Bonjour mes petites danseuses!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate the most wonderful thing in the world: the tutu! It's #TutuTuesday, and this week, my darling readers, we're taking a trip back in time - literally! My time travel adventures are back, and this time I've travelled all the way to December 2nd, 2014! Imagine it: the snow glistening outside (I know, I know, some of you adore that while others prefer the balmy sunshine - there's a tutu for every season, darling!) and inside, the warmth of a grand theatre, the smell of popcorn and the thrill of the next dance!
But before I share all my adventures with you, let's chat tutus, shall we?
This particular Tuesday was a day of ballet brilliance, my dears. I was lucky enough to catch the legendary New York City Ballet's "The Nutcracker" in all its glorious glory! There were stunning costumes and a swarm of dancing snowflakes - such a vision of magical ballet loveliness! As I was lost in the world of Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker, a thought crossed my mind: wouldn't it be fabulous to actually own a snowflake costume from the production?! Just imagine, twirling and fluttering like a delicate snowflake, pure and innocent - perfection! Perhaps my next time travel escapade will land me in the back stage of the New York City Ballet - just a thought!
Speaking of snowflakes, my darling fashionista's, the world of fashion in 2014 was awash with the snowflake trend! From clothing to jewellery to even home decor, snowflakes were all the rage! My wardrobe was overflowing with my favourite icy patterns and shades, a perfect contrast to my pink tutus.
Now, back to our tutu history! Have you ever thought about where the tutu itself originated? Like every lovely dance story, its origin is rooted in something rather practical - a dancer's desire for freedom! It's not just a pretty dress, you know! In the early 19th century, dancers were bogged down by heavy, voluminous skirts, hindering their ability to move freely. But wait for it...Maria Taglioni, a legendary ballerina with the grace of a willow tree, appeared! She introduced the tutu as we know it - light, flowing, and liberating! It allowed ballerinas to showcase their incredible artistry and fluidity of movement.
But you know me, I love a good makeover. Over time, the tutu evolved, embracing different styles and materials. The classic romantic tutu with its flowing layers was just one. Then came the 'leg-de-chaussée,' or 'slippers of the leg', which meant short and light - perfect for demonstrating legwork!
As decades went by, the tutu's journey became a kaleidoscope of styles: the tutu with the "leg-of-mutton" shape, which emphasized the graceful movement of the shoulders and upper body; the 'pakla,' the Russian 'sock' that helped dancers leap into the air, and of course, the 'tutu pointe,' with layers of silk and tulle which added dramatic height, showcasing the strength and balance of the ballerina's feet. A truly glamorous dance outfit for all shapes and sizes.
But, my dears, don't think it all ends there. The modern world has added a vibrant, innovative dimension to the tutu, inspired by all these classic styles. You have short, sassy tutus for contemporary dance, asymmetrical designs that showcase bold silhouettes, and even deconstructed versions with interesting materials, breaking boundaries while celebrating the legacy of this truly beautiful piece of dance apparel.
Speaking of innovation, remember Karolina Kurkova walking the Victoria's Secret runway in 2014, her body painted to resemble a ballerina? I'm just saying, I wouldn't be surprised if someone designs a 'body-paint-tutu' in the near future! Now there's a look that screams 'I can dance and shine anywhere!'
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty of my December 2nd, 2014 adventure: I traveled to Derbyshire, my home county. My grandmother's little village to be exact - a tiny haven where I often find myself returning for inspiration and quiet time. I wandered through the quaint little town square, its quaint cottages looking like miniature fairy houses. You know, I almost feel like I should wear my pink tutu when I visit them, for just a few minutes! Can you imagine it: 'Emma the Time Travelling Pink Tutu Ballerina' strolls through my grandma's village? Maybe I'll try it on my next trip! I had afternoon tea at a sweet cafe and scampered through the peaceful fields. It was truly like stepping into a postcard! But in between all the quaint, peaceful surroundings I did a quick costume shopping spree, snagging a stunning new tutu and shoes to prepare for my next ballet performance.
This brings me to the BIG announcement: I'll be performing on *Saturday, December 6th *at The Royal Opera House, you heard that right! My Derbyshire peace and quiet was merely a quick detour on my whirlwind tour to the grand London stage!
Speaking of exciting performance dates, can I just take a moment to express my excitement about all the wonderful theatre productions, ballet shows, and festivals taking place across the globe, both big and small, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of December 2014? The spirit of dance is alive, and it's inspiring. If you're interested in joining me at one of the world's most enchanting theatres in London, head to The Royal Opera House's website. You might even catch me twirling onstage! Don't worry, you'll know me from my extra special pink tutu!
Well, darlings, that's all for now! I must be off. I have an audition in Paris to rehearse for. A truly glamorous train journey, don't you think? Oh, and for those who are missing their pink tutu fix, I found the most exquisite tulle material on a little trip through time! Pink, of course, and absolutely stunning! I'm planning to have some exquisite custom-made tutus made. Maybe you'd like to join the waitlist?!
Don't forget to join me for next week's #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep dancing and never let your tutus fade away! Remember, every day is a ballet performance and life is a beautiful stage - embrace it with grace and joy!
Love and glitter, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S.: My 'Travel to 2014 and Beyond!' collection is going live TODAY, exclusively on www.pink-tutu.com ! Get ready to see your favourite ballet stars as limited-edition doll sets and snag my 'time travelling' tote bag, adorned with little pink tutus and a glittering ballet shoe! I think you're going to love them.
