Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of all things tutu! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to June 14th, 2016, and taking a twirl through the fascinating history of the ballet tutu.
As you know, I'm a huge fan of everything ballet – the grace, the artistry, the dazzling costumes! And let's be honest, what's a ballet performance without a perfectly pouffed tutu? It's the ultimate expression of movement, elegance and sheer whimsy.
Today, I've got a vintage train ticket clutched in my hand, and it's taking me to Paris. Why Paris? Because the city is, of course, synonymous with ballet, and it's where the tutu story began.
We all know about the graceful ballerina in her floaty tutu, right? But did you know that back in the day, ballerinas wore big, heavy skirts that hindered their movements? It wasn't until the Romantic Era, in the 19th century, that the idea of a more fluid costume emerged. Think graceful, light and airy – the very essence of the tutu we adore today!
Our time machine has landed us at the Paris Opera House, where the "romantic tutu" made its debut. You know, the kind with the shorter length, showing off the ballerina's elegant legs. It was a revolution in the world of dance! Can you imagine how exciting it must have been to see those light, graceful movements, freed from the constraints of heavier skirts?
This evolution, dear readers, was truly a turning point. Ballet became more about grace and expression, less about elaborate costumes. The tutu, in its different iterations, has truly evolved with the art form. And its influence, darling, is not just limited to the stage.
You know how much I love to dabble in fashion! Well, let me tell you, the ballet tutu has influenced fashion throughout the decades. It's appeared on red carpets, graced the pages of Vogue and even infiltrated street style. This magical piece of dance attire is so incredibly versatile.
But, back to our trip through time! In 2016, there was quite a stir in the ballet world, especially with the opening of the Royal Opera House's new ballet production, Giselle. It was a triumph of storytelling and breathtaking choreography, showcasing the ultimate ballerina – a powerful yet delicate creature – perfectly encapsulated by the magnificent tutu!
And remember that date – June 14th, 2016 – a Tuesday! Because every Tuesday, dear readers, I am taking you on this historical journey, exploring the incredible world of the ballet tutu.
What’s your favourite ballet production? What's your favourite kind of tutu? Let me know in the comments below, darling. Don't forget to follow @pink_tutu on Instagram for more fashion inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the exciting world of ballet!
Until next Tuesday, stay fabulous and wear your tutu with pride!
Love, Emma xoxo
