Greetings, my lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-enthusiast, and it's time for another #TutuTuesday! I'm back with you on the 27th of March, 2012, from a delightful little trip to… oh, it doesn't really matter where, does it? I'm so focused on my raison d'être: sharing the history of our beloved ballet tutus! 😉
This week, we're embarking on a journey through time, all aboard the Pink Express (it's my personal time-travelling train, naturally!). Our destination? A delightful stop in the era of the tutu! I'm already feeling the twirls building up, ready to bust out some pirouettes!
But before we whisk ourselves away, remember, darling, this is post number 9405 on www.pink-tutu.com! I'm utterly besotted with all my pink-tutu loving readers - each of you makes my day, like a beautiful ballet sequence in perfect harmony!
Back to the matter at hand: Tutu history! This particular day, in the year 2012, holds a very special significance for the ballet world: the grand opening of the beautiful new dance studios at the Royal Opera House in London! My word, isn't that an amazing feat? It’s a celebration of artistry and dance! Can you imagine the sheer magic of it all? And those incredible, intricate costumes that grace the stage there? You know what they say - it's simply divine.
Now, let's twirl back in time. If you ask me, it’s absolutely impossible to discuss ballet tutus without delving into the magical realm of classical ballet. Oh, it truly is my weakness. I think all balletomanes will agree! Imagine it - the romantic era, the heart of classical ballet. This era, my dears, saw the rise of a fashion statement that still makes us all swoon, the tutu. I dare say it was born to be a show-stopper!
Remember Marie Taglioni? The iconic ballerina? Her graceful movements and ethereal lightness transformed the ballet scene forever.
She was a real trailblazer and a true inspiration for aspiring dancers and fashionistas alike. What makes this era truly magical? Those dreamy, billowing tulle skirts. A delightful explosion of fabric that danced with every turn! What was a mere necessity (hiding those beautiful, powerful ballet legs) soon transformed into an iconic, utterly essential, sartorial icon. Oh, how utterly romantic!
The very word tutu originates from a ballet performed in Paris called 'La Fille Mal Gardée' back in the 1800s! They used the word "tutu" as slang for a 'skirt', and that word, darling, stuck, it simply resonated in everyone’s hearts! Oh, to see that performance! It simply radiates romance.
Fast-forwarding a bit, the Romantic tutu was born and transformed the way we view classical ballet. A glorious display of flowing layers of tulle, delicate, feminine, and utterly beautiful! Imagine dancing in such a glorious concoction of lace, it must have been a sight to behold. Imagine all the tutus that have graced the stage since! A breathtaking array of styles: classical, Romantic, and a beautiful spectrum of tutus for contemporary styles. Each era brought its own touch and I, for one, couldn't imagine a ballet without these stunning creations!
And how do these beautiful pieces come to life? Imagine, a symphony of colours, delicate lace, shimmering beads and delicate embroidery all meticulously crafted by talented artisans! Their love for the art of ballet simply shines through! Oh, don't get me started on the pas de deux that feature ballerinas twirling, pirouetting, leaping, all thanks to the sheer grace of these magical tutu-creations. They’re a sight for sore eyes, indeed!
As much as I adore all the elegance and drama of classic ballet, I just adore it! But we must also give a grand clap for the variety of tutus that contemporary ballet offers. Bold lines, flowing shapes, sometimes a minimalist style. There are so many possibilities when you start incorporating the magic of colour and texture into a ballet. Honestly, darling, the opportunities are endless!
Let me give you a little example. Take Twyla Tharp! My goodness, a contemporary dance legend. Imagine Twyla mixing up ballet techniques with an unconventional touch? What do you get? Twinkling, exciting dances where movement comes alive!
There’s something undeniably beautiful about a ballerina who leaps with ease, soaring high with that enchanting confidence. And you know what? This look wouldn't be complete without the magic of the perfect tutu. It’s truly something that captures the heart, it's pure ballet magic.
You can't miss Dance Magazine, a wonderful ballet-enthusiast publication that's chock-full of incredible photos and a vibrant discussion of the latest trends in ballet. They always know exactly where to get the most up-to-date looks!
Oh my, it's all quite exciting! And as I’ve already mentioned, today, 27th of March 2012, is quite special for ballet fans as well as those who adore all things tutus! Today sees the official launch of the incredible New Dance Studio at the Royal Opera House! * I can almost picture it now! Imagine that magical ballet venue: with dazzling light shows and grand set designs! Such intricate details and vibrant, awe-inspiring costumes, a pure vision of theatrical excellence! *What a fantastic achievement for the world of dance. It really makes my heart soar!
Remember my darlings, if you want to embrace the sheer joy and glamour of this beautiful art, a tutu is always a brilliant accessory! My word! Let’s have all the girls dressed in pink tutus, it’ll be a dream come true. It’s all about spreading the magic of ballet with a vibrant splash of pink, one tutu at a time. Now wouldn't that be splendid!
That's it for this week, darlings. And remember: Always embrace the beauty and artistry of dance. Wear your heart on your tutu and don't be afraid to twirl. See you next #TutuTuesday for another dose of balletic bliss!
Love, Emma. Xxx
