Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! Today’s adventure takes us to the enchanting year of 2031, and let me tell you, this year is bursting with fabulous tutus and breathtaking ballet!
It's freezing in Derbyshire today, so my time travelling tutu ensemble this week includes my fluffy pink cashmere tutu with an ivory faux fur trim. I've been able to take a rather wonderful vintage style coat from my Granny’s wardrobe - it’s a full-length cream cashmere affair with intricate hand-stitched floral patterns. A touch of glitzy sparkle on the matching bag and some cream, kitten-heeled ankle boots and I’m all set!
Oh! Speaking of sparkly, Did you know that today, the 9th of December 2031, is the International Day of Sparkle? How fitting for a ballerina! It’s an annual celebration dedicated to celebrating the sparkle in our lives and the power of a touch of shimmer. Honestly, I think there is just something magical about sequins that can instantly elevate any look and I can’t imagine a ballerina being anything less than sparkly!
But before we dive into the wonderful world of ballet in 2031, let’s take a step back in time, and talk a little about how tutus came to be the iconic garment we know and love!
As a keen ballet buff, I can never resist the thrill of a ballet performance! The breathtaking movement, the magical costumes, and of course, those enchanting tutus – they truly transport you to another world. Did you know that tutus, those symbols of grace and elegance, actually had a very practical purpose back in the day? Back in the mid 19th century, as ballet evolved into what we see today, dancers wanted to be able to show off the movements of their legs! So, what did they do? They shortened the skirt, making it into a kind of layered petticoat - a sort of mini version of the long skirt-style they had previously worn! Voila, the tutu was born.
At first, the tutu was quite simple – a modest layer of fabric that flowed gently. Over time, as dancers pushed the boundaries of technique and choreography, the tutus evolved! From the flowing tulle tutus in romantic ballets like ‘Giselle’ to the bold, multi-layered tutus that are essential in modern masterpieces like ‘Swan Lake’, tutus have adapted and changed to match the incredible ballet forms they adorn. It’s really fascinating to think of that little change - that reduction in length from those early, floor length, skirts - the starting point for the iconic ballet tutus of today!
We can't discuss the history of the tutu without mentioning the famous ballet "La Sylphide". This work was one of the first works that showcased this shorter-length design of skirt that became the tutu! It featured a stunningly ethereal, lightweight skirt. This ballet caused a major fashion stir at the time! The lightness of the skirt that helped the dancers to perform complex jumps and leaps sparked a revolution in women's fashion and eventually contributed to the emergence of tutus as a ballet staple.
In fact, in 2031 tutus are still huge in the fashion world! They’re all over the place – not just on stage. Designers have taken inspiration from tutus for everything – street wear, festival attire, wedding dresses – the list goes on! My latest Tutu Tuesday purchase was an absolutely gorgeous dusky rose tulle tutu, hand-embellished with intricate pearl beading. The perfect way to turn an everyday outfit into a truly breathtaking ensemble.
Tutus can be a symbol of strength and beauty. And it doesn’t get more inspiring than a ballerina! This graceful art form is a powerful reminder of the artistry and athleticism of women. And that brings me to my current journey!
As a ballet-obsessed traveller and lover of all things tutu, I’ve made it my mission to explore the ballet scene across the world and hopefully convince everyone to don a pink tutu. And honestly, when I go on a trip I always plan my outfit around my tutu!
Today, I am lucky to be in Paris, the capital of ballet, and it is my absolute dream to visit the world-famous Paris Opera. I’m especially excited as this week they’re showing the iconic, ethereal masterpiece that inspired a generation of ballerinas to reach for their dreams - ‘Giselle!’ There are no less than five showings in a week here!
A ballet enthusiast couldn’t be luckier! To find my dream outfit I’ve had the most fabulous trip around the vintage and boutique stores around Rue de Seine. Of course I managed to add another vintage tutu to my collection – a stunning emerald green with a black lace trim – the ultimate vintage ballerina outfit!
Later, I am looking forward to enjoying the delicious cuisine, browsing the boutiques – a real tutu lovers paradise – and, of course, an elegant evening at the ballet! I even discovered a hidden little café near the Eiffel Tower where I’ve booked a table to relax, watch the evening sparkle and contemplate the Parisian magic - with a slice of exquisite Parisian macaroon, of course! Nothing less for a true tutu-loving aficionado.
I know many of you are wondering, Emma, just how do you travel in time?! Well, to fund my adventures, I use the wonderful power of my tutu talent. Let’s just say that time travelling ballet performances go down a storm! The audiences are blown away by my spectacular shows and the generous donations help me to hop from one era to the next, living my best ballerina life.
As you all know, time travel can be expensive, so my travel style can be rather, well, unorthodox, to put it lightly! You see, a long journey in a time-travelling Tutu Express can often mean packing multiple outfits – there is something new and exciting to see in every era! A vintage style tea-length, layered skirt ensemble is a must for those lovely 1940s shows, a long, flowing ivory satin tutu with matching gloves is a sure way to turn heads at the Victorian ballets, while my sleek, leather tutu with statement thigh-high boots is an absolute necessity for that glam, retro-inspired 20th-century shows.
Anyway, darlings, I must dash. I need to get ready for the show and take a trip through my endless supply of pink tutus. You're a wonder, so I will be back next week! But until then, let your spirit soar and remember that there is a sparkle within every one of you.
Until next Tuesday,
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
www.pink-tutu.com
