Hello my lovely tutu-wearing darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another fabulous foray into the fascinating history of our favourite dancewear - the tutu!
This week I'm travelling back in time to the 13th of July, 2010, and let me tell you, there was plenty happening in the ballet world then! My train ticket brought me right into the heart of New York City, the bustling hub of all things theatrical, fashion, and, of course, tutus!
Now, picture it: the air buzzes with the sounds of the city, the scent of hot dogs and popcorn, and a whiff of that distinctly magical stage makeup. It's the eve of the Metropolitan Opera Gala and the streets are positively crawling with excitement.
Before I delve into the fashion of 2010, I need to rewind a little - imagine a tutu so big, you'd need an entire team of stagehands to lift it! Well, back in the 1830s they wore those giants! Think huge bell shapes of tulle with yards of frills - quite the spectacle, to say the least. But this big, dramatic style, even though gorgeous, proved to be rather limiting. Ballet is all about lightness, agility and flowing movement, after all!
Luckily, that all changed around the 1880s when dancers started opting for shorter, more practical tutus. We’re talking delicate layers of tulle, graceful and whimsical - perfect for those grand jetés and delicate pirouettes! It was truly a renaissance of tutu design, with new shapes and styles blooming alongside the evolution of ballet itself.
Now back to 2010! The era of Black Swan and the Royal Ballet's phenomenal Swan Lake, oh what a time to be a tutu enthusiast! I spotted some incredibly elegant dancers gliding around in the most exquisite tutus - all fluffy and beautiful.
The contemporary tutu was born from a need for greater freedom of movement, allowing dancers to leap, soar and twirl without restriction. In 2010, these designs were becoming increasingly innovative. From asymmetrical tutus with cascading tiers, to minimalist designs with delicate feather adornments, every dancer had their choice! I swear, I spotted a designer tutu made of sheer silk that flowed like liquid gold as the dancer danced across the stage, just mesmerizing!
Fashion and ballet have always been intertwined, and 2010 saw the fusion become more apparent than ever. The Tutus for Tutus campaign was a charity effort with designers creating stunning, wearable interpretations of classic tutu designs - an ingenious blend of high fashion and graceful ballet artistry!
Oh, the tutu fashion in 2010 was breathtaking! Forget those long trains and restrictive corsets - I saw women strutting around in stylish, edgy designs that oozed sophistication and confidence. They combined tutu details with sleek silhouettes, making tutu elements the perfect touch for an edgy ensemble.
From mini skirts layered over fitted tops to sleek A-line dresses with tutu tulle overlay, those girls certainly had a flair for the dramatic! But you know me, I always go for something truly extra! Imagine my glee when I spotted a delightful dress adorned with tulle panels resembling a layered ballerina skirt, the perfect way to infuse some dance-inspired charm into your day.
Of course, no trip back in time is complete without a spot of shopping! Now, my fellow tutu lovers, this era boasted SO many shops dedicated to ballet and dance! You could find a rainbow of colours and textures - from the lightest, softest silk to the sturdiest, spun satin. The designs were so creative - some featuring glittering beads and dazzling crystals, while others sported playful, intricate patterns. I snagged the cutest, sparkly, silver-trimmed tutu for myself and a gorgeous pink velvet bow to match.
But my darling, there's much more than just the tutu to appreciate about this era! They called this ballet fusion. We’re talking contemporary dance blending effortlessly with classic ballet, which really elevated the style and beauty of tutu design.
It's not just about the fashion though. There’s the story behind it! The tales of talented dancers working their way to stardom, the camaraderie within the ballet companies, the sheer passion and dedication for the art form - it’s all incredibly inspiring!
But hold on, my tutu-loving darlings! Before I vanish back to my own time, I must tell you all about the biggest surprise I found in 2010! Turns out, the concept of “pink tutus for everyone” was actually gaining popularity then! This meant even ordinary folks were embracing the sheer fun and fabulousness of our favourite ballet wear! They were popping them on for picnics, tea parties, concerts and even sporting events! My heart was absolutely overjoyed! It’s just like my motto, "make the world a brighter place, one pink tutu at a time!"
Well, I'm afraid that's all the time I have for this week. As always, join me next week for another fascinating trip back through tutu time. Until then, wear your pink tutu with pride and never stop dancing to your own tune!
Don’t forget to leave me a comment on the blog! Tell me what your favourite thing was about tutu style in 2010, or maybe share a time you wore a tutu to a special event! I’d love to hear all about it!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
