#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2013-12-24

Hello, darling tutus! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on a delightful journey through the captivating world of ballet tutus! As the twinkling lights of a Parisian theatre beckon me and the scent of freshly baked macarons tickles my nose, I can't resist sharing my latest Tutu Tuesday musings with you all. Today, we're going back in time, to a festive December 24th, 2013!

Imagine the scene: the air buzzes with anticipation for Christmas Eve. Shops are bustling with shoppers eager to grab last-minute gifts. Children's eyes gleam with excitement for the treats to come. And me? I'm in the heart of Paris, watching a spellbinding ballet performance, a twirling cloud of tulle in a magnificent pink tutu! Oh, to be a part of such an enchanting moment, wouldn't you agree?

This festive period in 2013 was bursting with exciting ballet performances. Just a few weeks earlier, on December 10th, the legendary ballerina, Sylvie Guillem, wowed audiences with her final performance at the Paris Opera. Now that was an unforgettable event! Such an incredible way to end her career. The graceful elegance and strength of Guillem truly inspired a generation, and seeing her on stage that day was truly a dream come true.

Across the world, a wave of creative energy was coursing through the ballet world. In America, New York City Ballet presented its captivating "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker." A stunning display of classic choreography, and a story that's a festive delight for everyone. And if you're ever in London around December, you simply must experience the magic of The Royal Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker". The elaborate costumes, the beautiful sets, and the charming story are truly spellbinding. Oh, to have a seat in the Royal Opera House, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the magical spectacle!

But our little journey back in time isn't just about performances! December 2013 saw the exciting launch of the National Ballet of Canada's new website! Now that's what I call a good excuse for a celebration! I adore a good website that shares a love for dance, and this one was just so full of fantastic information, photos and even interviews with the dancers. It was a window into the beautiful world of dance and it even showcased the stunning designs for their upcoming productions. Talk about getting me excited!

Speaking of costumes, I couldn't possibly forget the glorious world of ballet tutu design! Back in 2013, tutus were still very much about traditional elegance. Lush layers of tulle, meticulously sewn to create the perfect swirling shape, adorned with beads and sequins to create a magical effect. But some designers were starting to push boundaries, exploring new materials, and injecting vibrant, playful colours. Imagine! Pink tutus with a pop of neon green or sparkly blue! A modern twist on the classic that adds a touch of sassy individuality to the stage. And while classic tutus remain timeless beauties, I'm a firm believer in a good mix of traditional elegance with a dash of playful fun.

And what about you? Have you experienced a magical ballet moment during December 2013? What was your favourite production, your favourite costume? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Now, let me grab a delicious slice of a delicate, sweet Parisien pastry and continue to bask in the magic of ballet. I do hope you’ll all have a truly wonderful week! Remember to stay inspired by the elegance of dance, embrace a dash of sparkle, and dare to dream! Until next week, darlings!

Yours truly,

Emma