Hello lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, back again with another time-traveling adventure, straight from the archives of my fabulous pink tutu fashion blog, www.pink-tutu.com. February 2024, and I’m practically bursting with excitement about what I discovered on my latest voyage!
This time, my magical, shimmering, pink leotard whisked me to a truly iconic date - the 18th February, 1899, a day that saw the world change forever. Why, you ask? Because on that glorious day, the very first tutu was designed and debuted! It was truly revolutionary! Before that, dancers were wearing long, flowing skirts which, frankly, hindered their movement, limiting their expressions and the art of dance itself. But this glorious new creation – a daringly short, tulle masterpiece! – gave dancers the freedom they craved and paved the way for all the wonderful ballet costumes we adore today. It’s no surprise that I consider 18th February my personal tutu birthday!
And where else could I find myself, on this pivotal day in ballet fashion history, but at the famous Paris Opera Ballet, watching a performance of the exquisite “La Esmeralda”. Let me tell you, my dears, even without a hint of contemporary sparkle and sequin magic, the beauty of those ballerinas and their movement was breath-taking. They were like butterflies, graceful and captivating, swirling with elegant movements in their elegant tutus! It truly gave me a feeling of being transported back in time, but to a magical world, full of grace and artistry.
It’s also fascinating to think that the tutu's evolution, its incredible journey through time, from the original Parisian creation, right up to the breathtaking modern day designs we see in the ballets I perform in, has directly influenced how women move and express themselves, whether it be in a theatre or on the street. I’m forever grateful for those daring women and their forward-thinking designs, that shaped what dancewear is today.
Now, on a completely different note, February 2024, my dears, is overflowing with fabulous events that every leotard lover needs to mark on their calendar. The National Ballet School of Canada, in its illustrious city of Toronto, is presenting "The Nutcracker". You know I'm heading straight for this show – imagine the opulent costumes and breathtaking tutus! It will be a spectacle for the senses.
For those of you with a little more grit in your glittery souls, don't miss the chance to experience the breathtaking “American Ballet Theatre's" tour of "Romeo and Juliet", happening right in the heart of my hometown, New York. Their costumes have always been iconic, and I'm absolutely dying to witness these dramatic and emotional designs come to life.
But hold on to your hats, my darling readers, because in London, the Royal Ballet is showcasing the daring and modern work of Wayne McGregor, with the premiere of "The Dante Project," on the 10th! The choreography is guaranteed to be spectacular, but, honestly, I’m particularly eager to see the contemporary leotards – my love for sleek lines and intricate fabrics knows no bounds!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more fabulous, we also have the London’s famous “The Royal Ballet - Swan Lake”, another absolute classic and always worth seeing!
Finally, for my Derbyshire dancers and friends, the wonderful "Ballet Theatre", from Derby, will be showcasing their production of the utterly captivating “Cinderella" during this magical month, complete with dazzling costumes! This is a must-see for those of us wanting to catch local performances, whilst experiencing the pure joy of classic dance in glorious detail!
I must tell you, the 2024 dance calendar has truly outdone itself – how can I possibly choose what to watch first? This month, there's something to tantalise every taste bud – whether you're craving classical, modern, contemporary or a healthy dose of magic. And just a whisper to all my fellow tutu wearers, I’m particularly looking for the opportunity to expand my own pink tutu collection with something particularly dazzling this month.
So get out there, wear your best leotard and pink tutu, be bold, embrace the magic, and make February a spectacular celebration of the dance world. See you all on www.pink-tutu.com! Remember, everyone's a star – let’s embrace our inner ballerina, dance our hearts out and live with the joy and freedom only a pink tutu can bring!
With sparkle and smiles,
Emma x
