Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another #TutuTuesday dive into the fascinating history of our beloved garment!
Today, I'm feeling a bit whimsical. I've got a pink tutu on, naturally, with a gorgeous floral print and layers of tulle so fine it's like a whisper against my skin. You know I can't resist a touch of whimsy!
And what's more whimsical than a trip through time? Today, we're heading to... drumroll ...August 3rd, 2021!
Imagine it, lovelies: the year is 2021! Think smartphones, the Olympics in Tokyo, and… well, perhaps a little bit of pandemic fatigue, but we're focusing on the fun, of course! This year also saw the release of the film "Cruella," which, in a wonderfully ironic twist, features a villainous fashion icon. Even Cruella de Vil herself, with her love of spots and fur, wouldn't be able to resist the allure of a stunning pink tutu!
As a ballet dancer at heart, it feels surreal to think that by this time, ballet has been around for over 400 years. Talk about staying power! But back then, a dancer wouldn't dream of a tutu like ours. You see, tutus, like fashion itself, have evolved, like a delicate flower reaching for the sun!
Back in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, ballet costumes were elaborate, almost theatrical affairs. Imagine: silk garments, feathers, and maybe a bit of metallic embroidery, but a simple tutu? Not yet! The tutu as we know it wouldn't arrive until much later, a beautiful blossom on the stem of ballet history!
I’m off to see a fantastic new production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ this week, featuring stunning choreography. My friend and fellow tutu devotee, Alice, told me I absolutely must see the finale: the fairies all adorned in sparkling tutus! Oh, darling, I’m already buzzing with excitement!
My journey to 2021, I might add, took a particularly exciting train journey! Yes, I've been travelling a bit, my love for ballet leading me to the heart of this glamorous and captivating world. Oh, and don't even get me started on the amazing vintage clothing stores I've been browsing! (It's quite a shock finding ballet tutus from the 1950s… how I wish they had pink ones then!)
Speaking of pink tutus... isn’t it fascinating how colour plays a key role in fashion and ballet history? I do hope that, even back in the 1600s, there was a bit of pink peeking out somewhere amongst the lace and feathers. I’m pretty sure a ballerina would have felt as pretty in a bit of pink then as she would today, with a perfect pink tulle masterpiece swirling around her feet.
Remember, my lovelies, our #TutuTuesday is all about embracing joy and fashion! Let’s keep this celebration of dance, and of course, tutus, going. Let me know what your favourite colours and styles are in the comments below. Maybe one day, I'll find a vintage pink tutu for you… even a tiny pink tutu for your little darling to dance in!
Remember, you can also find me at my online shop on www.pink-tutu.com!
See you next Tuesday, with another fabulously twirling post!
Emma x
