Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving, time-travelling fashionista, and today we're taking a twirl through history for another #TutuTuesday!
As you know, my obsession with tutus goes way beyond a simple fashion preference. It’s a love affair with history, with artistry, and with the magic of movement. So, let’s climb aboard my vintage train, painted a gorgeous blush pink of course, and whisk ourselves away to the 19th of June, 2012!
A Pink-Filled Day in 2012
Today was positively bursting with ballerinas! The air was thick with the scent of fresh floral bouquets and the rustle of silk, and all around me, graceful ballerinas were stepping out of taxis, each more beautifully dressed than the next. My, my, they were positively a sight to behold!
We are in the heart of London, darling. It's ballet season and the Royal Opera House was hosting a magical performance of Swan Lake! Now, the 2012 rendition, with the exquisite choreography, was just heavenly. You should have seen the swans. Simply mesmerizing! And the costumes - all flowing silks and delicate tutus in dreamy shades of ivory and black, just absolutely breath-taking.
As I flitted from one stylish cafe to another, I couldn’t help but take note of the latest fashion trends. The ballet had clearly inspired the city’s style. It was a day full of delicate lace, elegant prints, and flowing skirts. And guess what? I even spotted a few daring souls sporting tutus on the streets! It made me so proud - my mission to spread the joy of the tutu is definitely taking root!
A Quick History Lesson: Tutu Twirls Through Time
But before we move onto my sartorial discoveries, let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Today, we're focusing on the evolution of the ballet tutu. It wasn't always the graceful confection we know and love today!
From Romantic Ruffles to Pointed Perfection
Let’s take it back to the romantic era, darlings, back to 1830. The earliest form of the tutu was actually a calf-length, frilly, flowing skirt, known as the 'Romantic Tutu.' A bit like a ballerina’s version of a frilly Victorian nightgown, if you can imagine that! It was all about romanticism, elegance and flowing lines.
Then, as we progressed through the late 19th century, a change was a-brewin’. The ‘Classical Tutu’ made its entrance! This little number was shorter and much tighter, showcasing the grace and strength of the dancer’s leg lines, but it was also incredibly difficult to dance in. Picture, if you will, the tutu of your dreams but without the comfortable flow. Think of it like wearing a super tight dress made from wire mesh! Now imagine trying to execute complex jumps and turns! That’s what ballet was like!
Now, into the 20th century and voila! Enter the ‘Tutu of Modern Times.’ The ‘Classical Tutu’ started getting a bit of a makeover! You know, a bit of tweaking here, a bit of shortening there! It took on various styles, the famous ‘bell skirt’, the dramatic ‘bell shape’ and the ‘Romantic tutu’, yes, that frilly one from the 1800s! You can actually still find them around, so keep an eye out for these classics when you visit your local ballet.
A tutu for everyone, don’t you think?
By now, I hope you see, darlings, why I find the ballet tutu so fascinating. It's more than just a costume. It's a piece of history, a symbol of feminine strength, and a testament to the evolution of ballet as an art form.
Of course, I believe that every single woman should own at least one tutu, even if you’re not a professional ballerina! Let’s break down these fashion barriers together! Wear it to the theatre, wear it to the ballet, wear it to a party! There are no rules, darling. The key is confidence.
Shopping Spree and Ballet Extravaganza
Now, you may be wondering what I have been wearing to celebrate this exciting ballet day in 2012! Well, today's look is a sophisticated pink silk midi-tutu paired with a tailored ivory blouse. This allows my inner ballerina to twirl and yet still be demure. It is an understated elegance, darling, one that oozes effortless glamour, which I love. I topped off the outfit with a cherry red patent clutch to add a splash of vibrancy.
You see, darlings, this is the key to tutu-fashion. We must strike a perfect balance between elegance and fun, sophisticated glamour and playful freedom. There’s nothing quite like seeing a beautiful ballet, enjoying a delicious afternoon tea with a sprinkle of pink, and then twirling through the city, catching everyone’s eyes as I move on!
So, until next time, keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and remember to add a touch of pink into your life.
See you next Tuesday for another whirlwind journey!
With a sprinkle of love and lots of pink,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
