Welcome back, darlings, to my little corner of the internet! This week, I'm shimmying back to 2010 for a look at the ballet tutu, and I've got a very special treat in store for you today! (More on that later, you know I love surprises!).
As always, I'm your ever-so-pink, ever-so-tutu-loving guide, Emma. Just to remind you, I'm on a mission to share the sheer delight of ballet tutus with the world! It’s just…such an incredible way to make you feel utterly fabulous! If there’s even one person I can inspire to don a pink tutu and twirl their cares away, well, my day is made!
Now, for those who have joined me recently, I'm your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina! My passion for all things ballet takes me all around the world – by train, naturally, because who wants to sit on a stuffy plane when you can experience the world one charming station at a time?! Plus, it’s far easier to get your Tutu-Time outfit to travel with! All the glamour of time travel AND an adorable pink outfit?! Yes please! I fund my travels by giving performances, mostly because who doesn’t love a bit of pirouette and a sprinkle of pink tulle on stage?! (And it's much more glamorous than having a nine-to-five job – let's be honest!)
Anyway, back to today's fascinating date. Remember last week we spoke about the early days of ballet in the 15th Century? Well, today’s adventure takes us into the 20th Century.
Today, dear readers, is the 16th November 2010. It's a Tuesday, so let’s give a cheer for another brilliant #TutuTuesday post. A day just like this, decades ago, some of the most iconic tutu moments in history took place! And, oh my, are we in for a treat!
2010: The Ballet Tutu Takes The Stage
What’s going on in the world of ballet on this magical date? A real tutu bonanza, that’s what! There are countless exciting ballet performances, new premieres, and classic revivals going on all over the globe, but the one I have my eyes on this week, darling, is… The Royal Ballet's production of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in London.
There's nothing more thrilling than the graceful tragedy of this classic ballet, and it’s a truly remarkable performance with amazing costuming and stage design.
You see, the 20th Century brought with it so many incredible advancements in ballet technique, choreography, and even the artistry of costuming, and what would a ballet be without its magnificent tutus? It’s time to discuss those amazing tutu evolutions:
The Romantic Tutu: Now, the Romantics (you know, the beautiful music of Chopin and Tchaikovsky? Well, ballet had its Romantic period too!), brought us the iconic tulle and nothing but tulle design. Picture it – it’s a cloud of light, ethereal beauty and just so much twirling opportunity! So if you’ve ever dreamt of feeling like a ballerina in the moonlight…that’s where this type of tutu will take you!
The Neoclassical Tutu: Well, it’s been a good 150 years or so and now we’re stepping into a modern ballet era. Our beautiful tutus have been evolving, my darlings, as we’ve become more advanced. Now, these graceful wonders combine those billowy, beautiful forms, with new cuts, shapes, and even materials.
The Demi-pointes: No ballerina worth her salt can twirl without proper footwear, darlings, and if you are wondering about how our ballerinas keep up that grace… well, let’s just say they are perched upon demi-pointes and pointe shoes. This is why our ballerinas, back in 1960, went through a dance footwear revolution - these innovations mean stronger ankle muscles and of course…the incredible dancing that keeps us glued to the edge of our seats at the ballet!
Oh my, this journey into history has me longing for a trip back in time myself! Maybe one day…
2010 and The Tutus That Stole The Show
And now, darlings, it's time to unveil the truly special part of today’s post… a trip to see some amazing tutus in action! We’ll step back in time to witness the iconic choreography of The Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ and what a delight this was to behold!
The entire production is magnificent, a truly visual spectacle with dazzling costuming and set design.
Imagine swirling, snow-white tulle, just like the feathers of a swan, capturing the beauty and fragility of Odette in her white swan form and then, a magnificent contrast as Odile emerges with the captivating, almost magical, jet black tulle and an elegance and daring that captivates the stage! I was transported… swept up in this breathtaking show.
There is a moment, as Odette spins and spins on that beautiful stage, caught in the light – it’s as if time itself stops. The ballet's magic, that feeling of magic, well, it’s the whole reason we love to twirl. Isn’t it, darlings?!
But let’s be honest – this is not just about beauty; these tutus tell a story, bring emotions to the surface and leave an indelible mark on our minds. It’s no wonder that they’ve captured imaginations for decades and will surely continue to inspire future generations of dancers for decades to come.
So now, back to my wonderful, wonderful you! Let me know – what are some of your favourite ballet tutus or ballet productions? We all have our ballet tutu favourites!
Now I have to go - my train leaves in a little while! (And I need to decide on what beautiful tutu outfit to travel in!)
As ever, please do continue to join me each Tuesday on #TutuTuesday to discover the fabulous world of ballet. Until next time, darling, remember - twirling in a pink tutu always makes the world a more wonderful place!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. I'd love to hear from you. What’s your favourite ballet show, or favourite ballerina? Tell me in the comments! I love reading your feedback, especially about ballet and about all the incredible ways we can embrace this dance!
*I've got to say, a certain little ballerina called Anya, from Derbyshire, sent me a comment this week asking me if I thought she should get a pink tutu – well Anya, my dearest, there's simply no time for *thought about this. It’s non-negotiable - a pink tutu for you right now. A whole collection, my love!
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I also wanted to send a shout-out to my fabulous followers, I saw a few of you on Instagram last week! You can also follow my travels, get behind-the-scenes glimpses of the fashion, and keep up with my adventures with the #EmmaTutuTime hashtag - we’re just getting started and I’m looking forward to so many incredible new ballet adventures!
