Hey, darling! Emma here, your beloved Pink Tutu Time Traveller! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet. Have you got your pinkest tutu ready for a fabulous journey? Because we're off on another adventure, back in time to March 1880, just you, me and a magical leotard!
Remember, darling, my passion is the power of the leotard - it’s a true symbol of grace, femininity, and sheer creative expression! That's why I dedicate my life to celebrating the leotard and inspiring you all to embrace your inner pink tutu-wearing fabulousness. I want the whole world wearing a pink tutu - imagine that, just a world filled with pink tutus! Now, who's with me?
This month, our time travel adventures land us on a lovely sunny morning in 1880. My magical pink sparkle leotard whisked me here as I twirled my way to the grand opening of The Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square! Oh, it was just positively splendid!
This incredible Victorian theatre was all gilded opulence. Imagine soaring high ceilings, grand staircases and velvet curtains as thick as my new, erm, "slightly extra" fluffy tutu - and that’s saying something! They even have an iconic mosaic ceiling of a lady dancing, I've never seen a design quite like it, oh how it called to my dancer's soul. It reminded me so much of my home, Derbyshire. We have some truly lovely historic theatre spaces, you know, little gems of Victorian history nestled in the heart of our picturesque county.
Speaking of historical dancers, let's chat about ballet history. You know that fabulous 19th century ballerinas weren't wearing those fabulous tight little leotards like we know today, no, no darling! Back then, the long tutu was all the rage - just the right amount of billowing, flowing movement! That, coupled with a corset for good measure. Goodness, can you imagine wearing a corset in your tutu? It just wouldn't work for a ballerina's pirouette, darling, not at all!
I imagine their dance practice looked much different than our ballet class these days. Imagine practicing your leaps with layers and layers of tulle swishing about! They didn’t get much of a break from that corseted life, not that many were brave enough to abandon it, that's how big corsets were. They were like social armor, I’m quite glad I don’t have to wear those! We need a corset fashion free, I say. That’s where the pink tutu revolution begins!
Anyway, that day at the theatre, I snuck onto the stage for a little twirl while the crowds were distracted by all that glorious glitter! (it’s all about the sparkle). And just like that, the audience gave me a huge round of applause. Now you know why it's so crucial for the next generation of ballerinas to really embrace those expressive dance routines that move with freedom and grace - just like that! That’s my message to the world! Embrace the power of the pink tutu and move free!
That evening, my travels took me to the Grand Opera House in London. There I was, in the royal box ( I can't resist a touch of theatre magic, darlings!) to watch the famous Il Trovatore Opera, composed by Giuseppe Verdi! Imagine, it was almost the 9th month of its first ever public performance! Just picture those voices - they were rich and grand and made me want to twirl in my pink tutu right there and then. What a masterpiece. It was a true spectacle - full of music and colour. And you know what was a real fashion delight, those magnificent gowns the singers were wearing - some beautiful velvet creations, all shimmering in the light! Talk about glamorous! But what’s more glamorous, you ask, than a ballerina with a pink tutu? Not much. I will not take any argument on that.
Now, after all that cultural delights, I decided to travel back to the 21st Century with my heart bursting from the vibrant history of the ballet and all those breathtaking performances! And just imagine - there I was back in Derby, where it all began!
Of course, a trip back in time like that always leaves me craving the perfect pink tutu! Now that's my little confession - if you're looking for the ultimate pink tutu outfit this month, head to Pink Tutu Paradise, one of my favorite online boutiques. I just know they've got something perfect waiting for you - maybe a glitzy tulle skirt and a super comfy, light pink leotard - just right for your next street dance performance or that showstopping dance party. What I love is that every month, they have the most amazing selection of ballet styles from all over the globe. They really capture that fashion vibe we’ve been talking about. And let’s not forget the amazing tutu styles, oh darling - oh those amazing colours!
That’s my mission here - to spread that love and share a little pink tutu joy with you every single month! Keep a look out on www.pink-tutu.com for a new pink tutu post - I’ll be travelling through time again in no time! Oh and while I'm on the subject of amazing performances and all that jazz, I just have to tell you about the incredible street performance I saw this month… don’t worry, I didn’t take off my pink tutu. But that is for my next blog.
Don't forget, every time you twirl in a pink tutu you’re part of the Pink Tutu Revolution - the best kind of revolution, full of joy, confidence and glitter, because in my eyes, you're all dazzling pink tutu stars!
Sending love and sparkles (and a whole heap of pink!), Emma x