Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back with another instalment of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. Today, I’m whisking us back to June 16th, 2020, and boy, what a whirlwind of a day it was!
Before we dive into the tutu timeline, let's have a quick chat about today's outfit. My favourite thing about time travel is exploring the evolution of fashion. I’m rocking a lusciously pink, billowing tulle tutu with shimmering silver sequins - imagine a celestial sunset reflected in a disco ball, but with a slightly more twirly feel.
You see, dear readers, pink is the colour of passion, creativity, and, let’s be honest, an abundance of joy. And let's be real, tutus are a canvas for creativity! We're talking about an explosion of colours, textures, and designs. And they’re the epitome of playful femininity, making us all feel like ethereal fairy princesses – who doesn’t want a touch of magic in their life?
So, where were we on this fabulous day back in 2020? You know I couldn't resist a trip to the iconic Metropolitan Opera House in New York! I mean, tutus are as synonymous with opera and ballet as the scent of freshly baked bread is with grandma’s house, right?
Well, imagine my delight when I arrived just in time to see a revival of the Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake! This majestic ballet is practically a tutu textbook, especially the iconic ‘White Swan’ costumes, delicate and graceful as feathers themselves. The sheer romance of it all sent me swooning, let me tell you.
Speaking of swan lakes, you’ll be delighted to know that today was also World Turtle Day! These fascinating creatures share a deep connection with ballerinas – their graceful movements, delicate shells, and overall charm bring them close to the magical world of ballet!
Now, back to the history of the tutu itself. I'd love to go deep into the origin stories and evolution, but you wouldn’t want to spend the whole evening glued to the blog! I promise we'll unpack the enchanting journey of the tutu from its humble beginnings in 19th-century France to its current status as a cultural icon in a later post.
The magic of the tutu lies in its transformative power, don't you think? One minute you’re walking down the street, blending into the background, and the next, you’re a swirling symphony of colour and movement. It's like a modern-day Cinderella story, only instead of a glass slipper, we're using a shimmering cloud of tulle to reveal the fairytale inside all of us!
Of course, 2020 was also a time of huge societal shifts and change, and tutus had their own place within it. You’ll remember the explosion of #BlackLivesMatter protests, a crucial step in raising awareness and driving change across the globe. We were, as always, reminded of the power of expression, whether through protest or creative pursuits like dance – we can change the world one tutu at a time!
After my theatrical escapade, I treated myself to some delightful shopping. Remember those dazzling silver sequins I mentioned earlier? Found them at the most fabulous vintage shop! If you’re ever in New York, be sure to check it out - they’ve got a fabulous collection of tutus from various periods. Oh, the thrill of discovering a perfectly preserved vintage creation!
And speaking of treats, a time-travelled tutu wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the local bakery. That warm, yeasty aroma was almost as good as a pirouette, I tell you. And who could resist a delicate pastry dusted with powdered sugar – the perfect ballerina's treat!
I couldn't possibly leave New York without a proper farewell: a delightful Broadway show. I absolutely loved watching The Lion King. There’s something about seeing such fantastical, animalistic creatures perform in front of a live audience, with music and lighting, that leaves me feeling completely enthralled!
It's not just about the show, darling; it's the whole experience – the costumes, the music, the excitement that takes hold. The fact that the stage has always been a space for diverse storytelling, representing human experiences, is just another layer of enchantment.
My time in 2020 was, like all time travel adventures, brief, but incredibly insightful! As I'm boarding the next train to my next destination, I’m already looking forward to my next Tutu Tuesday blog – but before I go, let me know what YOU’D like to read about next! Are you curious about a specific time period or type of tutu? Tell me everything!
I leave you today with a final thought. The power of tutus lies not just in the fabric but in the spirit that fills them – a spirit of play, creativity, and unwavering optimism. We all have a touch of magic inside of us; embrace it, love it, and express it with all the elegance and exuberance of a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina.
Until next week, dear readers. And remember, a tutu is a good day. Have a wonderful, twirly week!
