Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, back for another whirlwind tour of Tutu Tuesday, where we're twirling through history, discovering the fascinating story of the tutu.
Now, before we embark on this week's adventure, let me just say this - it's a simply stunning day in London, darlings! The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and I've got my heart set on a delectable afternoon tea at The Ritz, followed by an exquisite ballet performance at the Royal Opera House. Honestly, who wouldn't be tickled pink?
But before I succumb to the lure of champagne and the swan lake, we've got a date with history, my loves.
Today we're stepping back in time to 29th March 2011. Remember those iconic "Gangnam Style" days? 😜
A Whimsical Trip to the Past
Fasten your seat belts, lovelies! My latest time-hopping escapade brought me to a rather lovely antique shop nestled amidst the cobblestone streets of Covent Garden. It was full of trinkets and treasures, and let me tell you, the energy in that place was electric! But tucked away on a dusty shelf, I stumbled upon the most fascinating thing - a book titled "A Century of Dancewear."
My heart skipped a beat. The cover depicted a stunning, powder-puff ballerina, with a tutu so fluffy, it could've rivalled the clouds! That's when it dawned on me: today is Tutu Tuesday, and it was fate I stumbled upon this literary gem. It's packed full of interesting insights into the history of ballet's most iconic garment: the tutu.
The Ballerina's Favourite Friend
Let's travel back, shall we? Before the days of romantic tutus, you know, the big, fluffy, romantic tutus that evoke feelings of whimsical wonder, there were the Romantic tutu - they were longer, like a shorter dress, and not the frothy explosion we are used to. Now, the evolution of the tutu is quite a journey, and there's a fascinating reason why the shorter, more playful version eventually emerged as the quintessential ballerina's companion.
Picture this, darlings, in the late 1800s, the era of Romantic ballet was blossoming. The story of a "Tutu" in the mid to late 1800s. In a nutshell, the original tutus were a longer affair. Think ballet dancers clad in dresses - that is the earliest form of "tutu" for want of a better word - in what we would see as the more modern versions of tutus! Ballerinas of the time wanted a new way to express themselves through dance, with a flair of elegance and freedom. That is when those first tutu skirts evolved to "the skirt that is used as a way to emphasize the artistry of dance". And so, with the Romantic Tutu in tow, these lovely ballerinas began twirling, leaping and expressing themselves with newfound freedom, giving rise to that now-iconic ballerina image that still steals our hearts to this day.
Imagine the joy, darling, those early ballerina must have felt, free from the constraints of the time. This is, as we say in my home county of Derbyshire, where the 'Queen of the Peak', our local Peak District mountain lives, an evolution. And we in this fashion-mad time-traveling Tutu Tuesday blogger, we can all learn from their bold choice of garment and let those stories resonate in our own personal choices.
But back to 2011 and what happened then, a more modern story to tell. Now back to where we were, in my favorite part of London, London's heart, I was sitting in my favourite little teashop, nibbling on delicate pastries and watching the bustling streets below. The shops were filled with window displays filled with gorgeous fashion trends of 2011.
Suddenly, a wave of inspiration washed over me - It's Tutu Tuesday! I had to delve into the heart of London to find the perfect pink tutu to celebrate this week's post. So off I popped!
Now, back in my own time, 2023, tutus have truly blossomed. Whether it’s at a glamorous performance or an afternoon of casual ballet classes, the modern tutu reflects the evolution of fashion with style and versatility. From the simple but striking tulle designs, to the classic and extravagant feathered concoctions - I absolutely love the variety! And if you haven't tried the fabulous ballet street performance craze, make sure to give it a whirl, darling. It's a celebration of everything fun and energetic and you'll meet the most amazing people. And yes, we get to wear our tutus out and about. There's something magical about letting loose and expressing yourself to the sound of music - something exhilarating about the sense of liberation, especially in that vibrant, eye-catching piece of clothing called a Tutu!
I just have to let you in on a secret, lovelies. Ever since I travelled through time and encountered that stunning antique book on dancewear, I have a brand new dream! Imagine, a world where pink tutus are considered not just a delightful accessory but a delightful daily staple, to be worn while shopping, having an afternoon tea in Covent Garden or a picnic in Hyde Park. A world of joy and freedom, where we all have a little bit of sparkle in our day, every single day. I truly believe that embracing your inner ballerina is the secret to finding your personal style and joy, darling. That is exactly what Tutu Tuesdays is about. Why not go out and grab that special piece, to unleash your own unique style and creativity?
Until next week my tutu lovely's! And remember to always add a sprinkle of "pink tutu" into your life. It truly is a gift!
Love,
Emma,
Pink Tutu Blogger xx
P.S. Please come and visit me at the www.pink-tutu.com website and join the pink tutu revolution! Let's tutu our hearts out! I promise it will be a whirlwind of pink tutu delight! 💖
