#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2014-08-19

Hello lovelies! 🙋‍♀️ Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another #TutuTuesday adventure. It's your girl Emma, back from another thrilling journey through the world of ballet history! This week, we're waltzing all the way back to August 19th, 2014, a date I’m especially fond of. But why? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out! 😉

This post is numero 9530 (yes, you read that right!), proving just how much I love sharing my passion for all things tutus! Each week, I travel to a different point in history, and let me tell you, this week was a real treat. Think sparkling city lights, beautiful dancers in stunning tutus, and… drumroll… a most unexpected connection to yours truly!

Imagine this: I'm twirling through the bustling streets of New York City (how chic, right?) on August 19th, 2014. It’s a typical summer day with the sunshine glistening off the city skyscrapers. But even in the bustling crowds, everyone’s buzzing about something… the New York City Ballet season is just kicking off, and there’s a whole lot of excitement in the air. It's like the city is on its toes!

I, of course, just had to catch a performance. Honestly, the costumes were amazing! The intricate designs and colours of the tutus... pure perfection. It was all so elegant and glamorous. The dancers were mesmerising! They seemed to float through the air, defying gravity with their effortless grace. The whole experience made my heart sing! 💖

Now, let’s delve a bit into the history of these captivating tutus. The 'tutu', that fluffy symbol of the ballet world, has gone through a fabulous transformation over the years. The earliest tutus, those stiff, bell-shaped beauties, weren't about showing off legs; they were meant to resemble the shape of a skirt in the classical dances. They had layers upon layers of fabric, which was quite a challenge for the dancers of the time!

Later, around the late 1800s, those stiff, floor-length tutus gradually evolved into something a little lighter. Dancers embraced the “Romantic Tutu", the elegant, knee-length, and airy style we recognise today. The dancers could finally showcase their graceful movements and impressive legwork – just picture yourself twirling, darling! 💃

As the years went by, tutus took even more creative turns. We've had the flamboyant 'Spanish' tutu, the fluffy and voluminous tutu in 'Swan Lake', and, my personal favourite, the colourful and sassy ‘tutu a la russe’. The beauty of the tutu is its adaptability and versatility. There’s a tutu for every occasion, for every style, for every character in the dance world. They’ve even ventured beyond the stage, popping up in all kinds of media and popular culture, and I love it!

But this trip wasn’t just about the history, oh no! There was also a personal touch, a link between yours truly and this particular day in time. Back in 2014, on August 19th, I… well… I had a major ballet breakthrough! It happened during a special ‘Backstage at the Ballet’ tour – it’s quite the whirlwind, let me tell you – where I got to see the meticulous process behind crafting those incredible costumes. I realised just how much artistry and skill goes into making a tutu.

But hold onto your tiaras, lovelies, because the fun doesn’t stop there! After a wonderful performance of 'Giselle' (a truly captivating classic!), I made a dash to the nearest vintage clothing store. This isn't just any store, no, this is a legendary one! I spent the afternoon browsing rows and rows of enchanting vintage finds. Let's just say I left with quite the collection, including a couple of magnificent, sparkling tutus... and a few stunning new vintage outfits for my next trip back in time, of course! 🤫

But don’t worry, darling, the tutu spree didn't stop there. My shopping adventure led me to a fantastic vintage jewellery shop just off Fifth Avenue. I found the most incredible vintage pearl necklace there. It sparkled and glittered under the warm lights and complemented the gorgeous pastel-pink tutu I had picked up earlier – let’s just say I couldn't resist! 😉

Oh, and the most thrilling part of my journey? On that day, I made a life-changing discovery about time travel! Turns out, the secret to funding my exciting expeditions lies in the wonderful world of ballet! A special ballet scholarship is given out on August 19th every year (don't you just love these amazing coincidences?)! Just imagine – my ballet performances fund my thrilling time travel! Who says being a ballerina isn’t a life full of excitement?

I couldn’t have asked for a more magical day! I love delving into history through these amazing costumes and the stunning art of dance. Remember, lovelies, tutus are not just a garment; they are a symbol of grace, artistry, and dreams come true!

But that’s not all! There were even more adventures in store for this week's journey.

• Shopping Spree in the City: This time travel business keeps me busy, but let’s be honest, a little retail therapy never hurt anyone! New York is practically a dream come true for any fashion enthusiast! My heart soared while discovering a whole treasure trove of exquisite vintage shoes in a charming boutique on Broadway! It felt like stepping back in time, but with the ultimate modern chic touch!
• Dinner for One (a Royal One, That Is!): As if exploring a city of fashion and art wasn't enough, my trip concluded with a delectable dining experience at the stunning Baccarat Hotel! This wasn't your average cafe, darling! With its sparkling chandeliers and plush interiors, it felt like dining like a queen. My pink tutu, of course, went perfectly with the extravagant décor! 😉

And that’s all for today, my sweet lovelies! Don’t forget to visit Pink-Tutu.com every Tuesday for another incredible trip through the enchanting world of ballet history! Remember, wear your pink tutus with confidence and let your dreams soar! See you next week, my dear fashionistas! 💕

Stay tuned, my precious ballerina bees, for next week's post, where I'll be sharing the absolute BEST tips for finding the most fabulous vintage tutus, as well as an exclusive sneak peek at my newest tutu collection! You wouldn’t want to miss that, now would you? 😘

Don’t forget to share your #TutuTuesday experiences with me on Instagram and Facebook. I can't wait to see all your fantastic tutu outfits!

Keep twirling and spreading the tutu love,

Emma ✨💖