Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back again with another installment of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. This week, we're stepping back in time, just a smidge, to July 5th, 2016. Now, while that might seem like yesterday for some of you, for me, it's a whole other adventure!
As you all know, I travel through time using the magic of the ballet. It's a little secret, shh! Every time I step onto a stage or twirl through a class, I can hop into a time machine, and who better to take me on this wonderful journey than our dear friend, the Tutu?
Now, this week I was lucky enough to catch a performance by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House - oh la la! They were showcasing a new production of Swan Lake. Talk about majestic! The swan costumes were breathtaking and their tulle just flowed in the most graceful way! I'm sure even the pigeons on the Royal Opera House roof were mesmerized by the sheer beauty of it all.
I spent the rest of the evening in the beautiful city of London, just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The streets were bustling, full of shoppers and tourists alike, with a real air of excitement in the air. It made me want to don my pinkest tutu and swirl right down Piccadilly! Just picture it, the London Eye as a giant disco ball reflecting off the sparkle of my tulle - absolute perfection! And you know what, it made me realise, in 2016, London was the epicenter of tutu-related excitement. They weren’t just a ballet essential but a symbol of femininity and grace - just like how I feel!
I made my way through the shops, taking in all the wonderful fashion and getting inspired. Remember that vintage Dior dress I'm wearing? Found it in a vintage shop in Chelsea that day, tucked away amongst a rack of stunning gowns. It perfectly reflects the glamorous vibes of the era and the elegant silhouette that echoed in the ballet costumes, don't you think? Such style!
Speaking of vintage fashion, July 5th, 2016 saw a renewed interest in all things retro. Everyone was swooning over the A-line skirt (such a lovely, feminine shape, don't you think?) and halter-tops (oh, I just adore how these frame the shoulders, especially when teamed with a full tutu!) This was definitely a moment for taking inspiration from the past, a lovely nod to all those wonderful ballerinas who have come before us, setting the trend in grace and style.
Now, as a self-proclaimed Tutu Historian, I have to say the 2010s were a real turning point for the tutu. They were a time when tutus became less confined to the stage and emerged into the everyday world! I mean, remember that adorable Tutus for the Troops movement where people donned tutus to support our soldiers? Absolutely delightful! This sort of tutugeneration proved the versatile nature of our dear tutu - and that it’s not just for professional dancers anymore! Anyone can embrace their inner ballerina and make the tutu their own. It’s about confidence, expressing yourself, and celebrating the grace and joy that only a good twirl can bring!
In fact, on this day in 2016, it felt as though the whole world was celebrating tutus in a big way! Vogue magazine dedicated an entire article to the rise of the tutu in everyday fashion. This was a sign that times were changing, that we were no longer confined to traditional interpretations of fashion and ballet, but embracing a more inclusive and vibrant expression of both. I'd say we have the power of the Tutu to thank for it! How utterly fantastic!
But speaking of traditions, did you know July 5th, 2016 was the first anniversary of the iconic Dance Like No One is Watching video featuring people across the world dancing freely, spontaneously? What an incredible concept, don’t you think? It showcased how beautiful and expressive movement is, even if it’s just a simple twirl! I thought it perfectly embodied the essence of tutus - about liberating ourselves, having fun, and being ourselves! I just knew I had to bring a little bit of that joy to the 2016 crowd! I dashed out to find some brightly-colored tutus to share the fun with! I couldn't help but giggle as I watched a group of strangers trying on tutus for the first time, and their laughter and shrieks of joy just resonated with the essence of this Tutu Tuesday! We were living our best Tutu lives, darling!
So, let’s sum it all up. The 5th of July 2016 was a moment of pure tutu magic! We saw a world embracing the Tutu in all its glory, as a fashion statement, a symbol of joy and liberation, and a testament to the power of graceful movement. And it truly felt like the whole world was ready to embrace the pink tutu. After all, as any true Tutu enthusiast knows, pink is the ultimate expression of femininity and joyful confidence! I’d go so far as to say, it’s tutu-ally wonderful!
So there you have it! It’s been another fun #TutuTuesday adventure in the annals of Tutu History, and you know what? I just can’t wait for my next time-travel adventure, and you know what else? You can too!
See you next Tuesday for a brand-new story from my ballet time-traveling archives, and until then, keep on twirling, darlings!
Love,
Emma, Your Pink Tutu Guru
