Hello lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another installment of my beloved #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a trip back to 2019, specifically 28th May. Why, you ask? Well, let's just say it was a particularly tutu-rific date!
Oh, the excitement of travelling through time! I must admit, catching a train to 2019 was rather thrilling. I always love seeing how fashion evolves. You know me, I adore everything fashion and seeing what trends have stuck around and which ones have faded away. Of course, there is one thing that has never gone out of style, and that's the ballet tutu!
28th May 2019: A Glimpse Back
28th May 2019! What a wonderful date to travel back to. The weather was perfect; sunshine streaming through the windows of the elegant London theatre I'd chosen to see that night. Oh, London is a wonderland for a ballerina! With so many beautiful ballet theatres to explore, and incredible shows to see, there is never a dull moment. It's the kind of place you can easily get lost in for hours!
This day, it was Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House I'd booked tickets for. It is such a classic; so romantic! I could easily get lost in the beautiful story. There's nothing quite like the magic of live performance, especially when it's the story of a swan who transforms into a woman. Talk about #tutugoals!
Tutu Talk: A Brief History
While we're on the subject of tutus, let's have a little chat about their wonderful history! Now, as a proud Derbyshire lass, you'll have to excuse me if my ballet history knowledge is a bit... rustic.
But let me tell you, my research into the history of the ballet tutu has been fascinating! It seems that before the tutus we know and love, dancers would have worn all sorts of things; from big billowing gowns that got in their way to more functional jumpsuits, all in an effort to be graceful. Talk about impractical! Imagine trying to jeté in that! Not my cup of tea.
Luckily, someone had the wonderful idea of a short skirt. The "tutu" made its grand debut as early as the mid-19th century, and believe me, it changed everything! The danseuse could actually be seen and do all the fancy ballet steps! The tutu is what allows a ballet dancer to move in a way that's not just graceful, but powerful, exciting, and captivating. What other type of outfit lets you perform a stunning, acrobatic, athletic ballet in a visually stunning costume? It truly is a magnificent garment.
A Tale of Two Styles
You know, there are different styles of tutus - from the Romantic, where we have the lovely pointe shoes with the full and flouncy skirts to the Classical, where the tutu is much shorter and easier for complex moves and jumps, allowing dancers to take centre stage with a style that is more contemporary. Each tutu brings out a different side to the dance. And honestly, every time I see a dancer in a tutu on stage, I am mesmerized. It's like seeing an ethereal being from a fairytale.
Tutu Twirling Trends
2019, like every year, saw its own tutu trend. You know what I love about these trends? Each season the tutu always stays true to the idea, it's a beautiful and adaptable silhouette! But with fashion there are variations; from those glorious flowing Romantic tutu skirts to the modern take on the Classic tutu, a kind of ballet skirt that you can easily wear off the stage too.
There are so many wonderful shops around the globe where you can buy a fabulous ballet-inspired tutu. There's nothing stopping you from being a beautiful tutu wearing ballerina all year round. I always recommend adding a beautiful sparkly belt or headband to any tutu; it truly elevates the look! And don't forget about your shoes! Remember that tutu magic we discussed, well, ballet slippers are a perfect addition.
Pink is Powerful
Now, if there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I adore the colour pink. So, let's face it, it just wouldn't be a proper TutuTuesday without some pink! I truly believe everyone should have at least one pink tutu in their wardrobe. It's so vibrant and feminine; a true statement of individuality.
Think of the wonderful possibilities: a beautiful blush-toned tutu for a special event, or a bright bubblegum pink for a party. Pink is a statement colour, one that evokes feelings of happiness, joy and fun! That is the ultimate goal, to make a positive statement with every tutu we wear!
My Journey Through Time
As I've journeyed through the different decades, I've seen many wonderful changes in the ballet world, particularly in the way tutus are designed and made. From the classic romantic tutu to more modern styles, there are truly no limits to creativity in this space. And who knows what new trends are waiting for us in the future? But, one thing I know for sure is that tutus are forever, a wonderful representation of ballet’s grace, beauty, and power.
Don't forget, lovelies, let your inner ballerina shine! Keep an eye out for next week's #TutuTuesday. I'll be back with more insights, inspiration, and of course, fabulous pink tutus!
Emma xo
