Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another Tutu Tuesday adventure, direct from… well, I can’t tell you exactly where. Let's just say this week's trip is rather magical!
Today's date is 26th November 2019. Now, 2019! That was such a fantastic year for ballet. So much going on! But let's not forget those elegant tutus that took centre stage. And by centre stage, I mean literally on stage.
So, grab a cuppa and let's embark on a tutu-ly captivating journey through history!
The Rise of the Tutu (and the Dance of the Centuries)
Oh, darling, the tutu, that iconic symbol of grace and elegance! How did it become so essential to the world of ballet? To understand the tutu, we have to step back in time, dear readers. Way back to the early 19th century, where romanticism was sweeping through Europe like a pirouette across the stage. And with this shift came a desire for something different.
Before the tutu, dancers were quite frankly… swamped. Imagine performing in long, flowing dresses! That must have been quite a sight! These weren't quite practical, were they? So, ballet was looking for a fresh new look. And behold, the tutu was born! In fact, one of the first ever tutus was worn by the Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi in 1841. It wasn't a full skirt like the tutus we see today, more a shortened skirt and was designed for her role in Giselle! It was, dare I say, revolutionary for its time, showcasing the dancer's every movement, much like a beautiful painting.
Now, don’t forget, we’re in France! And oh, darling, how do they love a good spectacle! Ballet has a huge tradition in France. The tutu, in fact, truly became popular during the Romantic era of ballet, with the rise of The Paris Opera Ballet and famous ballerinas like Marie Taglioni. You may know her as the ‘Queen of Ballet’ and she wore a magnificent, shorter, form-fitting tutu!
So, the tutu became it girl for its lightweight, flowy and expressive qualities. As the 20th century rolled around, the tutu continued its magical transformation. We started to see the short, puffy tutu! You know, the kind that looks like a pouf of chiffon.
It's important to say that not all ballerinas wore, or indeed wear, tutus! You might think of Tchaikovsky's famous Swan Lake where the corps de ballet perform as swans in stunning long tutus (a bit Swan Lake in my tutu! That’s definitely a look!). But it’s worth pointing out that Odette the swan, who takes the pas de deux with Prince Siegfried, only wears a traditional romantic tutu.
The tutu, for me, symbolises not only elegance but also freedom and individuality!
The Power of a Pink Tutu
Okay, you know I adore pink tutus! My friends call me "Pink Princess of the Ballet" (they’re just a little jealous) and as I said before, it’s my goal to get everyone wearing one!
Why pink? Because pink, just like the tutu, is all about self-expression, vibrancy and, well, frankly, just pure happiness. And isn’t that what we need in this world? So, the next time you see a pink tutu, don't just see a piece of fabric, see a statement! See a symbol of joyful freedom. It's our colour darling!
Traveling with a Tutu (and a Little Inspiration)
This week, I’m off on an epic adventure! From the bustling streets of London to a quaint, magical town, my pink tutu will be my guide through a symphony of ballet history! This time travel isn’t just about visiting past centuries. It’s about embracing the future of ballet and encouraging everyone to experience its beauty.
How do I do it? Well, let’s just say a girl needs to work hard to fund her love of ballet and her travelling. So, a little performing, and maybe a little magic, will allow me to flit through the years and experience ballet’s story up close and personal.
My travel motto? If a ballerina can en pointe across a stage, she can travel the world in a tutu! Just gotta be sure to keep the iron handy in those luggage bags for a wrinkle-free pink tutu, my dear!
What is it like in 2019?
I don’t have long today. So, to catch up you on this year (2019)!
Let me just say 2019 was unforgettable! From thrilling performances by Royal Ballet dancers and dazzling shows at the English National Ballet (I have the most exquisite little tutu from my visit there!) to street performances that set the world in motion, 2019 truly took ballet to new heights. It seems as though every ballet company was vying to bring its audience unique, inventive and unforgettable shows. It's inspiring!
And just yesterday I caught La Bayadère, which is my new obsession. Oh, it's truly beautiful and full of drama.
My goodness, darling! Look at the time! Gotta dash. I have a tutu-inspired fashion show to prepare for in London - a whole collection dedicated to all things ballet. Just a touch of vintage here, a bit of modern there, a few swirls of chiffon and a lot of pink. I must tell you, this particular show is being sponsored by a well-known ballet-inspired clothing line…and of course I am a big fan of those sparkly pointe shoes for evening wear!
And don’t forget darling! Look out for a very special pink edition next week. See you then!
