Hello my gorgeous tutu-loving friends! š©°š Itās your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina blogger, Emma, here, ready to take you on a journey through time, back to the wonderful world of ballet! This week weāre dancing our way back to October 27th, 2015. My latest time-traveling adventures have landed me right in the heart of London, just in time for the opening night of the Royal Balletās latest production. Ooh la la, I do love a good ballet, especially when Iām all dressed up in my favourite pink tutu! I simply adore the delicate way it twirls and floats around me as I flit from one fashionable ballet event to the next!
But enough about me, let's delve into the history of ballet tutus! It's no secret that these whimsical creations are more than just costumes; they're a crucial part of the story, embodying the beauty and elegance of dance itself! And wouldnāt you know it, there's always something new and exciting happening in the world of ballet, which is exactly what brings me to the Royal Ballet. This particular date marks the premiere of Kenneth MacMillan's breathtakingly beautiful Mayerling, set to music by Franz Liszt, featuring an exceptional cast of talented dancers. Now, that's what I call a fabulous evening of ballet, complete with mesmerising performances and costumes, enough to send any tutu enthusiast into a blissful daze!
So, before we delve into the delightful details of Mayerling and all its tutus, I simply have to share with you some exciting news! Just this week I discovered the most beautiful vintage pink tutu at a Parisian antique market. Itās just perfect! A delicate and exquisite piece, fit for a ballerina queen, of course! I couldnāt resist bringing it back to London for a little impromptu photoshoot. Just imagine, my darlings, how lovely it looked on me, swaying in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. It made my day, my week, my whole year! I shall just have to share the photos with you soon on the pink-tutu.com website, which has been getting rather busy lately! You wouldnāt believe the lovely messages from fellow tutu enthusiasts Iāve been receiving ā so much enthusiasm and such incredible stories! I am simply overwhelmed by all the love!
But back to our time-traveling adventures in ballet history, wouldn't you agree that tutus have always held a special place in the world of fashion? These elegant garments, with their history stretching far back in time, have truly evolved over the years, but have always stayed relevant in a fashion that truly captivates our senses.
The journey of the tutu, like any well-told story, begins with its origins. Just imagine, those very early forms, just wisps of fabric that graced the dancers of the Renaissance era. As time progressed, so did the tutus, developing from their simpler beginnings to take on a bolder form, embracing a fuller skirt design during the reign of Romantic Ballet in the 18th and 19th century. It's as if the dance itself whispered its own narrative into the fabric, creating something truly ethereal, a spectacle fit for a fairy tale!
And who can forget the most popular of all the tutu types - the 'Romantic' tutu! That lovely, impossibly airy tulle skirt, reaching out in graceful waves, almost like a cloud of tulle just waiting to be touched. āļø Imagine, it allowed dancers the freedom to move gracefully, like a beautiful butterfly floating on air. Isn't that just lovely! š¦
By the 20th century, we entered the era of the Classical or the ātraditionalā tutu! Now, those exquisite and elegant layers of tulle crafted from white, peach, pink, or ivory! Can you imagine how this classic, yet bold look became iconic on the ballet stage, giving every ballerina an enchanting and undeniably royal air? šš
This historical journey takes us to the 1900s, the beginning of the "Tutu Era." We encounter different shapes and styles emerging in every era. Iād be lying if I said I didn't find it completely thrilling! There are so many ways to design a tutu, even those made by the same manufacturer and even more ways for dancers to interpret their own styles, such as those favoured by dancers with the famous New York City Ballet Company! Now wouldn't that be fun? Watching how tutu styles evolve with different choreographies! Youāll just have to look them up! I simply have to get on with my own tutu creations - and perhaps even a quick stop for a little retail therapy, of course! Shopping in London is a must-have for any fashionable time traveller. Iām thinking a beautiful, emerald green tutu ā wouldn't that look simply magnificent with a pair of emerald earrings and some lovely pink floral appliquĆ©s, adding a bit of whimsy to the look? Oh my goodness, now that would make me swoon!
Back in 2015, ballet companies like the Royal Ballet were celebrating both tradition and contemporary trends. You wouldn't believe the diversity! Just like tutus, the dance world was taking a step forward! Modern interpretations of classical ballet often showcased new, experimental tutu designs ā itās just brilliant, how innovative it all is! From flowing fabric to intricate layers and different types of material! A bit like when I wear a vintage pink tutu over a beautiful blue ballet dress! Such a perfect contrast of style! Just imagine how it will all flow and dance!
Donāt forget to take a little time this week to explore a little bit of the world of tutu fashion! I dare you to search out some stunning, vintage photos online! What lovely pictures!
On October 27th 2015, the Royal Ballet presented the captivating production of Mayerling, the tragic tale of Crown Prince Rudolph. In addition to the elegant costumes worn throughout, the tutu used by the female characters - the "Spanish" dancer, who takes the spotlight in this classic performance! This tutu was unique in its bold simplicity, highlighting the beautiful and graceful movements of the balletās most iconic dancer, in a single layer of fabric and its delicate embellishments, allowing freedom of movement and showing off every elegant step with unparalleled fluidity and grace! I simply couldnāt take my eyes away!
From this particular point in time, tutus are no longer just accessories for the ballerina but rather integral parts of their character, telling a story, making a statement, and embodying a captivating performance with their designs, materials, colours, and even the intricate details on every tutu, just begging for your appreciation. They bring beauty and artistry, a sense of wonder and elegance to every step of a dancerās life.
Of course, every good ballet fan knows that what is important about a ballet isn't the outfit alone but the dance itself. Each twirl and leap, the strength and emotion - itās a symphony of artistry, the way each ballet dancer brings every story to life on the stage. They inspire you!
And speaking of inspiration! Iāve just purchased tickets for Mayerling, so excited! I will definitely let you know how I like it next week in my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History Blog!
Remember to wear pink and don't forget to follow me @pink_tutu and share your pink tutu adventures! Happy tutu-ing! š
Emma xoxo
