Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back through history for another delightful #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Today, we're twirling our way to the 19th April 2016 – can you believe it's been almost eight years?! How quickly time flies when you're busy living your best life in a pink tutu, let me tell you!
Now, where were we in the world of ballet tutus back in 2016? Let me take you on a whirlwind tour!
Back then, darling, tutus were as essential to a ballet performance as a tiara is to a princess! You simply couldn't imagine a ballerina gracing the stage without her shimmering, fabulous, tutu!
Let’s start with the romantic tutu, oh, how it tickles my fancy! So wispy, so elegant, like a cloud spun of tulle and dreams. It was a glorious nod to the romanticism that swept the world in the 1800s. Remember Marie Taglioni, the 'Queen of the Dance' and her famous 'La Sylphide' role? It was all thanks to the romantic tutu, darling, a triumph of light, delicate fabrics that truly redefined the dance scene.
And what would a ballet be without the classical tutu, a grand and iconic symbol of ballet itself! This magnificent confection of tulle, layers upon layers, swirling around a ballerina as she leaps and pirouettes, simply takes my breath away! The classical tutu gave ballet a visual language of grandeur and movement – oh, the power it embodies!
But it wasn’t just about the classics back in 2016, oh no! Ballet was embracing a bolder, more dynamic aesthetic, and with it came the modern tutu! This, my dear, was where the rules were rewritten! It was all about fluidity and freedom of movement. Forget those tightly fitted tutus, the modern tutu, like a playful wind-blown scarf, expressed the freedom and the powerful movement of the dancers. Think Martha Graham and her revolutionary dance technique!
Back in 2016, there was a whole world of tutus to be explored! And darling, I'd been busy embracing them all, from the traditional, classic tutu to the daringly modern, experimenting with colour, length and style, making every performance a unique fashion spectacle.
Now, 2016 was a truly dazzling year for ballet! In April, I found myself on the most magical of trips! The air hummed with the thrill of “La Traviata”, a splendid performance in Verona! A breathtaking performance against the backdrop of the historical city's incredible amphitheater! A magical blend of music, dance and breathtaking Italian history. It’s the kind of thing I live for, my dear!
And my journey wouldn't be complete without some exquisite fashion finds! I must admit to indulging in a beautiful antique book detailing ballet costumes in the 18th century, oh the glamour of it all! Plus, I fell head-over-heels for a beautiful pair of shoes made from silk ribbon - it’s a colour reminiscent of pale pink rose petals! The shopkeeper, darling, had such exquisite taste!
Of course, no time travel adventure would be complete without a journey by train, the romance of the railway carriage filled with anticipation! That rhythmic clickety-clack always has me tapping my foot with a grin.
But enough about my adventures for now, my dear! I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into the ballet tutu history of 19th April, 2016, through my eyes!
Remember to join me next Tuesday, my darlings! Until then, let's embrace the magic of dance, fashion, and let's wear pink!
Lots of twirls and kisses,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
