Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday! This week I'm whisking us back in time to October 4th, 2011 – the year the tutu really found its sparkle!
Now, you know how much I adore a good trip through time, and this one took me straight to the heart of ballet country - the one and only Paris, darling! I'm always blown away by the history of this city, and let's be honest, tutus were absolutely rocking in 2011, as always!
So, what happened on this magical October 4th, you ask? Well, for starters, it was a Tuesday - always the perfect day for tutus, right? But aside from that, it was the eve of a momentous event! The 2011-2012 Paris Opera Ballet season was kicking off with a brand-new production of "Romeo and Juliet" – can you imagine the costumes? Just the thought is making me spin!
Of course, I'd booked tickets for the opening night - there was no way I was missing the unveiling of this exciting new ballet. I even popped over to the Palais Garnier to admire the stunning architecture – imagine all the tutus that have danced on those historic stages! My mind boggled, but in the most delightful way, of course.
After the show, I spent the evening wandering the chic streets of Paris. I snagged the most adorable pink hat to match my tutu and even found the perfect vintage ballerina poster to add to my collection back in my little Derbyshire cottage. I truly believe every ballerina needs a collection, and Paris always provides the most glamorous additions.
Now, before you think this is just a frivolous jaunt, I have a serious confession to make, lovelies: while tutus may seem like pure delight and frivolous fancy dress, they have a truly fascinating story to tell.
Did you know the original tutu was called the "tutu romantique" and was all about romanticism? Gone were the long, bulky skirts of the past; the romantic tutu, born in the 1830s, embraced movement. It allowed ballerinas to literally fly, to move like never before. They looked absolutely dreamy.
Think of that – a piece of clothing that is designed to embrace movement, to allow freedom and grace. Isn't that wonderful? I think so!
Of course, as fashion is always evolving, tutus went through some drastic changes over the years. There was the tutu à la grecque (a beautiful, Greek-inspired, layered skirt) and the shorter "tutu pancake" or "tutu bombée" – each bringing its own exciting style.
Then, of course, the ultimate transformation! We have to thank the "petit tutu" or the “tutu plat” – those beautiful little tulle skirts, or tutus that almost look like a cone skirt. Think "Sleeping Beauty" and all those beautiful princess tutu dreams! These have given us those iconic ballerina shapes we see on stage and everywhere else!
The most fantastic thing about tutus is that they are not bound by one look. You have classical, neoclassical, ballet, and contemporary styles! Think flowing, graceful lines in classical styles, then the beautiful geometric styles you might see in a neoclassical performance, then we see those amazing modern tutus of today – so many exciting possibilities! And not to mention all the stunning variations of fabric and color! I simply adore them! They truly represent an entire ballet vocabulary.
Now, let me give you some inspiration for your own tutu adventures this week! For the ultimate Parisian tutu vibe, embrace tulle! It’s the most popular material – delicate, light and oh-so-swishy!
But don't just stop there, darlings. If you are going for the classical tutu style, opt for the classic ivory and peach. If you fancy the "modern" ballet styles then perhaps pink or maybe a more modern colour palette like black and gold - they would look fabulous, darlings!
So there you have it! A little trip back in time with me to 2011. Let me know your favourite tutu moments from this week in the comments below, darlings, and, as always, feel free to share your own #TutuTuesday pics. It is our way to share the joy and the grace that this most beautiful clothing design evokes, and what makes it one of the most iconic costumes.
See you next Tuesday, my dearest tutus and lovelies. Let's spread the joy of tutus to every corner of the world! Oh, and please never forget – every day is a tutu day if you make it one! xx
