Hey everyone, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, and guess what? Today's #TutuTuesday is extra special because... it's October 13th, 2020!
Now, this might seem like just another Tuesday to you, but for a time-travelling ballerina like myself, it’s a blast from the past! Think glamorous vintage fashion, enchanting ballets, and a whole lotta tutus - it's a dream.
Speaking of tutus, it’s been a busy week here in, shall we say, ‘fashionable’ London. I managed to squeeze in a performance at the Royal Opera House - the breathtaking scenery, the soaring melodies, and the incredible skill of the dancers totally blew me away. They had these amazing tutus, you wouldn't believe the intricate detail!
Of course, after the show, it was off to Harrods for a bit of a browse. You simply can't resist a bit of shopping in London, can you? I even found a stunning, pink (of course!), vintage tutu to add to my collection! Oh, and did I mention the tea at The Ritz? Divine!
Now, to help us step back in time and explore the history of the ballet tutu, we've got to delve into the 1800s, darling!
Think of Maria Taglioni, the absolute queen of ballet back then, swirling through the air in her stunning white tutus. The short, frilly skirt that barely grazed her ankles allowed for unparalleled movement and grace, giving a glimpse of the dancers' legs that would redefine femininity on stage. This revolutionary garment helped bring ballet to the forefront, becoming the essential garment for any ballerina who wanted to make a statement.
Now, a good story needs a good beginning, so let's rewind further - right back to the 1700s.
While Marie Camargo, a French dancer and choreographer, experimented with loosening the dancers' costumes and the reduction of hoop skirts, her designs still showcased a more “grounded” style, lacking the airy lightness of Taglioni's tutus. Think floor-length skirts, elaborate decorations, and an emphasis on theatrical flair, almost like a theatrical gown rather than a dancewear masterpiece.
Throughout the 1800s, the tutu continued to evolve. Designers experimented with fabrics, shapes and embellishments - they experimented with everything!
Remember the famous ballerina, Fanny Elssler? She made a statement with her stunning polka-dot tutu, which showcased her flamboyant and powerful dance style. Then, there was the Romantic period, which embraced flowing white tulle and soft, dreamy lines. Talk about dramatic and romantic, darling! It was almost like being transported into a fairytale.
Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the ballet world embraced the layered* look, as pioneered by the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. This multi-layered look gave a magnificent, ethereal and majestic feel, and showcased her incredible grace and elegant dancing.
So, why does the tutu have such enduring popularity?
It’s simple, really. The tutu is not just an outfit; it's a symbol. It signifies artistry, elegance, and the limitless power of movement. A good tutu elevates a dance, and takes the performer to another level! It's a symbol of freedom and dreams, and lets us soar with the dancers, dancing amongst the stars.
Speaking of freedom, I just received word about the latest exciting Ballet Blanc performance in New York City - all the dancers are sporting these incredible, almost ethereal white tutus. I need to see it. Now! Maybe I’ll find a whimsical, magical white tutu for myself!
Now, what does a time-travelling ballerina wear while she journeys back and forth through the years? This little lady wouldn't be caught dead without a pink tutu! (A bit of pink never hurts, right? 😉) This trusty travel tutu doesn't wrinkle easily, it's super comfy, and it never fails to put a spring in my step!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media @pink_tutu and don’t be shy - drop a comment below! Tell me about your favourite tutus! Maybe I'll see you next time, dancing away with a whirl! 💖🩰
Until next time, keep your tutus flowing!
Yours truly,
Emma x
P.S. What happened on this day in 2020?
Well, October 13, 2020 was a Tuesday! Just like today! 😉 Not only was it a Tuesday, but it was also a very special day in the world of music, as the late and legendary Eddie Van Halen passed away on this day! His musical brilliance will be forever remembered! He might not be the typical Tutu Tuesday theme, but he was certainly a musical legend. 💖🎸
I’m so excited for all the new memories and adventures we’ll make on our next Tutu Tuesday journey! ✨
