Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-clad time-travelling guide to all things tutu-rific. Today's Tuesday and, as always, we're delving deep into the history of the magnificent ballet tutu, an item so exquisite, it makes even a pair of perfectly-heeled Louboutins look plain! Today, September 7th, 2010, the date is ripe with tutudom. It's just a little over a year since Black Swan, a film as captivating as its central ballet dancer (though I must admit, I'm a bit partial to a bit of Sarah Jessica Parker in a tutu - just saying), hit our screens. Oh, and I simply can't resist a trip to New York City.
As always, I arrived in a swirl of tulle and glitter by way of a rather dashing red carriage that magically morphs into a train when you say the word "London". The only downside? You have to pack all the ballet shoes! I just love travelling in the most extravagant style - one must always arrive in a dramatic fashion, you know, especially when heading for a ballet performance!
This week's #TutuTuesday focuses on a moment in history that shows just how enduring the tutu's grace truly is. Now, remember darlings, even though our beloved tutus have taken centre stage for quite some time, their story goes back to the 1800s when the ballet world went from those rather cumbersome (dare I say dull!) flowing skirts to the short, voluminous skirt we know and adore. Think of a little tulle explosion ready to sweep us off our feet - and just imagine, before that, those early dancers were struggling around with long skirts - simply impossible!
The arrival of the tutu changed ballet dancing forever. It provided such elegance, grace, and freedom for the ballerinas, giving them the ability to dance like birds, gracefully soaring and flitting around the stage. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to perform the delicate jumps, leaps, and twirls we love to see in those magnificent ballerinas with heavy, cumbersome clothes?! My dear friends, ballet is all about grace, about movement. The tutu perfectly reflects those principles - imagine it like an embodiment of airy elegance and whimsical magic. And don't get me started on how well those delicate frills compliment a good twirl - divine!
And for our #TutuTuesday outfit, dear readers, we're going for a more delicate and flowing ensemble. Think a pale pink, full-bodied tulle skirt, cascading to your ankles, a silky rose-toned bodice, and, for that final flourish, a bejeweled crown, shimmering like a thousand dewdrops! But of course, never underestimate the power of a well-placed sparkly headband - sometimes, less is more!
Before you pack your bags and prepare to unleash your inner ballerina, let's catch a performance. The Metropolitan Opera in New York is showcasing Don Quixote today, and, darling, it's going to be a breathtaking spectacle of tutus, tutus and more tutus. Every graceful, powerful twirl will leave you utterly spellbound, and every delicate prance will make you want to run home and try that arabesque pose yourself!
But, if, like me, you're caught up in the bustle of a New York city afternoon, let's indulge in a little window shopping. I just know Bergdorf Goodman is going to have a lovely display of delicate ballet shoes and dancewear. One can never have too many! And, when we're all done with our shopping frenzy, let's treat ourselves to a delightful cupcake (or perhaps even three!) at the infamous Magnolia Bakery. One simply must enjoy life's little sweet moments, don't you agree?
Until next week, darlings! May your lives be filled with twirls, sparkles, and a whole lot of tutus!
XOXO, Emma
The World's Tutu Trendsetterwww.pink-tutu.com
