Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday! I hope you’re all twirling into this week feeling fabulous in pink.
This week, we’re hopping on a vintage steam train (so fancy!) and travelling back to February 2011, a time when the ballet world was bubbling with excitement, as it always is!
So, what’s so special about this date you ask? Well, it's the date I started this blog, Pink-Tutu.com! I’ve loved tutus since I was a little girl, but back then, no one wanted to wear pink tutus… unless they were a ballerina, of course! I couldn’t fathom how anyone could resist a tulle dream. And so, Pink-Tutu.com was born, my own little haven for tutu lovers and all things twirly.
This journey into tutu history has taken me to some incredible places and shows! And now, with my trusty time travel trunk and a bagful of my favourite pink tutus (you know how much I adore my hot pink tutu!), I’m going to share some highlights with you all!
8th February 2011 - The Tutu Revolution Takes Off!
Let’s paint the scene: My bedroom was in full ‘pink-tutu-design mode.’ Pictures of famous dancers wearing tutus (the fabulous Margot Fonteyn, oh, how I love her!) covered the walls, while swathes of tulle shimmered in every colour. I was so excited to start my blog, to spread the word about how amazing tutus really are, to show everyone that pink isn’t just a colour, it's a statement!
That very day, I attended the Royal Opera House in London to see Giselle. The beauty of it, the passion, the delicate movements - it was magical! The dancers twirling, leaping, and gliding in those tulle masterpieces, it took my breath away. And as I watched the show, I knew, I just knew that the Tutu Revolution was about to start!
Remember, this was a time when the Tutu was pretty much only for professional dancers! There was a distinct lack of "pink tutu everyday life", which, to be quite honest, is still quite true, but it wasn't completely nonexistent. A few fashion houses were trying out a look, like Viktor & Rolf with their tulle creations. But they were few and far between.
So, in this "Pink-tutu-post-revolution-pre-Instagram era", my first blog post went up, introducing everyone to the joys of tutu-wearing. I was excited and scared - scared that people wouldn’t like my blog, scared that they'd laugh, but mainly excited. My heart thumped a bit as I pressed publish.
My first post was a history of the ballet tutu - a detailed breakdown of how it evolved from simple undergarments to the glorious creations we know today. And the response was overwhelmingly positive. Hundreds of readers jumped on board, sharing their love of tutus, asking questions about history and, most importantly, telling me how excited they were to embrace their inner ballerina! It felt like we were all part of something wonderful, a new kind of ballet family, connected by our shared love for the beautiful, whimsical tutu.
More Than a Tutu: It wasn't all about tutus though, you see! My first blog post had links to articles about the history of ballet itself. I even shared a DIY tutu tutorial - you see, in 2011, most of you were just beginning to realise that tutues could be made at home! And for a while, my blog was the only resource for some of you out there.
Fashioning a Trend
Let’s skip forward a little bit. As Pink-Tutu.com started gaining more readers, I began sharing my fashion tips. It all started when I took a trip to Derby’s very own Market Hall. You wouldn’t believe how many pink tutus I found there! Some beautiful vintage ones in different lengths - perfect for layering and styling.
The #TutuTuesday theme became more pronounced! I was talking more about wearing a tutu to work, or a casual stroll. My favourite part? I was inspiring readers to put together their own tutu looks. From classic black tutus with a leather jacket and jeans to adding a dash of colour with bright accessories and shoes – the possibilities seemed endless.
I began to showcase the various ballet companies around the world. There were performances going on at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and even the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. These incredible events brought ballet culture together as one. My passion grew more and more as I watched ballet become more widely accessible - through films, live performances, and now with new internet platforms, ballet was truly thriving!
Taking the Stage (and the Rails!)
Travelling the world in a tutu isn’t always easy! But it is so much fun. In 2011, there was nothing better than booking a train ticket. A journey on a train gave me time to dream, to design new outfits in my mind, and to be inspired by everything around me. You can't really appreciate a place without spending time traveling through it, watching the towns and the cities change as you whiz past, experiencing those quiet moments of solitude or the fun with other travelers. It’s about the journey, as much as the destination, I’d say!
Looking Ahead
This is just a little peek into the past, darling. I've travelled through many more years since, so stay tuned! There's so much to explore!
But let’s face it, tutus aren’t just for ballerinas - they are for everyone, in any color, for any occasion! Be daring, be whimsical, and wear that tutu with pride. Join me on this adventure and together, we'll make the world a little brighter, a little more sparkly, one tutu at a time!
Love,
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com
