Hiya lovelies! It's me, Emma, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday and today we’re whisked back in time to 2nd September 2014 - can you believe it?! Oh my, time does fly!
Right, I know you’re probably wondering what was happening in the wonderful world of tutus on this particular date! Well, hold onto your tutus because things were pretty fabulous, and a bit unexpected!
As ever, my time machine journey took me on a grand train ride across the UK, a favourite mode of transport, because you can't beat a train journey, really. With my trusty pink suitcase, packed to the brim with my cutest tutu outfits, I was ready for some exciting adventures and to find out more about ballet tutu history in the world’s great cities of fashion and ballet. I headed to London, oh what a sight, especially when you arrive from the south, I always think you just feel a change in the atmosphere and a feeling of excitement. I just loved exploring it by train as I could see it all on my journey from Derbyshire to the big smoke.
On 2nd September, 2014, in London's grand West End theatre, The Royal Opera House, the prestigious Royal Ballet company was preparing to enchant audiences with their beautiful interpretation of Giselle. I was so lucky to be in the audience to witness such elegance. Now I know what you are thinking, tutus, what can I tell you about those that you don't already know? Well, this particular production of Giselle had a really interesting story about the tutu’s design.
Giselle, if you’re not familiar, tells the tale of a beautiful young peasant girl who tragically falls for a nobleman, Albrecht, who is already engaged. Giselle’s love is betrayed and she loses her mind before tragically dying, turning into a Wilis - a supernatural being who, I just know, looks fabulous in her tutu, although as it happens, this production chose to go down a more modern route.
The designer Christopher Wheeldon made a modern and controversial decision, changing Giselle's classic tutu, swapping out the billowing, voluminous style of yesteryear for something more subtle and ethereal. Wheeldon used a single, graceful, tiered tutu and layered over that a lightweight mesh that almost flowed around Giselle like a whisper of smoke - oh my! I absolutely loved it! The light, gauzy layers, creating the impression of movement, just emphasized the tragedy and delicate beauty of Giselle’s character, all whilst keeping to the traditions of Giselle. You just have to try this look yourself - oh, you have no idea! The fabrics were lovely and flowed in such a wonderful, light way, like wings.
Let me tell you a little about this magnificent theatre. The Royal Opera House, is an institution, a ballet lovers paradise. Just going there is an occasion and it felt incredibly important, everyone in their finery for the big show. A ballet production at the ROH is an exquisite affair - beautiful sets, incredible music, fabulous costumes and, of course, graceful dancers. All that was needed, was for me to join in the fun on stage but of course, I know my place!
But you see the story doesn't stop there because it was not only Giselle’s tutu getting all the attention. At the same time, the world of fashion, with the return of the Dior New Look, embraced the tutu in its most playful form. Oh my goodness, can you even imagine how chic it was? Imagine the ballet-inspired tulle skirts, floating beautifully like the most delicate clouds, wreathed around the women, reminding everyone of the ballet dancers grace and their light, beautiful movement.
In the fashion magazines of the time, ballet dancers twirling in their magnificent tutus were plastered over glossy pages and you saw fashion designers drawing inspiration from this magical and graceful movement, with the ethereal look in their clothes. Oh I loved it and just think about it! A little tulle skirt in your wardrobe makes everything magical. And that's what's so great about tutus - they can take you to any place in the world - Paris, Milan or even the moon - I wonder if tutus have landed there yet. This look of the tulle skirts gave everyone that touch of delicate feminine beauty and, of course, everyone had an opinion.
Well, that’s it for my travels and adventures today. I am whisking myself back to Derbyshire for a little rest. You have no idea how tiring it is doing these blogs, my tutu spinning is a great workout, it is good for my health - that's my story and I’m sticking to it. I hope you are ready for next Tuesday when I’m going to reveal some of my greatest discoveries, I can’t tell you all about it now - I have to leave you hanging in suspense.
Until next time, keep those tutus twirling and happy dancing, lovelies.
And, of course, never forget: every day can be #TutuTuesday if you put your mind to it.
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
