Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another edition of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! Today we're waltzing back to September 18th, 2012, and oh my, what a whirl of a day it was!
Firstly, can we just take a moment to marvel at the pure joy of September itself? The air is crisp, the sun is still shining (most of the time!), and the smell of autumn leaves is practically begging for a whimsical dance. Plus, let's face it, there's just something about the 'back to school' vibes that makes me want to pirouette in a bright pink tutu, don't you agree?
Now, for our historical trip back to 2012. The world was a very different place back then, even if you couldn't see it in the whirlwind of glitter and silk surrounding us. This particular Tuesday saw a vibrant array of cultural events unfold, and naturally, as the leading authority on ballet fashion, I was right there, tutu and all!
Let's travel by train, shall we? (Always my favourite way to explore, especially when wearing a voluminous pink tutu - imagine the excitement!) First stop, London.
London, the Mecca of Tutu Fashion:
Ah, London! Where tutus have practically achieved national treasure status. Just this week, the iconic Royal Ballet opened its season with a rendition of "Swan Lake"! Oh, how I dream of seeing those swans glide across the stage in their iconic white tutus! So elegant, so ethereal, so very swan-like. And don't even get me started on the exquisite costumes for Odette and Odile...pure perfection. London, you never cease to inspire me!
But let's not forget about the fabulous fashion scene in the capital. Fashion Week had just concluded, and it seemed like every trendsetter in the land was trying to channel their inner ballerina. The Tutu Trend was strong back then, and even high street fashion giants were taking notice. There was something for everyone, from delicate chiffon to bolder, more dramatic interpretations – all those fluffy, layered tutu-esque shapes! I was in heaven. I snagged the most adorable little pink tutu for my own collection – a sweet little ballerina-themed party coming up, and I'm thinking pink, naturally!
Bringing the World to You - The Wonders of The Internet:
Back in 2012, the Internet was already our constant companion, but it was still a much wilder frontier than it is today. My #TutuTuesday blog was in its infancy, and honestly, I felt like I was paving the way for the tutu revolution – a pink, fluffy, twirly crusade! It felt like I was connecting with fellow tutu-enthusiasts all over the world. People would write to me with questions, stories, even tips on the latest and greatest tutu brands! It was pure magic.
Travel in the Blink of an Eye:
But time is ticking away, so let's zoom over to Paris, the city of lights and romance (and yes, the city of incredible tutus!). Remember the Parisian street style in those days? You had your boho looks, your classic French chic, and of course, a fair amount of tutu flair.
This Tuesday, Parisian ballerinas were in full swing. I was at Le Grand Palais, catching the annual Paris Ballet Competition and absolutely dying to steal those gorgeous hand-crafted tutus right off the stage! My fellow time-traveling ballerina (yes, it’s a small but fabulous club, darling!), Chloe, swore they were worth a king’s ransom – a million shimmering sequins, and crafted with meticulous precision. She could never quite decide whether her favourite tutu colour was a pale blue, a rich magenta, or maybe even an ivory – talk about tutu-minded!
Oh, and let’s not forget the stunning Parisian fashion houses - Chanel, Dior, Givenchy... All those beautiful ballerinas they employed in the advertising campaigns, in their chic tutus, their expressive postures – absolutely inspiring!
Back to My Own World:
Now, we've had a whirlwind tour of some of the biggest fashion centres back in 2012, but my heart is forever anchored in my Derbyshire home. It might not have the same dazzling energy as Paris or London, but there’s something wonderfully peaceful about our Derbyshire ballet scene. There's this quaint little studio tucked away near the river, where the owner teaches classes and hosts community performances – everyone, from children to grandparents, gathers to appreciate the magic of dance. It’s beautiful.
Oh, and one more little gem – right before arriving here, I discovered a delightful vintage clothing store in a bustling little market. You would not believe the gorgeous tulle they had in all the most enchanting shades. Of course, I snatched up enough to make two brand-new tutus – one vibrant pink with layers of tulle that twirls just perfectly – a masterpiece!
A Call to Tutu Revolution!
As I wind down my #TutuTuesday post, I’m left with one important message: wear a pink tutu, and be your own inspiration. Be the spark of joy on a rainy day, the touch of whimsy in an otherwise ordinary week. A tutu is not just an outfit; it's an attitude, an invitation to express your inner grace and exuberance!
Keep shining bright, my dearest tutu enthusiasts!
* Until next Tuesday!*
Emma xoxo
