Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe! It's Tuesday, and that can only mean one thing - it's time for #TutuTuesday, my weekly delve into the fascinating history of the most magical garment ever invented (yes, I'm talking about tutus, obviously!).
This week, my fellow twirlers, we're taking a trip back to February 18th, 2014 - a date filled with such fabulous memories for a tutu-loving girl like myself. Not only did the Royal Ballet premiere a gorgeous production of "Manon", but Valentine's Day was just around the corner! A true triple threat of romance, elegance, and pink-tutu-worthy occasions!
I know what you're thinking - Valentine's Day AND a ballet premiere? How on earth did I manage to squeeze two such amazing events into one trip? Well, that's the magic of time travel, darlings! It allows me to hop about the decades, exploring the world of ballet and the evolution of this magnificent fashion staple. And I have to admit, it's even more magical with a gorgeous, frilly pink tutu adorning my own delightful little body!
Speaking of tutus, today we're diving into the world of the "Romantic" tutu! Remember how the "Classical" tutu was all about elegance and discipline, those graceful lines and rigid structures? Well, "Romantic" tutus, darlings, are the rebels of the ballet world. Imagine a bouquet of feathers bursting out from the bottom of your dress! Imagine frills that move like waves, like a whisper of fabric in the wind! Imagine being able to jump higher and twirl faster because the fabric isn't restricting you, but rather enhancing every graceful movement.
That, my lovelies, is the heart of the Romantic tutu. It embodies the essence of passionate, fluid storytelling, and a newfound freedom of movement - the tutu finally letting the ballerina take centre stage.
This newfound expression is partly due to the era's change in fashion! Romantic fashion was all about flowy gowns and lighter, brighter colours – and that joyful liberation spread like wildfire into the ballet world! The dancers of the 1800s started incorporating these flowing fabrics and lightweight elements into their tutus, creating a magical transformation on stage.
You know me, my loves, I always love to have a proper historical reference to make these journeys really come alive! So, picture this – you're walking down Parisian streets in 1830. The air is alive with excitement and new ideas, with revolutionaries sparking change throughout Europe. And, to make things extra sparkly, the opera house is the most vibrant, beautiful place to be. It’s the stage for all things luxurious and captivating, with stunningly dressed audience members creating a magical scene for every ballet performance!
Imagine the gasps of delight and applause as the ballerina pirouettes on stage, twirling like a blossoming flower in her fluffy, delicate "Romantic" tutu. Imagine the passion in their movement, the freedom of every leap, the poetry of their movements – this is the story of the "Romantic" tutu, darlings!
Of course, time travel means travelling by train, and what's a railway journey without a proper English cuppa! It's always a great time for a spot of reflection about how lucky we are, with our modern fashion choices and the amazing work of those iconic tutus!
Just like we enjoy the beautiful dresses at the Royal Opera House and at London Fashion Week, I’m so glad to be able to travel back and see what has made all these modern fashion choices so fabulous! So, pour yourself a nice cuppa and join me as I step into a world of elegant designs, swirling fabrics, and the intoxicating spirit of Romantic ballet.
Have a fantastic Tuesday!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Follow me on Insta for extra fun fashion tips and exciting time travel journeys! #pink-tutu
