Hello darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! I'm your favourite Derbyshire lass and tutu enthusiast, Emma, and today, we're on a journey through time! I'm writing this from a bustling Parisian café, overlooking the Eiffel Tower - such a stunning view, and I couldn't resist adding a dash of pink to my look with my oh-so-fabulous, shimmering pink tulle tutu.
As you know, my #TutuTuesday posts delve into the glorious history of our beloved tutu. But this week, we're doing something special - we're celebrating the rise of the pink tutu! You know, I adore a classic, ivory-hued tutu, but let's face it - there's just something about that vibrant, playful shade of pink!
And to think, in 2020, there wasn't even a proper word for this type of bright, cheerful, candy-floss pink - people used 'Barbie pink', 'bubblegum pink', or even the rather uninspired, 'hot pink'! Oh, the drama! So you can imagine my surprise when I waltzed through the 21st century (via a delightful overnight train journey, of course!), and saw the pink tutu absolutely booming! It's been a delightful discovery.
Now, rewind the clock with me to the year 1832: Marie Taglioni, our very own tutu pioneer, graced the stage in a revolutionary, white, knee-length garment for her role in La Sylphide - and oh boy, did it change ballet fashion forever! Now, let's fast-forward a little, to 1886. We see our friend Marius Petipa, in the middle of his choreographic glory days, designing the infamous "Russian School Tutu". A tutu for every princess! It had more layers than an onion, and let's face it, some were still very long. This was the moment when the pink tutu got a serious upgrade! With a little ingenuity and a lot of satin and silk, the classic romantic tutu, that floated across the stage in beautiful graceful, and romantic ballet poses, became the iconic outfit we see today - a testament to ballet's artistry. And the colour - oh, the colour! I swear, it's as though the fabric was infused with sunshine and sprinkles. I've even heard whispers about a "ballet rose" specifically grown for the pinkest tutus! But let's not digress...
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, pink, blush, and baby pink tutus had begun to adorn the stages of Europe. Think about it! It was all those iconic classical ballets - "Sleeping Beauty", "Swan Lake" - that we know and love so much. They had an element of pink. That lovely romantic touch was given an extra special dose of magic with the colour pink. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more dazzling, the world embraced the iconic, knee-length tutu in a dazzling, vibrant, "pink overload." It's been the ultimate tutu for the modern dancer ever since! *Think "Pink-Tutu Ballet". It's what I am thinking - maybe we could do a competition - who can get the pinkest tutu! *
I’ve even seen the "Pink Tutu" go international! Ballet troupes from Argentina to Japan all have incorporated the pink tutu. It has crossed borders and landed itself firmly on catwalks too! (My latest shopping trip was totally fuelled by those stylish, whimsical pink tulle skirts. ) * It is now so well loved, so admired, so fabulous, that it has become a ballet must have! * It's a versatile classic, and so glamorous.
But here is where things become truly spectacular. * The "Pink Tutu" is not confined to the world of ballet! It is on the streets! * It is in fashion magazines! It is part of every imaginable dance class, from jazz, tap, and modern to hip hop. And, you can even see it on the stages of contemporary dance and opera, where it adds a touch of whimsy and fun.
We know the power of the "Pink Tutu", don't we? * It brings a spark to our eyes, it makes us feel alive! It is the epitome of feminine grace and elegance, while at the same time being utterly unbound and free.*
This is a beautiful journey that the pink tutu has been on. It has grown from its humble beginnings into a truly iconic style. It is a must-have item, a must-see on stage, and a beautiful part of the dance world!
*Next time, I want to take a trip back to the 1920s! Imagine - the glamour, the flappers, the Charleston! I have been studying the dance steps and researching my own Charleston tutu! Don't miss it! *
*You can find me every Tuesday for a new #TutuTuesday post. You can read all my fabulous posts on www.pink-tutu.com. *
*And don't forget to wear your pink tutu with pride! It's a truly magical style that's worth celebrating. Stay fabulous and pinktastic, darlings! Until next time... *
Emma
* #TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #Fashion #BalletFashion #TimeTravel #PinkIsMyFavourite *
