#TutuTuesday Blog Post #9701
Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome to another whirlwind of a #TutuTuesday, straight from the archives of your favourite time-travelling tutu enthusiast, Emma! Today, we’re setting our dancing shoes in the shimmering sands of November 28th, 2017, a date overflowing with ballet history and a sprinkle of whimsical fashion! It’s hard to believe we’re hurtling through time – just a couple of weeks ago I was waltzing in 1920s New York, mesmerized by the first tap-dancing "black bottom" routines! And before that, I found myself at a sumptuous 18th century Vienna ball, tripping the light fantastic with my toes just peeking out of my fluffy rococo-inspired satin slippers! Time travel is tiring, but nothing, nothing, I tell you, can beat the thrill of seeing the history of tutus unfurl before my very eyes.
Today’s trip landed me in the heart of London, just across the road from Covent Garden. The iconic Royal Opera House is always buzzing with excitement, and the air is thick with anticipation for the new production of The Nutcracker. Every year this beautiful tale of magical toys and a valiant prince never fails to enchant. Even now, I can practically hear Tchaikovsky's score ringing through my ears, imagine the twinkling Christmas tree sparkling beneath the chandelier, and feel the delicious chill of the December air. There’s a kind of magic, a sparkle, that’s always associated with The Nutcracker, isn't there? And of course, what is a ballet performance without its magical costumes? And by the way, who would have thought in the 19th century that a ballerina would take centre stage adorned in a costume, more suited for a Christmas decoration, a full-skirted pink tutu, that symbol of magic and wonder, dancing on a stage in a setting of pure fairytale? Well, that is the legacy of The Nutcracker – a classic ballet that brought pink tutus to the fore in the ballet world.
The day was filled with ballet-mania. Every corner had a hint of pink tutu. Pink tutus for children, pink tutus for grandmas, pink tutus for brides! You see, in the 2017 timeline, the tutu had taken centre stage in fashionable circles, it was the ultimate ballerina fashion statement. And guess who led the pack, inspiring every designer with her fabulous pink tutus?
This wonderful world of tutus, where it was completely acceptable for women to embrace their feminine spirit, is one of the most enchanting adventures I’ve encountered in my time-travelling career!
On my quest to understand the evolution of this wonderful symbol of ballet, the tutu, I discovered that the 19th-century world was far more demure than it is today! In 1841, Marie Taglioni became famous for performing a revolutionary move while wearing a softly tiered tutu. She actually exposed her calf and even a part of her foot. Now that was shocking! The move became known as “la danse du sylphide,” the Sylph’s dance.
From those early days, tutus evolved, but the trend towards showing off more of a woman’s body was clear! Even during the Victorian era when women were confined to heavy, impractical, corseted gowns, a ballerina was able to be completely free. Imagine how liberated and exciting it must have felt to take the stage with those soft flowing tutus, the lightness of them, the feeling of liberation they must have provided. They could almost soar with the help of these amazing creations.
After visiting the Royal Opera House, I decided to take a break from ballet history to explore a new ballet inspired fashion collection! In the trendy boutique “Little Bird” on Covent Garden, I tried on a fluffy pastel pink tutu, a modern version of the famous classical ballet skirt. Paired with an exquisitely simple ivory silk top and sleek black ballet flats, this ensemble perfectly reflected the tutu’s evolution into everyday fashion. From the stage to the street, the tutu continues to grace and enhance every elegant and feminine lady and, of course, that’s what I adore about this piece of dancing costume, it’s not limited to the stage or just ballerinas – it belongs to anyone and everyone, who dare to dance with a feminine twist!
And what could be a more delightful way to celebrate a #TutuTuesday than with a visit to a vintage ballet clothing store on nearby Monmouth Street? It’s just full of amazing vintage tutus - everything from the grand romantic era through to the more practical but no less beautiful 20th century tutus! I always get completely swept away in this time-warp of dancing delight! I must admit that it was impossible for me to resist adding to my collection of vintage tutus – a pristine pale blue tutu, just the right colour for an afternoon of waltz dancing.
My mission, as you know, dear readers, is to convince the world that pink tutus should become a daily staple. To wear your pink tutu to work! To wear it shopping! To wear it to a birthday party! I want tutus to become as essential as your favourite pair of shoes! Because after all, who doesn’t want to twirl a little bit every now and then?
As the day dwindled and the lights twinkled over the city streets of London, it was time for me to catch a train back to Derbyshire, where I would have the privilege of enjoying another exciting ballet show in my beautiful hometown. Nothing beats a train journey with the sounds of music and the rhythm of the tracks lulling me into my usual state of bliss and relaxation. And to keep my pink-tutu dreams alight, I made sure I had enough time to explore a few local antique shops for even more delightful, vintage, sparkly tutu discoveries, a real treasure hunt for these gorgeous gems!
To my lovely readers, thank you for joining me for this little tutu adventure! Do follow me on social media and be sure to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com for even more tutu-licious blog posts!
Until next week, may your twirls be filled with joy and your days sparkling like a well-chosen tutu!
See you next Tuesday,
Emma.
p.s. My last trip to London in the 2017 time line, before I set off for today’s blog, left me in no doubt about what my favourite pink tutu style was! If you’re looking for that elegant, but stylish “look” – consider the romantic “layered tulle skirt,” paired with a simple but striking black top – simply sublime and so fashionable!
p.p.s. And did I tell you how excited I am about my next big ballet trip! You see, the year is 2018, and I have just discovered that the Ballet Black, is hosting their 18th Anniversary celebration at the Sadlers Wells Theatre, this is bound to be the most fashionable event of the year. Don’t you think a stunning sequined tutu will be in order for this fantastic event? And my vintage tutu hunt for a fabulous Sequinned Tutu has already begun! Just watch this space for my report on the event.
