#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2021-04-27

Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-enthusiast, and it’s another glorious #TutuTuesday! The sun is shining, the birds are singing (a bit out of tune, but we'll let them off), and I’m positively twirling with excitement about this week's journey through time! Today we're diving into the dazzling history of the tutu – the most beautiful and graceful garment ever invented! (My personal opinion, naturally, but feel free to agree wholeheartedly!)

So grab your favourite pink frocks (yes, you can absolutely wear one!), your morning tea (or a fancy French macaron if you're feeling extra fabulous), and prepare for a grand adventure through time… via train! It’s so much more civilised than planes!

Okay, buckle your seatbelts! (No, no need for fancy aeroplane seats – a comfortable train carriage is much more romantic) because we're jumping into a time machine and whisking ourselves straight back to 27th April, 2021. That’s right, my dears, we’re venturing back a mere 2 years to a moment in time where the world was still a little … well, let's just say different.

Ah, 2021, that was the year that had us all wearing face masks, dancing from home to "Levitating", and longing for the theatre lights to shine again. (Spoiler: they did!). But even then, the ballet world, ever the glimmering beacon of hope, was buzzing with energy, beautiful tutus swirling across stages all over the world.

Think about it, darling: 2021! That's when Moulin Rouge the musical debuted in London, those iconic red tutus shimmering on the stage, and the Royal Opera House was finally welcoming audiences back! Remember the sheer joy we all felt? (Oh, and remember when tickets were a bargain because we had so much space at the shows?) Oh, it truly was a wonderful era.

What are we wearing? Of course, for my own wardrobe I'm keeping it absolutely pink - a delightful bubblegum pink tutu, layered over a delicate chiffon top. A tiny black ribbon holding back a few curls around my face (it's got to be messy and elegant!) and a delicate charm necklace - you can't forget the sparkle, lovelies!

Oh, but my dears, did I tell you? I have the most wonderful new ballet shop! It’s tucked away in a charming little alley in Kensington, London. Oh, how I adore those shops - overflowing with tutus, leotards, and those gorgeous ballet shoes that seem to dance on their own! I do confess I'm rather a bit of a tutu enthusiast. They're so versatile! The perfect addition to any party!

Back to our historical adventure. So on the 27th of April 2021, there was plenty going on in the world of ballet, I can tell you! Ballet was finding its feet (pun definitely intended, lovelies) in a new era of dance.

Now, if you haven’t tried it, you simply must take a class at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. (But, I warn you, do a little extra research and sign up to the classes that focus on pointe technique because it is quite difficult! You need to be truly strong in your core to stand on those delicate toes.) I simply adore ballet class and it is a fabulous way to connect with your inner self. Remember darling, grace is all about inner strength! It is truly the perfect form of dance for both your mind and your body!

Remember this: The story of the tutu, my darling, is one of transformation, a tale spun from silk, tulle and creativity, woven together with a timeless love for art and movement.

Don't just take my word for it, go ahead and delve into this rich history! Find out all about Marie Taglioni’s daring innovation - the introduction of that ethereal, knee-length tutu which changed everything - think swan-like elegance, that’s our Marie! (It is an elegant look to emulate! You will look and feel simply divine!) We even have a fun family tradition in my Derbyshire family of getting together for Swan Lake, we all dress in our pink tulle and go wild.

As the centuries rolled by, tutus took on new forms and dimensions, dancing with the world of fashion itself, constantly evolving with each new ballet, adapting, reflecting, inspiring. Think of The Sleeping Beauty. Remember Aurora’s famous “Rose Adagio?” What a truly stunning piece of choreography. The costumes are truly an incredible visual masterpiece in every act, from that shimmering yellow tutu to the royal gowns - the perfect fairytale dress for a princess. It just sets the whole stage alight, I swear you can practically hear the fairy godmothers whispering backstage! (The stories are almost as wonderful as the tutus.)

Let’s be honest, pink is my colour. We simply HAVE to have it in our lives. It’s the most romantic, beautiful, feminine, magical, and expressive of all colours! A perfect ode to every aspect of the tutu - playful, elegant, and yes, undeniably fashionable! Oh, how I love how it evokes happiness! We should all have some of that pink magic in our lives! So my friends, don’t forget to keep dancing! Life is too short not to dance in pink, especially when there are so many pretty pink tutus out there.

Let me know your favourite ballerina and tutus! Tell me all your ballet stories in the comments below! (But please do leave a bit of your magic for others! We don't want the whole world just dressed in pink! ) See you all next week, lovelies, with more #TutuTuesday magic!

*Always remember to keep it twirling! *

With love and a touch of glitter, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com