#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2016-09-20

Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveler, back with another fabulous delve into the world of ballet history! It’s #TutuTuesday, so naturally, we’re focusing on those most magnificent, most ethereal, most captivating of dance garments… the ballet tutu! 🩰

This week, we’re stepping back in time to 20th September 2016! I must say, this date holds a particular enchantment for me. It was a Tuesday (a perfect day for tutu-wearing!), and London, the beating heart of ballet, was abuzz with exciting happenings! I'd just finished a rather enchanting ballet class at the Royal Opera House, followed by a scrumptious lunch in Covent Garden. All this, topped off with a visit to a darling little shop filled with the most incredible vintage ballet wear… how’s that for a perfect Tuesday?

Now, back to 2016… Let’s take a trip through time, shall we? (A bit like a graceful, elegant grand jeté through a centuries-long ballet performance!).

Back in the Romantic era, ballerinas donned impossibly long, flowing tutus made from layers upon layers of tulle – think Giselle! A real ethereal vision! Those gorgeous tutus showcased the exquisite movements and athleticism of the dancers. The style evolved throughout the years, though, with tutus becoming increasingly shorter and tighter.

And guess what? 2016 was in the midst of a magnificent revival of both the Romantic and the Classical tutu styles!

Remember Swan Lake? Those intricate, delicate tutus - made for soaring leaps and graceful extensions? I just adore how those tutus highlight the swan's gracefulness and fragility, particularly in the White Swan scene! And in 2016, designers were reinventing these classic styles with stunning embroidery, dazzling beadwork, and new, experimental fabrics! The more intricate and artistic, the better!

Now, 2016 also saw a massive trend in street ballet. The most wonderful, stylish ballet moves mixed with cool street wear, the ultimate expression of contemporary dance fashion! I just love how ballet, traditionally confined to the stage, was spilling out onto the streets! It was a testament to the freedom, the energy, the joy that ballet brings.

And speaking of joy... I spent the whole of 2016 mesmerized by ballet shows at the Royal Opera House, where performances of Swan Lake, Giselle, and Romeo and Juliet had audiences enthralled! Seeing those tutus come alive on stage, swirling and twirling with each graceful movement, is truly an enchanting experience. You could almost say… magic! 💫

What's a ballerina's favorite pastime? (Apart from dancing, of course!) It’s got to be tutu shopping, dear readers! And my oh my, I indulged in some serious pink tutu hunting on that day in 2016! London has the best boutiques, you know!

That day, I stumbled upon this little gem tucked away in a cobblestone street. It was crammed with treasures – from old silk slippers to the most spectacular vintage tutus you've ever seen! I was in heaven! I found the most delicate, lace-trimmed, pale pink tutu, a delicate, antique piece!

Imagine, darling, me twirling through 2016 London, a graceful blur of pink! (This little pink tutu travelled with me throughout my time-traveling adventures!). It’s so much fun wearing a pink tutu to blend in with the 2016 crowd. You’d be surprised how easily a splash of pink brightens up the world, you know!

Oh, but the ballet's impact on fashion in 2016 – it was truly phenomenal! Fashion designers were taking inspiration from ballet's graceful movements, its elegance, and yes, you guessed it… the ever-so-stylish tutus! They were putting ballet elements on the runways! It was magical! The tutus went from the stage to the streets, inspiring everything from whimsical skirts to flowing dresses and bold statement pieces! It's like fashion was doing a pirouette of its own!

That little pink tutu, darling? I made sure it went everywhere with me. It was so versatile, looking amazing with a pair of crisp white converse, a fitted black leather jacket, or even a sleek black maxi dress! The tutu just elevates everything, don’t you agree? It’s the secret to an effortless touch of elegance – perfect for London’s vibrant street life. And just like the beautiful tutus on stage, you have to be willing to dance around life in it – with freedom, passion, and a generous dose of pink, of course!

2016, though years ago, was such a memorable journey for a pink tutu-loving ballerina. Seeing how the tutu has evolved and continues to inspire generations of dancers, artists, and even fashion designers – well, it makes my little pink tutu heart sing! I'll never tire of reminding everyone – tutus are not just for ballet. It’s the magic ingredient in any look, anywhere, anytime. So, darling readers, I challenge you! Tutu Up! Join me in the grand, glamorous tutu revolution! Go ahead, add a little pink sparkle to your everyday adventures! You'll be amazed by the results – trust me, the world looks even more magical from behind a tutu.

See you next #TutuTuesday, with another grand pirouette into ballet history! And as always, remember, my darlings: keep twirling!

With Love,

Emma

About Emma and Pink Tutu.com: Emma, a time-traveling ballet enthusiast with a heart as bright as her pink tutu, runs a popular website called "Pink Tutu.com", dedicated to sharing her love for the world of ballet, tutus, and all things pink. She posts weekly blogs, #TutuTuesday, about the rich history and enduring appeal of ballet tutus. From travelling back in time to watch legendary ballet performances to the most captivating new ballet companies and performances in 2023, she's passionate about sharing the joy and beauty of ballet with the world!

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