Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu Time Traveller and queen of all things pink! It's Tuesday which means it's time for our weekly peek into the captivating world of ballet tutus, those frothy delights of dance! Today, we're swirling through the past, landing right in the heart of August 10th, 2021!
Hold onto your tiaras, girls! This Tuesday is brimming with magic, so put on your fanciest pink tutus (because you've all got a pink tutu, right? 😉), grab a glass of bubbly and join me on this journey!
Back in time... August 10th, 2021
I stepped off the train in Paris, feeling like a Parisian princess in my pretty pink tulle tutu, complete with a sprinkle of sparkling sequins. Oh la la! The city is practically made for twirling. And let's talk about the fashion scene... sigh Just imagine, it was only last year when the fashionistas of Paris were raving about oversized everything, flowing trousers, and the return of the midi skirt! I was tempted to hop into one of the many chic boutiques and try on all the trends, but my ballerina heart longed for tutus... Always and forever, the ultimate fashion statement, especially when you're trying to blend in at a French cafe.
(And yes, I managed to snag a beautiful floral dress with a billowing skirt on the train! Perfect for evening shows.)
Speaking of tutus, August 10th, 2021, happened to fall in the middle of a major international ballet competition in Budapest! I almost travelled there on a whim. It was held at the breathtaking Hungarian State Opera House. Oh, the swirling tulle! The grace! The dramatic, sweeping movements! And the costumes, just a feast for the eyes! This competition brought the world's most talented ballerinas together - and, I think you'll agree, they all looked simply stunning in their tutus!
From the Ballet Floor to the Street, Tutu Trends!
But remember, we don't just love our tutus for ballet class and performance. Remember, girls, the tutu has taken on a whole new life. I mean, think about it! From fashion bloggers to pop stars, these frilly frocks have graced the most glamorous events in 2021. From the red carpets to everyday looks, the world seems to have a bit of tutu fever! And can we just say? I love it! A touch of twirling elegance is exactly what the world needs.
The Story of the Tutu: More Than a Pretty Skirt!
Speaking of tutu love... What is the history of these fabulous frocks? Where do our dance dreams start? The Romantic era (think the early to mid 19th century), was a magical time! Ballet was transformed. Classical steps, yes, but with a dramatic shift in stories! We went from a strict, aristocratic dance world to the world of sylphides, whimsical mythical creatures who brought ethereal magic to the stage. And these graceful sprites needed a look that reflected their airiness, their flight! That's when the very first tutu, much fuller and longer than what we see today, took its rightful place on the ballet stage.
It's incredible to imagine, that our beloved "tutu", from it's very first appearance in Marie Taglioni's La Sylphide, (1832), has remained the star of the stage for centuries. Even today, we marvel at its power to bring elegance, grace, and of course, pure* joy!
What Happens When The Music Stops
But it's not all graceful spins and airy leaps! Sometimes the tutu, even with its captivating charm, needs a break. There was that controversial period around 2018-2020 where the "less-is-more" look came into vogue - I mean, the fashion world tried to say that crop tops and pants could rival the tutu... Can you believe it? Imagine trying to en pointe in a crop top and pants?! Don't get me wrong, there's a time and a place for a sleek, simple look. But let's face it - nothing quite captures that enchanting, fairytale vibe of ballet like the graceful twirl of a tutu. It's almost as if magic unfolds as the dancers take to the stage, twirling and soaring, and the fabric comes alive!
A Time Travel Secret? We'll Be Swirling for Years to Come
You can bet on one thing - the magic of the tutu won't disappear any time soon! It has a captivating, enduring power that transcends the ages. So, even as you see trends change, always know: There's always room for a pink tutu in this fashionista's wardrobe... and I wouldn't have it any other way!
And with that, darlings, it's time for me to hop on that train to London, to see an amazing ballet performance. There's something exciting about being whisked away on the rails, tucked safely in my vintage velvet coach seats, travelling between ballets. What else do you need when life is this dreamy, except, perhaps, a beautiful pink tutu?
Happy twirling, lovelies! Until next Tuesday!
Lots of love, Emma.
