#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-05-26

Hello my dearest tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another delve into the fascinating history of the tutu! Today, we're venturing back to the 20th of May, 2020, a date that marked the beginning of a new chapter for ballet and the world! But before we dive in, let's get ourselves a delicious cuppa - Earl Grey, naturally - and a slice of pink frosted cake! 🍰

It’s funny to think how much life changed in 2020! Suddenly the world felt very different - we were all adjusting to new routines, wearing face masks, and, most importantly, discovering the joy of online ballet classes!

The year 2020 marked a moment of global change and creativity, particularly in the world of ballet. While we were all yearning to return to the grand theatres, a remarkable thing happened - the rise of online ballet! It allowed ballet companies worldwide to connect with audiences like never before, right from the comfort of our living rooms. It was magical!

But on this particular day, May 20th, 2020, ballet was still in its pre-digital renaissance. It’s quite funny, actually, because that very day in London's West End, “Matilda the Musical” was putting on a captivating show, blending dance with a brilliant story that resonated with everyone - the magic of childhood! And for me, who enjoys a bit of stage magic, a show like this, where dancing is interwoven into a magical story, truly captures the beauty of the art form!

It's true! Whilst online platforms were still taking their first steps in the ballet world, companies and choreographers were starting to understand the transformative potential of digital ballet, especially for their performances. Even though there were many hurdles to overcome, there was also an air of possibility in the air!

I distinctly recall feeling excited about the possibilities this new digital space offered. Imagine, tutus twirling and sparkling for audiences all over the globe!

Now, what really makes me feel excited about a digital age for ballet, you ask? Well, I can see so much more inclusivity. The accessibility for people who haven't been able to go to a live performance suddenly explodes, which means there’s the chance for everyone, anywhere in the world, to feel the magic of ballet! And if we can do that with ballet, imagine what else we can achieve. Perhaps #TutuTuesday will be trending in Mongolia one day! Who knows?

Of course, when I can’t resist a ballet fix, London’s West End is always my top spot! It’s a wonderland of stunning theatres, each with its own unique atmosphere. The Royal Opera House with its iconic neoclassical grandeur and its beautiful tutus, or the beautiful Lyric Theatre with its magnificent facade. I love the magic that these places bring!

The buzz of the city is simply electrifying. Seeing people in beautiful outfits getting ready for a show is always inspiring! I’m all for shopping for a beautiful vintage blouse in a boutique near a theatre, or a glamorous pair of shoes for my own performance, even if it’s just in my living room! There’s so much creative inspiration to be found in London!

But back to the tutu, now! On May 20th, 2020, we had tutus, we had shows, and we were learning how to navigate a whole new world of possibilities. Even with new online platforms being explored, tutus still captured the imagination of ballet lovers worldwide.

The romantic, graceful tutu still held a certain spell over audiences! Just imagine yourself as a graceful ballerina in your favorite pink tutu, gracefully leaping and twirling to the delight of an online audience! It’s truly magical!

I must confess, I find the historical evolution of the tutu completely captivating. Each time I time-travel, I'm in awe of how it has evolved over centuries, adapting and evolving with fashion and culture.

But, I also feel a deep affection for those delicate tulle layers. It makes me so proud of the incredible legacy of ballet! 🩰

Looking back on this specific moment in time, it feels like a reminder that while there will be challenges, ballet will find its way! It always has. We all had to find a new way to connect with our passions during 2020 and beyond, and in doing so we brought even more people into the world of ballet.

We had to learn how to adapt. Embrace the digital age. Just as we learned how to make the most of every opportunity and possibility, so did the ballet world.

That is, ultimately, what makes ballet so special. The way we all come together - on stage, online, and even when traveling through time! 😉

That is why, my lovely friends, we celebrate tutus every week with #TutuTuesday! A time for celebration of everything ballet. The elegance, the joy, the beauty, the sheer magical beauty that is the ballerina and her iconic tutu! And we know it is not just the tutu but everything around it that brings the ballet experience to life - the theatre, the shows, the beautiful fashion, the amazing shopping, and all the experiences that connect us all through this wondrous world of ballet. And of course, that gorgeous pink cake is just an added bonus! 🍰

Join me again next Tuesday, my darlings, as we delve into another slice of ballet history! Until then, stay beautiful, stay passionate, and most importantly, wear your tutu proudly! 💕

Love,

Emma x

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Follow me on social media for even more tutu-tastic updates! You can find me on Twitter @pinktutuemma, Instagram @pinktutuemma, and Facebook @PinkTutuEmma.