Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another week of twirling history in the magnificent world of ballet tutus!
It's the most wonderful time of year! The festive season is in full swing and London is positively shimmering. Christmas lights twinkle in every window, carol singers fill the air with joyful melodies, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafts from every corner. This week, however, I’m particularly smitten with something even more spectacular - the magic of ballet!
You see, my darlings, the ballet world is ablaze with excitement as the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker opens at the Royal Opera House. Can you imagine, my lovelies? A symphony of snowflakes, sugar plums, and the most glorious dancing! I’ve snagged tickets to see the matinée performance, and I've been perfecting my Sugar Plum Fairy tutu all week, dreaming of pirouettes and pas de bourrée.
Speaking of pirouettes, did you know the tutu we know and love wasn't always the fluffy cloud of tulle it is today? In the early days of ballet, a ballerina’s costume wasn't a cloud of pink fluff, my loves, but rather a simple skirt! Think less "fairy tale" and more "practical dancing garb" - more like the flowing skirt of a peasant dancer, actually.
Now, where does the pink part come in? (Let’s be honest, the colour of the tutu matters dearly to me!) Well, you’d be surprised how many dancers used plain white tutus back in the 19th century! Imagine! My vision for world domination... by pink tutus, starts to look increasingly challenging.
Thankfully, the world's most influential choreographer, Marius Petipa, recognised the magic of a little pink on the dance floor and he began to champion it. And let’s be honest, there's nothing more inspiring than a pink tutu twirling on stage, is there? It embodies the grace, lightness, and magic of the dance, doesn't it?
The history of the ballet tutu is filled with amazing women who challenged convention and defied gravity with their daring moves! Remember my darlings, the first ballerina to dance en pointe? That's right, the legend, Marie Taglioni, was the trailblazer, not only with her elegant leaps and extensions, but also with her daring fluffy, airy (pink, hopefully!) tutu that made it all possible.
Can you imagine how exciting the moment must have been when dancers embraced this lighter, more airy form of dancewear? They ditched the cumbersome heavy skirts and embraced the lightness of movement! I picture it happening in a flurry of pink, my loves - just a sprinkle of the joy of tutu history in the making.
Today, my darlings, the tutu is the pinnacle of elegance and fashion. A ballot that can change the shape of a dress, inspire designs for every other item of clothing imaginable, and inspire millions to move with grace and confidence! It embodies every aspect of fashion we love, from colour, texture, and style, to its pure elegance and effortless beauty!
Today, it doesn't just bring ballet dancers to life; it inspires us all, right down to the tutus we might (or might not) wear on our commute, our street wear, and our festive get-togethers.
Oh my darlings, don't forget to share your tutu love this festive season! Whether it's a sparkly sequined masterpiece or a soft, ethereal chiffon dream, the power of the pink tutu is universal and irresistible.
Until next time, my loves, keep on twirling!
Emma xo
P.S. Have a wonderful time with your families, celebrate in style, and don't forget, a little pink goes a long way!
