Hello darling dancers!
It’s Emma here, your #TutuTuesday guide to all things tutu-tastic. This week we're stepping back in time (or rather, I’m stepping forward) to the 15th of August 2017, which just so happens to be… well, a Tuesday! 😉
You know I can't resist a good time travel adventure. Just popped in my trusty Time Tutu (which I got in a bargain bin in 1890 - pink, obviously) and whizzed through the decades to get a little glimpse of what life was like in the fashion world all those years ago.
Let's start with a big ol' "WOW!" Because 2017, my dear readers, was an absolute wonderland of tutu style. From street to stage, these beautiful ballet-inspired creations were EVERYWHERE. The runways were a blur of tulle, and even our everyday fashion had a bit of a twirl to it.
But what about the tutus themselves? Let's have a peek at how these graceful garments evolved:
The Big Tutu Shift:
Imagine my excitement when I discovered how drastically the tutu landscape had shifted since the 19th century. While those classic romantic tutus with their multi-layered frills were still adored, we were seeing a major change - a return to the more pared back tutu of the 1900s!
This was a celebration of sleek simplicity. Tutus were becoming streamlined and sleek, embracing minimalist elegance. These "modern" tutus, as they were called, hugged the dancers' bodies, showing off every graceful movement and line. And get this: they were all about bold colours and statement silhouettes - not just those pale pink numbers we see on the stage.
Tutus for All!:
Now, let me tell you about something really special about this period in time - it wasn’t just ballerinas twirling in tutus!
Oh no, my darlings. 2017 saw the tutu embracing the streets with full force. These fabulous, featherlight frocks, whether they were pastel pink, fiery red, or a playful black, were on everyone's lips - or shall I say, Instagram feeds.
Remember the iconic image of Cara Delevingne rocking a black tulle skirt and biker jacket for a Chanel runway show? It was revolutionary! Tutus went from the confines of the dance floor to the city streets, sparking an incredible fusion of fashion and artistry.
Tutus in the Spotlight
Did I tell you about all the amazing ballet performances happening on 15th August 2017? I got myself tickets for the Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, because of course, Swan Lake is one of the classics, and nothing embodies a ballerina better than those elegant white swan costumes. You betcha, I sat with my nose pressed against the window, getting my fill of graceful swans in beautiful white tutus - such artistry!
Then I went to see the Moscow State Ballet performing Giselle, a truly gorgeous spectacle that left me utterly speechless. Those romantic, delicate white and pink tutus and their movement - utter perfection! It was a performance I won't forget in a hurry, even after all this time-travelling.
On This Very Day...
Speaking of ballet brilliance, did you know that on the 15th August 2017, a new film called The Nutcracker and the Four Realms was officially released?
Okay, I confess. It wasn’t just the fact that it was set to be a modern twist on the Nutcracker classic that sent me to the cinema with popcorn at the ready. It was because the film was absolutely jam-packed with spectacular costumes. And they did not disappoint! Tutus for everyone! Seriously, tutus galore in the most incredible designs and styles! Talk about inspiring!
And what was the perfect way to celebrate such a momentous day? A trip to Fortnum & Mason’s, London, of course! Because in 2017, they hosted their very own ‘Ballet Ball’ - a glorious celebration of dance and fashion in the heart of London. It sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Where Does the Pink Tutu Take Us?
And finally, my dears, the biggest question of all. Where does our fascination with tutus lead us in the future? I believe it's just the beginning! The allure of the tutu, with its airy grace and playful spirit, is one that knows no time nor space. So let’s keep celebrating the elegance and joy of this iconic garment!
I, for one, shall keep dreaming in pink and continue on my mission: to get everyone wearing a tutu! 😉 And of course, you’re all invited to join me!
Keep an eye out next Tuesday for my next #TutuTuesday adventure, right here on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time,
Emma
P.S: Be sure to join the Pink Tutu community! We've got amazing threads to chat about everything tutu on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. See you there!
*This post is number 9686 for Emma's Ballet Tutu History blog. *
