#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through Time - Ballet Tutu History (Post #9664)
Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, back with another blast from the past. I've been flitting around the world like a feather on the breeze, following the trail of the iconic tutu, and believe me, the journey is never dull! This week, we're time-hopping to 14th March 2017 ā a Tuesday, of course, because what else could it be on #TutuTuesday?
But first, let's talk tutus. My obsession, as you all know, is as fierce as a BalanƧoire sequence! Thereās something just utterly magical about those fluffy layers of tulle, especially when they're painted a glorious shade of pink!
This time, I'm going to whisk you to New York City ā the heartbeat of the ballet world and a haven for all things glamorous.
Think glittering chandeliers, legendary productions like "Swan Lake" at the Lincoln Center, and a dizzying array of dancewear shops! (Honestly, I nearly cried when I saw that selection of pointe shoes!). It's a truly captivating whirlwind of fashion, grace, and artistic expression, which, as you can guess, is a bit of a heady mix for a tutu enthusiast like myself!
Now, onto 2017
So, in the year of 2017, the ballet world was buzzing! And the great thing is ā you can still experience a taste of it! (Even if you aren't quite as obsessed with tutus as I am - although, come on, why wouldn't you be?!)
I popped into a ballet school near Lincoln Center. Oh, how I love those places! They're so full of ballet energy ā it's contagious! Imagine a rainbow of leotards, perfectly worn ballet slippers, and those oh-so-essential hair buns (so many buns!)! All that before even seeing a pliĆ©!
Speaking of which, did you know, theyāre actually performing "Swan Lake" this very night at the Metropolitan Opera House? Fancy a journey with me, my darling tutu lovers?
Imagine this: A beautiful performance by The American Ballet Theatre, a stunning rendition of that beautiful classicā¦oh, and maybe weāll even get a sneak peek behind the curtain, see how theyāre creating the magical lighting and get to touch some of those breathtaking costumes. What a dream!
Speaking of dreams, did you know that āLa La Landā, that heart-warming film about chasing your passion? Itās set in Los Angeles, but it is filming some scenes right here in New York in 2017. That beautiful music! How it inspires a desire to move and to just simply enjoy the dance, whether youāre wearing a pink tutu or not.
Back to my favourite time period - the late 19th Century. Those classic Romantic tutu styles are what set my tutu heart ablaze! With all their layers, that voluminousness. I remember seeing a wonderful āGiselleā performance during my last time travel jaunt!
So, hereās a little fact to share! Imagineā¦the tutus worn in 1841 when āGiselleā was first performedā¦it was a different world. Ballerinas used to wear hoops of whalebone to get that super-wide look. A far cry from today's airy, gossamer creations. I must admit, it makes me happy because it highlights how the tutuās evolved into such a glorious symbol of grace and freedom.
If I could only grab that stunning 1841 tutu for myself and recreate that āGiselleā for the whole world to see ā now wouldnāt that be magical? (Ahem, I must tell you about the dream of setting up a little Tutu Emporiumā¦.)
I can't resist giving you a little fashion-inspired takeaway from the world of ballet ā and a perfect reason to wear your tutu this week!
If you want a truly dreamy look, go for pastels, like dusty rose or pale blues, like my new favorite pink chiffon tutu! I mean, nothing can top a bit of pale pink loveliness. It adds a sense of effortless beauty, whether youāre out on a Saturday morning trip to the market, heading for a tutti-frutti milkshake, or attending your favourite ballet class.
Because honestly, who can resist the pure elegance of a pastel pink tutu?
Catch you all next week for another TutuTuesday ā I promise, we'll be taking a grand leap through time again!
Love and tulle, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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