Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad guide to the wonderful world of dance history, and it's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another trip down memory lane - with a twist, naturally.
This week, we're hopping on the Orient Express (because a tutu-wearing ballerina can never resist a fabulous train journey!) and landing ourselves right smack dab in the middle of 18th October 2016. And what's on the schedule? Oh, just a little something called the Ballet National de Marseille production of Giselle! Talk about a dream! Can you imagine all the tulle, all the twirling, all the artistry? Oh, my!
But before we get carried away with the enchantment of Giselle, let's take a little peek at what the tutu world was like on this very date.
You see, my dears, the world of the tutu is one of constant evolution. While we tend to think of tutus as those iconic, billowing creations from classic ballets, their history is far more diverse and fascinating!
Think back to the early days, my lovelies, back in the 1700s when dancing became increasingly popular, and with it, the need for appropriate attire. Now, these "tutues" were more of a skirt, shorter and narrower than we see today. Imagine something akin to the dancers in The Sleeping Beauty, those pretty knee-length numbers. It was all about showing off those elegant moves, but not necessarily creating the "en pointe" magic we cherish in classical ballet.
Fast forward to the romantic era - talk about a game-changer! We’re talking graceful figures, lyrical themes, and, yes, the emergence of the tutu as we know it. Those grand, airy skirts, just itching for the dramatic sweeps and leaps of the ballets that defined the period. It was around this time that tutus took on a more full and voluminous form, with the iconic layers we adore becoming the signature silhouette. It's quite frankly a tutu marvel!
Now, 2016...Oh my, 2016! We're in a world of endless tutu possibilities. There are the traditional classics, the modern interpretations, the playfully bold and daring, and those perfectly modern marvels we see at the ballet - the tutu evolution is a true masterpiece.
The world is just overflowing with amazing ballets - The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, you name it. But beyond those beautiful performances, tutus have seeped into pop culture. You can’t even begin to imagine the fashion-forwardness. There's an element of tutus everywhere, from glamorous red carpet gowns to daring streetwear.
My darling, I see you gazing out your window, already picturing a pink tutu paired with that chic denim jacket you picked up. You go, girl! Rock those tutus! The world is your runway. And don't even get me started on those breathtaking contemporary performances that feature all kinds of unconventional styles - deconstructed, sculptural, abstract, daring…It's truly exhilarating! And speaking of thrilling, have I mentioned Giselle!?
Back in the 18th October, 2016, Giselle was the main event at the Ballet National de Marseille, and can you even imagine! It would have been an incredible spectacle - a real treat for any tutu-lover. Giselle is a story of love, loss, and a whole lot of fabulous twirling. The dancing must have been extraordinary, the story moving, the tutus, the tutus - a masterpiece. And who doesn’t love a romantic tragedy set against the backdrop of graceful dancers and breathtaking tutus?
But what exactly was the world like back then, beyond the exciting realm of dance?
Imagine the internet, overflowing with news and photos. Social media? In full swing. And people were sharing all things fashion, including the latest trends. It’s fair to say that 2016, just like today, is all about expressing oneself. And there's nothing more fun, daring, and wonderfully whimsical than embracing that individual expression in a tutu.
Now, darling, as much as I'd love to spend all day reminiscing about this tutu-tastic trip back to the world of 18th October, 2016, I must confess, I'm feeling an insatiable urge to travel forward in time. You know me, always on the lookout for new ballet experiences and new ways to wear a pink tutu. I am, after all, on a mission! A mission to make the world a more whimsical, more playful, and, yes, more tutu-filled place!
Remember my lovelies, tutus are for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned ballerina, a budding dance enthusiast, or just a lover of all things pink and pretty, there's a perfect tutu waiting to be discovered. It’s time to unleash that inner ballerina, put on that fabulous skirt, and join me on this whirlwind of tutu adventures!
So until next Tuesday, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and most importantly, keep those tutus twirling!
Love always,
Emma
xx
