#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through Time - Ballet Tutu History!
Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday installment on the glorious Pink-Tutu.com. I'm your ever-so-pink-tutu-loving Emma, your guide to all things sparkly, graceful and utterly, totally, deliciously tutu-licious.
This week, we're taking a journey back in time to the 21st of February, 2012! Now, I know what you're thinking - what's so special about that particular date? Well, darlings, it was the day I was lucky enough to snag a coveted seat at the Royal Opera House in London, seeing a beautiful, vibrant, and exhilarating performance of The Nutcracker. The kind of show that sends shivers down your spine, makes your toes tap, and leaves you wanting to twirl through the streets like a ballerina with a sprinkle of magic dust!
Before we get all caught up in the wonder of that evening, let's rewind the clock a little and talk tutus, because that's what we do here on Pink-Tutu, right?
(Image: Emma in her signature pink tutu with a glittery bow)
The Tutu: A Tale as Old as Time… Well, Nearly!As I'm sure you all know, the tutu is more than just a dance garment – it's a symbol, an embodiment of grace, beauty, and, dare I say it, a tiny bit of rebellion. (Imagine – a fluffy, flowing skirt in a world where women wore long, restrictive clothing!)
The tutu we know and love didn't spring up overnight. It evolved, like a swan gliding through the water, through layers and layers of history.
Back in the 1830s, a little something called the romanesque tutu arrived, featuring layers of tulle flowing to the ankles. These beautiful creations gave ballerinas the freedom to move in ways they'd never dreamt possible! But oh, the layers… imagine having to manage all that fabric! Not to mention, it took forever to dry!
Fast forward to the mid-1800s and we see a delightful evolution with the arrival of the classic tutu. It’s shorter, giving us a peek at the ballerina's lovely legs. Imagine it - all those en pointe moves suddenly becoming so much more striking and glamorous!
Then came the paquita tutu in the late 1800s. It featured an extra-short, flat design. You know what they say: sometimes less is more!
*(Image: A vintage photo showing different types of tutus, a comparison) *
The 2012 Nutcracker & My Love of Everything Tutu!And so, as I mentioned, back in 2012, I was utterly spellbound by the Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House. Those tutus – a swirling cloud of romantic pink and ethereal white – just brought the story to life! The delicate designs, the playful colours, the way the fabric flowed, capturing the magic and wonder of Christmas…
Honestly, I could sit and watch ballerinas in their beautiful tutus all day. The grace, the strength, the dedication, it’s utterly inspiring! There's something utterly special about how tutus amplify the ballerina's every movement, every gesture, and bring the dance itself to a whole new level.
I’d also be lying if I didn't admit, I had a wonderful time exploring London during my trip! The shopping! The people! And of course, a special shout out to the amazing bakeries in London – oh, the cakes and pastries I indulged in…
(Image: A picture of Emma with a friend at the Royal Opera House)
### Now, For Something Completely Tutu-ific!
I've got a challenge for all of you lovelies – wear a pink tutu this week! Post a photo on social media with the hashtag #TutuTuesday, and tell me about what makes your tutu special! I’ll be selecting a few favourites, sharing them on Pink-Tutu, and sending those lucky winners a special treat!
Until next Tuesday, my darlings!
Yours always, in pink and twirling,
Emma
(Emma's picture with her arms raised as if twirling wearing a pink tutu)
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