Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe! It's Emma here, your very own time-travelling ballerina, and oh my goodness, I'm positively giddy! Today, Tuesday 15th July 2014, I've found myself in the vibrant, glittering heart of ballet - none other than New York City! Talk about a perfect place for a pink tutu enthusiast!
This #TutuTuesday is all about taking a trip through time, exploring the captivating history of the ballet tutu! The story begins not with a delicate wisp of tulle but with... well, the practical! Before our favourite airy, graceful tutus became a mainstay in ballet, dancers donned voluminous, floor-length skirts - not exactly ideal for leaping and twirling!
Now, as someone who has a passion for both fashion and ballet, I've been eagerly observing this evolution over my little travels through time! I just have to say, tutus are a remarkable creation! It all started back in the Romantic era (18th and 19th centuries), where they first began to adopt their present-day silhouette. The original tutus were far more flamboyant and elaborate. Think yards and yards of fabric!
Fast forward a bit to the mid-19th century and the first tutus, inspired by Greek nymphs, started to become shorter. It was Marius Petipa, the famed Russian choreographer, who really ushered in the era of the demi-tutu – a short skirt reaching to just below the knee – perfect for those majestic leaps and pirouettes. Talk about revolutionary fashion!
Oh, I just adore this time period, darling! The late 1800s was the age of exquisite details! Feathers, sequins, ribbons, and velvet graced every ballerina. The "big" tutu era – with massive hoop skirts and even bigger tutus, like puffy clouds of loveliness – became the ballet equivalent of high fashion! There were even "tutudress" outfits for everyday wear. Fancy, right?!
But like the changing fashions of the time, the ballet tutu also started to adapt. As the 20th century unfolded, a modern era of elegance dawned on the tutu. With sleek line and minimalism taking over, tutus adopted a simpler, refined aesthetic. And then we have the 21st century - an explosion of creative tutus in every shape, color, and material imaginable! There’s an incredible re-imagining of the classical, where tutus go wild, showcasing cutting-edge fashion.
From tutus fashioned out of flowers, metal mesh, and even recycled materials to avant-garde tutus that resemble wearable works of art, this era proves there's absolutely no limit to the creativity that surrounds our beloved ballerina attire!
And let's not forget the legendary names who have been shaping the look of the ballet tutu! Think the iconic costumes designed by Coco Chanel for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes! They took tutu-fashion to a whole new level. I can't resist admiring a stunning piece of craftsmanship and I find it all rather inspiring, even for this time-travelling, tutu-loving ballerina!
And I'm not alone in my love for the ballet tutu, darling! There are entire galleries and museums dedicated to their history, celebrating the exquisite workmanship and design that have been poured into each delicate layer. These masterpieces capture the evolution of ballet as an art form – the way it has moved with time and trends.
I'm simply captivated by the power of this small, simple garment! The ballet tutu is a symbol of grace, strength, and artistry. The feeling of wearing a tutu is simply unparalleled – a mix of power and whimsy. It's like a superpower, allowing you to twirl, leap, and express your innermost thoughts through movement. I know, you are probably wondering what I’m doing here in 2014, surrounded by so many modern, trendy designs? Oh darling, it's a dream come true! Just look at the incredible street style and the contemporary choreographers who push boundaries. Every time I hop back to my time, I’m brimming with fresh ideas for my own dance creations!
*I'm not going to lie, though. I have a bit of a soft spot for vintage tutus! *There is just something so charming about that old-fashioned elegance, those tiers of tulle and layers of frills. When you get the chance to find a beautiful, vintage tutu, you are truly holding a little bit of ballet history in your hands!
Now, back to the glamour of the present moment, darling! Today, I indulged in a truly spectacular treat at Lincoln Center, taking in the world-famous American Ballet Theatre. I must say, it’s been absolutely mesmerizing. From the shimmering costumes, lighting, and set design to the incredibly talented dancers who made every pirouette a symphony of movement, I felt completely swept away! *Talk about a fabulous reminder of the magic of the ballet! *
My time-travelling tutu journey hasn't just led me through breathtaking ballet history – it’s also led me to discover so many wonderful things about this particular time! Just like a perfect pirouette, there’s so much spinning, so much joy and inspiration here. *So, let’s make the most of it all! Let's twirl, darling, and feel the joy of movement! *
Before I head back to the safety of my time, * I urge you, my dear tutu friends, to keep that magical spirit alive! Wear a tutu, whether for a day out or to dance around the living room. Spread the love of tutus far and wide, for they bring out the beauty and creativity in each and every one of us!* I promise it will leave you feeling bright and fabulous.
Until next time, my lovelies! Remember, it’s always #TutuTuesday!
*Don’t forget to hop on over to the website, www.pink-tutu.com, to check out my new "Travel in Style with Emma!" blog post about how to rock your ballet fashion wherever you go! It’s time for us to make tutus part of our everyday adventures! *
XOXO,
Emma
Your Pink Tutu loving, time-traveling ballerina!
P.S. I found the cutest vintage tutu shop downtown – all pink, naturally! If you are in NYC, be sure to pop by and say hi! It’s on the corner of Broadway and 5th.
