Hey, fellow tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and today is Tutu Tuesday! Can you believe we've already hit number 9764 in my Ballet Tutu History blog? It seems like just yesterday I was posting about the birth of the tutus – oh wait, that was just yesterday, but you know what I mean!
Time travel is tricky like that, you see. You just hop in the old time machine, pull a lever, and poof! – you're in a different era, surrounded by historical fashion. It’s so exciting!
Speaking of excitement, today is a big day! 12th February 2019 – it’s the day of the Royal Ballet’s incredible performance of Giselle at the Royal Opera House! As a huge fan of Giselle – both the story and the stunning tutus – I couldn't miss this.
And wouldn’t you know it, my trip through time dropped me right outside the Opera House! Just my luck. The only thing missing was a sparkly pink tutu – tut-tut – cue dramatic sigh.
But fret not! There's always a way to bring a touch of tutu-fied joy to any occasion, even a high-class ballet. So I whipped out my favourite pink polka dot headband – think dainty, feminine, and oh-so-charming! The perfect complement to a chic black dress and a pair of elegant flats. (Let’s face it, heels just don’t mix with the chaotic rush of a busy Covent Garden afternoon.)
And talking about Covent Garden… where do I even begin? It’s a ballet and fashion lover’s paradise! Rows and rows of boutiques filled with stunning garments that make even the simplest of ballet leotards seem dull. The shop windows were bursting with fabulous colours and textures, making my heart do a happy pirouette.
But honestly, you can find great clothes everywhere – even in Derbyshire, my little corner of England where I’m originally from! You just need a discerning eye, a dash of creativity, and a willingness to embrace the fun of it all!
Which brings us back to the tutus, because as we know, tutus are much more than just costumes – they're a celebration of movement, freedom, and, of course, our love for all things ballet!
A Brief History of Tutu Loveliness:
Let's embark on a quick journey through the magical world of tutu history. It's all about understanding how these airy wonders came to grace the stage. We have to thank the talented Marie Taglioni, a real innovator in the ballet world.
Imagine the 1830s – The Romantic Era, a time of swirling skirts and dreamy romance. It was during this era that Marie took centre stage, breaking the boundaries of traditional dance attire. She said a resounding "No" to the heavy, cumbersome dresses that restricted movement and introduced something lighter, freer – the tutu.
This wasn’t just any ordinary skirt. It was the Romantic Tutu, light and delicate, cascading like a cloud around the ballerina. Think filmy fabrics and delicate netting – perfect for those effortless pirouettes and dazzling leaps. It brought a new lightness and grace to the stage, capturing the romantic spirit of the era perfectly!
Now fast-forward to the end of the 19th century, when The Classical Tutu came into play. Picture it – structured, short, and absolutely stunning, designed to showcase every graceful movement and beautifully sculpted line of the ballerina’s body. These are the ones that you'll often see in classical ballets, from Swan Lake to Sleeping Beauty, each spin a beautiful visual spectacle!
The Tutu: a symbol of artistry, elegance, and – dare I say it – pure feminine charm. That’s why I make it my mission to celebrate its legacy. Let’s face it, a tutu can make anyone feel like a ballerina! So ditch your usual Monday attire, put on your fanciest tutu, and join me in celebrating all things tutu-tastic!
Where to Find the Most Magical Tutus?
Okay, we can't have a Tutu Tuesday blog without sharing a few must-visit places for any tutu enthusiast! The best part about this blog? It's like a personal recommendation list for the best tutu stores!
- The Royal Opera House – Okay, it's not just for seeing a show. Their shop is a hidden treasure trove! You can pick up official ballet merchandise – I scored the coolest tote bag here last time I visited! And even a couple of adorable ballerina-themed mugs for my collection.
- Liberty – Just a stone's throw from Covent Garden. The fashion, the elegance! If you’re on a serious shopping spree, they have some incredibly chic and delicate options. Their fabrics – ooh la la – they’ll definitely set you dreaming of pirouettes in luxurious settings!
- Selfridges – My absolute favourite department store. A true wonderland of fashion. Not exactly just tutus, but you can find tons of inspiration and some wonderfully sparkly options – great for that evening performance or party you're going to.
- The National Ballet School in London - If you are serious about a classical tutu - the Ballet school is a real treasure trove!
- For all things tutus: This one is for all you dancers out there! It’s called the London School of Ballet.
Why I Love Travelling by Train:
Now, here’s the thing. Every journey is part of the adventure, and since my trusty time machine seems to be on a little holiday (let’s face it, travelling between timelines is taxing work) – I've resorted to the glorious railway network.
What could be better than wandering through the carriages of the train, letting my imagination run wild while sipping on a nice cup of tea? (Oh, how I do love British tea! It’s almost as essential as a pink tutu!) You just throw on your tutu – well, the shorter one, obviously, so it’s travel-friendly, and bam – you’ve got yourself a fab travelling outfit. Plus, trains have fantastic windows perfect for people-watching and spotting amazing outfits. It's almost as good as ballet performances!
But of course, the biggest attraction for me is the opportunity to travel. To hop onto the train, leave the worries behind, and embrace the thrill of discovering a new city, a new story, and a new ballet to add to my ever-growing collection of magical memories. It's a chance to lose myself in the excitement of exploration and celebrate all that ballet brings to life!
Spread the Tutu Love!
Remember, the magic of the tutu is contagious! So don’t just admire, get out there and join in the fun. You don’t have to be a professional ballerina to experience the sheer joy of dancing in a tutu. Embrace your inner tutu-loving diva!
Now I must run, there’s a delicious vintage clothing store in Notting Hill calling my name – the perfect place to pick up something tutu-worthy for my next travel adventure. Oh, and did I mention I’m writing a book?
Keep a look out for “The Tutu Diaries,” it's coming soon.
Till next time, keep your pirouettes graceful and your tutus fabulous!
Yours truly, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
