Hello my lovelies! It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means… it’s time for another #TutuTuesday history adventure! 💖
This week I’ve whisked myself back to November 2nd, 2010, and landed myself in the very heart of ballet: New York City! Oh, how I adore this city! It's absolutely bursting with the energy of fashion and art, with every corner buzzing with creative spirit. The shops here are simply divine, a ballerina's dreamland! My suitcase is bursting with pink tutus and elegant dresses - after all, one simply cannot visit New York without a touch of sparkle! ✨
Now, I wouldn't be true to my #TutuTuesday promise if I didn't chat about the history of ballet tutus! While today you can find tutus in every colour under the rainbow (and yes, even black - I know, shocking, right!), in 2010, the quintessential tutu was still primarily white, embodying a sense of classic elegance and innocence. And who doesn’t love a bit of that, right?
But hold onto your tiaras, darlings, because the tutu wasn't always as we know it today! It’s fascinating to see how this magical garment has evolved over the centuries. Think back to the early days, when ballerinas weren’t all swirling in billowing skirts. No, my dears, back then they were waltzing in full-length skirts, with a focus on grace rather than flight. The early days of ballet were about courtly elegance and aristocratic refinement. You wouldn't catch them in anything that could potentially distract from the elegance of their movements.
However, around the mid-1800s, everything changed. A revolutionary spirit swept across Europe, and along with it came new movements in ballet. This was the birth of Romanticism, and it wasn’t just changing the way we danced; it was revolutionizing how we dressed. Gone were the long, heavy gowns! Instead, a new generation of ballerinas embraced the tutu, a much lighter garment allowing for greater freedom of movement, perfectly suited to showcase the elegant leaps and bounds that became hallmarks of the romantic ballet.
The iconic tutu - short and frilly, made from tulle - was born. Imagine it, a billowing cloud of white tulle, allowing ballerinas to soar through the air with such fluidity, almost like delicate sprites!
Of course, my absolute favourite aspect of these tutus is the way they can make any dancer look simply divine. It's about more than just fashion; it's about expressing elegance, strength, and ethereal grace. And it’s definitely worth celebrating that!
So, why did I travel to New York on this day, you ask? Because this is the day the iconic New York City Ballet presented a production of "The Nutcracker" at the Lincoln Center! Now, this isn’t just any ballet, darling. "The Nutcracker" is a true classic. It is a wonderful ballet, filled with enchanting music, vibrant sets, and those breathtakingly beautiful tutus.
I had the most marvellous time! I even spotted a darling pink tutu (my personal favourite!) worn by one of the Sugar Plum Fairy dancers - it simply melted my heart! And oh, the shopping… a true dream come true!
But enough about my New York escapades - remember, I’m here to talk about history, and history’s not just about the past; it’s about where we're headed! My dears, I firmly believe that we are all ready for a world of even brighter, more colourful tutus. So, the next time you see a tutu - and let's be honest, tutus are everywhere these days! – think about its history. Remember how far it's come, and how far we can take it together.
So, go forth, my beautiful ballerina friends, and be brave! Don your pink tutus (and if pink’s not your colour, choose your favourite colour) and wear them with pride. Dance freely! ✨
Until next Tuesday,
Emma,
Your very own #PinkTutu blogger! 💖
P.S. * If you haven’t already, head over to *www.pink-tutu.com to see more of my adventures. And don’t forget to share your favourite tutus on social media using #TutuTuesday!
P.P.S. Don't forget to tell me all about your tutu escapades in the comments below! 😉
