Hey my lovely Tutu Tribe! Welcome back to my weekly pink-tastic journey through the history of the tutu. It's a glorious Tuesday, and I'm ready to twirl you back through time, landing in the sunny and stylish year 2012! ☀️
Oh, I am just absolutely thrilled about this date, my lovelies. We’re stepping right into a time of spectacular ballet performances, the kind that sends chills down my spine and fills me with inspiration! You see, in 2012, there was this absolutely mind-blowing show at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow called "La Bayadère." And let me tell you, it’s practically the reason I invented time travel! Seriously, the costumes were divine, all shimmery silks and decadent jewel tones, the dancing – well, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. I spent weeks afterward perfecting my own interpretation of the Bayadere’s costume, it was such an explosion of colour and artistry.
But before we get completely lost in the brilliance of "La Bayadere," let's take a little trip down the history lane. 2012 was an amazing year for tutus! The ballet world was just bursting with creative interpretations of the classic designs. Take for example, the designs for the revival of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Ballet, all intricate lace and flowing layers, giving me a proper princess vibe. Or the absolutely daring creations for the “Swan Lake" production at the American Ballet Theatre. Now that was an ode to modern fashion with a ballet twist – so beautifully avant-garde!
And of course, we can’t forget about the beautiful costumes for the London Olympics. They were all so fun and bold, bursting with colour, reflecting the incredible spirit of the games. Who would have thought we'd see tutus on an Olympic stage?! A triumph! I was so happy to see ballet and its beautiful artistry taking centre stage, even on a global platform like that!
Oh, speaking of London... that’s where I decided to start my journey through the week, at the legendary Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Honestly, the energy at that place is absolutely electric. I’m so drawn to the mix of modern dance and classical ballet they do, it’s absolutely cutting edge! I even picked up a few amazing vintage tutus there – they just exude a sense of old Hollywood glam, something truly special!
Afterwards, it was off to Paris! Of course, we can't talk about tutus without paying homage to the iconic designs of Parisian designers. I practically spent an entire afternoon in the Marais district, perusing the boutiques and sketching inspiration for my own next big tutu design! Imagine a full, pleated tulle skirt, layered with delicate lace and a ribbon of feathers, all in shades of blush and soft pink, just a touch of Parisian romance. Swoon.
From the glittering stages to the Parisian fashion houses, the tutu remains a captivating piece of clothing, isn't it? There's something just magical about it, its flowing silhouette, its ability to convey emotion, grace, and movement. I think the tutu, more than anything, captures a feeling, a sense of lightness and freedom.
This year in 2012, we saw the evolution of the tutu. From traditional designs that whispered elegance and romance, we saw modern interpretations pushing boundaries and breaking new ground. What's most fascinating about this timeline is that, regardless of how they are redesigned, the tutu continues to maintain its ethereal grace and beauty.
As the sun sets over this wonderful journey through time, I have to admit, it's so hard to pick just one favourite memory from today. The glamour of Moscow, the energy of Sadler’s Wells, the romance of Paris, and the magic of tutus that captivated every moment – it truly was a tutu-filled dream.
But let's face it, there's nothing quite as lovely as seeing the tutus dance. It's a language all its own, a swirling melody of passion and beauty. So, if you find yourself drawn to a ballet performance, a chance to see the magic of the tutu come alive, don’t hesitate!
Don’t forget, dear Tutu Tribe, to post pictures of your fabulous outfits this Tuesday on Instagram using the hashtag #TutuTuesday! We'd love to see what beautiful creations you’ve put together for this week's trend.
Until next time, keep your heads held high and your hearts full of twirls. Stay pink and stay fabulous! 💖
XOXO,
Emma, www.pink-tutu.com
