#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2014-05-06

Hello darlings! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time to put on my most fabulous pink tutu and whisk you all back in time to explore the fascinating world of ballet history. This week, we're going to hop on the magical time-travel express to May 6th, 2014 - a date filled with graceful twirls and captivating performances.

As a proud Derbyshirian, I just adore getting on the train and travelling around the world. And this trip is extra special. Today I am lucky enough to be whisked away to New York, the beating heart of the ballet world, for an evening at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. My heart's beating faster than a ballerina's pirouette just thinking about it.

Before we delve into the dazzling evening, let's rewind a little, darlings. Tutues, as we know them today, were born from the creativity of ballet pioneers in the Romantic era, a time brimming with romance, dreamy music, and delicate fairy tales. We're talking long, flowing skirts of white, crafted from layers and layers of tulle, transforming ballerinas into ethereal, almost ethereal figures, captivating audiences and whispering secrets of a mystical world.

Fun fact: Did you know that the first ballet tutu wasn't always pink, darlings? In fact, early tutus were typically white, reflecting the fashion of the time. This is also reflected in how ballerinas wore their pointe shoes - plain white or natural canvas shoes, rather than the beautiful pink or flesh toned shoes that have become almost the uniform of modern ballet dancers today.

We've had so many incredible tutu transformations and design innovations through history. Over time, the classic tutu took on new shapes and styles, with variations in length, layers, and materials. There’s the bell-shaped tutu-à-la-française, the romantic and flowing tutu-à-la-romantique, the sleek and athletic tutu-à-la-russe – each carrying its own personality and dance vocabulary.

Think of it like a delicious ballet cake! Every tutu has a unique flavour, texture, and beauty, all telling its own fascinating story. And every layer of history – like the frosting, the sprinkles, the cherry on top – make it even more beautiful.

But the tutu is more than just a pretty dress, darlings. It's an integral part of ballet technique, highlighting the dancer's movements, graceful lines, and expressive abilities.

And speaking of expressing myself, it's time for us to zoom back to May 6th, 2014. This is a special date in the ballet world as American Ballet Theatre is kicking off their spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Imagine: a beautifully ornate theatre, the plush red velvet seats, and the vibrant energy of anticipation building as the curtain rises. Oh, darlings, how I adore seeing dancers perform in this historic building!

My research tells me that the performance today is of “Manon” by Kenneth MacMillan, a passionate and dramatic ballet set in the 18th century. Can you imagine all the romantic tutus they're going to be wearing? Oh, the romance and the delicate fabric and lace will be heavenly.

Back in Derbyshire, I just adore dressing in my pinkest, most twirly tutus, heading down to the shops to get my latest ballet fix and finding the best ballet shoes! My collection is quite fabulous, from delicate lace tutus, shimmering sequins and some of the best pink satin tutus for those fancy nights out.

Speaking of the pink tutu, it's more than just a ballet fashion piece, darlings! It’s an attitude, a lifestyle! Pink tutus radiate an infectious joy and feminine charm, spreading sunshine and good vibes to every corner of the world! There is something so utterly fabulous about twirling around in a pink tulle tutu!

Do you have your favourite ballet tutu style? Let me know! Do you love your own ballerina costume, have you always dreamed of a pink tutu, or maybe a purple one or a lilac one? Do you have a pink dress in your wardrobe? Share your favourite colour with me!

Until next Tuesday, my darlings, keep twirling, keep dreaming, keep dancing in pink!

**With love,

Emma**

P.S. Remember to check out the blog on www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet-tastic history and pink fashion adventures!