Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu!
It's your favourite time traveler, Emma, back with another sparkling slice of leotard history. September is always a thrilling month for me. The autumn chill has just begun to bite in Derbyshire, making me long for the warmth of my fluffy pink cardigan (that matching pink tutu wouldn't be seen dead in anything else!) and the cosy evenings spent in the theatre. But this year, September was a little different. This month, my trusty pink time travelling leotard whisked me away on a whirlwind adventure to the heart of Germany!
Dusseldorf, a city buzzing with energy and creativity, was the destination this time. You see, September 2014 marked a pivotal moment in dance history - the start of the Internationales Tanzfestival, the world-renowned dance festival that celebrates the brilliance of ballet and its ever-evolving world! My inner dance-aholic couldn't resist the chance to get a glimpse of this global dance extravaganza.
From the moment I stepped out of my time-travelling pink bubble, I was overwhelmed with excitement! The streets were alive with performers and the buzz of anticipation. Posters showcasing the breathtaking array of shows lined every wall. My heart skipped a beat as I read the names of legendary dancers I only ever dreamed of seeing: Mikhail Baryshnikov, Sylvie Guillem, and Natalia Osipova, just to name a few!
The first stop on my leotard-clad journey? A captivating performance by the Royal Ballet, their costumes glistening under the stage lights, the sheer talent mesmerizing. The air thrummed with energy as the dancers executed each graceful movement with such incredible control. And let's not forget those captivating costumes – it was a celebration of sleek and classic leotards, each intricately detailed, making every step a visual feast!
Speaking of captivating costumes, I spotted something rather special at the festival's opening gala: a stunning tutu designed by the renowned Christian Lacroix. The design was nothing short of extraordinary, with an array of playful colours and textures, making me absolutely yearn for a peek at those backstage preparations.
Oh, the backstage wonders of ballet! From the precise, elegant application of the dancer’s make-up, to the meticulous, painstaking way they secure their pointe shoes – there’s something so satisfying about the rituals behind the art. The sheer magic that unfolds right in front of us is built on these detailed preparations.
My time in Dusseldorf was nothing short of unforgettable! Every corner buzzed with the energy of the festival, from the choreographic workshops and dance lectures to the street performances and open-air rehearsals. Even my local café transformed itself into a haven for dance lovers, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and lively conversations about choreography, technique, and the latest in leotard fashion!
You see, Dusseldorf’s Internationales Tanzfestival isn’t just about dazzling performances and groundbreaking choreography. It's about celebrating the passion that ignites our hearts and fuels our steps. The festival brought together dancers from every corner of the globe, united in their love for the art of dance. And I felt so incredibly proud to be part of that community, to witness the future of dance, and be inspired by the incredible talent I encountered there!
But let’s take a moment to chat about leotard fashion! You’d be surprised how this September’s shows at Dusseldorf, even beyond the ballet performances, incorporated the classic leotard silhouette, especially as it played with its length. What a fabulous way to mix style with practicality. Remember, darling, that leotard isn't just for the stage anymore, it's becoming more and more commonplace on the street. Just think – it's versatile, chic, and you can totally rock it with a trendy, edgy bomber jacket for a downtown look or pair it with a whimsical skirt for that playful, whimsical aesthetic. You know what else is awesome? Mixing a classic leotard with the dramatic volume of a fluffy tutu – a total statement, darlings!
You can always rely on my Pink Tutu blog to provide the latest leotard inspiration for the modern woman.
I couldn't possibly leave Dusseldorf without a spot of shopping, so I indulged in a couple of new additions to my collection: a shimmering lilac leotard, ideal for some ballet street performances, and a dazzling crimson leotard for an upcoming dance event back in Derbyshire. A leotard enthusiast must be prepared for anything, darling!
And now, my sweet readers, before I go, I leave you with a little challenge for September. Why not don a pink tutu and dance in the sunshine? Embrace your inner ballerina and celebrate life’s simple joys with a little twirl of the wrist. You’d be surprised how a dash of pink magic can brighten even the dullest day!
Until next month, darling, keep those leotards dancing and the tutus twirling!
With love,
Emma x
