way for the elaborate and magnificent tutus we see on stage today!
I can imagine those dazzling tutus, crafted from tulle and lace, swishing and swirling across the stage. A veritable whirlwind of pink, gold, and the most beautiful shades of blues and purples! I bet their "Giselle" performance is to die for! Speaking of which, the Royal Opera House is another magnificent space that I highly recommend if you’re visiting London, which, of course, you all are! I love a bit of royal in my life! Speaking of royal, what better time to mention our dear Queen Elizabeth who famously enjoys a good ballet performance, especially "Swan Lake," which she loves so much!
Speaking of "Swan Lake", oh, how I simply adore those delicate tutus! Imagine them gliding across the stage, as the prima ballerina dances like a feathered, shimmering creature of the lake. Those feathered tutus, a staple in ballet's history, perfectly illustrate the romanticism that sweeps the dance world.
However, you don't have to just stick to traditionally styled tutus. Oh, the possibilities for ballet fashion! This Tuesday, in the heart of bustling New York, one can catch a ballet show featuring "La Sylphide" with a whole host of unique, modern, and absolutely spectacular, tutus. The beauty of modern tutus, especially at American Ballet Theatre (my personal favourite in New York), is that they really are a statement in and of themselves! Imagine sleek, silky, shimmering pieces in vibrant shades of pink and orange, with breathtaking flowing movements. What a treat to behold!
But, darling, why just stay put and admire the ballet from a seat in the theatre? Who says you can't participate yourself?! Why not put on your own pink tutu and head down to a local ballet class? The joys of getting involved are boundless! The world is full of lovely studios offering classes for all levels, from the tiniest ballerina to the most experienced prima.
Let me give you a little inside scoop from my current trip: I'm absolutely smitten with this incredible dance studio in Derbyshire, England! I hear it’s right near a delicious tearoom called The Bakehouse, serving delectable scones… I may just have to try that myself! A good tutu and some freshly baked treats? Now you’re talking!
Speaking of delicious, oh my goodness, the food at that fancy tearoom… Wait! What was I talking about? My apologies darlings, my head's swirling with visions of elegant pastries and shimmering tutus! (Oh my! Perhaps I shall have a celebratory cupcake after all this exciting news!)
The best part about tutu history is the amazing people involved! From designers like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, who redefined elegance with their designs that often include their famous *"New Look" with it’s *whimsical full skirts… Oh darling, what an inspiration! It is so inspiring to think of these groundbreaking, creative figures who redefined what it meant to be a *fashion icon through their tutu designs! The history of the tutu is the history of dreams, darling! Dreams to dance, dream to express yourself, dream to simply twirl. And isn't that what life is all about, dear hearts?
Speaking of inspiration, I recently discovered that the *Victoria & Albert Museum in London is showcasing a beautiful exhibition on the "Dance of the Decade"! Imagine being surrounded by beautiful examples of costume history, from elaborate dance garments to the modern, edgy pieces seen in contemporary ballet shows! Just the mere thought of it melts my heart!
But dear darlings, let's not forget the beauty of ordinary life! Today, just as the world buzzes with ballet events and dazzling costume displays, every day is an opportunity to make it all about the tutu! I encourage you all to grab a pink tutu, step out, and twirl with confidence, joy, and absolutely limitless style. It's time to make every day your personal ballet.
But darling, that’s enough of a ballet lesson for this Tuesday!
Do share with me, darlings, your #TutuTuesday moments in the comments below.
Till next week,
With a twirl and a kiss!
Emma
xxx
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog www.pink-tutu.com and join me on a time-traveling journey into the magical history of the ballet tutu!
