"Hello, darlings!"
It’s Wednesday, 23rd October 1996, and guess who's landed back on dear old planet Earth after a whirlwind tour of the galaxy? Your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, that's who! I’ve had such an adventure this week, flitting from star system to star system, spreading the joy of ballet and pink tutus everywhere I go. And let me tell you, the intergalactic tutu fashion scene is seriously lacking in sparkle!
This week's cosmic tutu challenge: My mission was simple: to educate the aliens of a distant galaxy on the finer points of tutu history and inspire them to embrace a touch of pink. I know what you're thinking – aliens and tutus? What could possibly go wrong? Well, darling, it's more challenging than you'd think. They haven't got the same appreciation for a good pirouette as we do here on Earth. But I’m nothing if not persistent!
I found myself teaching a group of seven-foot tall, green-skinned, shimmering beings (apparently, they’re called Glitzoids!) some basic ballet steps. Now, Glitzoids have an interesting body structure - let's just say it’s not ideal for à la seconde or an arabesque. And their attire? Well, let's just say the "glow-in-the-dark slime dress" was not my aesthetic at all.
Despite their questionable fashion choices (and an unfortunate tendency to leap about randomly, rather than land gracefully like proper ballerinas), I have to say the Glitzoids were actually quite receptive. They were particularly interested in learning about the history of the tutu, particularly its transformation from its earlier, less frilly beginnings to the more extravagant and glorious tulle creations we adore today. I even gave them a brief lecture on the reign of the "Romantic Tutu" and how it revolutionized the ballet world! They didn't entirely grasp the concept of romanticism, but they were all for a good swirl and twirl – the key elements, after all, to tutu-perfection.
From intergalactic tutu journeys to the ballet stage: But enough about the stars! Back on dear old Planet Earth, the ballet scene is still buzzing with excitement. Did you catch the new ballet production that opened last night at the Royal Opera House? It was absolutely divine! They’ve redesigned the entire set – the backdrop was all swirling silver clouds and celestial lights, a bit of a cosmic twist on their usual scene work, wouldn’t you say? The costumes were stunning too, a whole sea of gorgeous white and pink tutus, absolutely dazzling on stage! They've clearly been reading the Pink Tutu World blog and taking note of the hottest ballet trends this season – always nice to see that the Earthly ballet world is still catching on to what we pink tutu pioneers are saying.
But there's more, my darling fashionistas! The "pinkification" of Planet Earth's ballet scene is in full swing, and there are exciting events taking place across the globe! Last week I went to see a fabulous ballet street performance in London – a troupe of amazing dancers swirling, twirling, and leaping in a street scene. I must say, seeing their incredible footwork performed against the backdrop of Big Ben made my heart skip a beat! It wasn’t quite the Grand Palais Opera, but it certainly had its own unique charm.
But this week’s highlights were in Paris, darling. Now, Paris, as you know, is tutu heaven – it's bursting with chic boutiques filled with beautiful, swirly tutus that would make any ballerina weak at the knees! This week I spent several blissful hours in a gorgeous, tiny boutique hidden away in the cobblestone streets – I found the most incredible vintage pink tulle tutu! You can never have too many tutus, don’t you think? Especially in this perfect shade of blush pink. It was love at first sight – almost as romantic as my first tutu love, a fluffy, lilac beauty from Derbyshire (yes, you know that feeling!), and perfectly in sync with this season’s big pink ballet trends, darling!
And I simply had to visit the Ballet Opera of Paris for a peek at their production of Giselle – it’s my favourite! The scene where Giselle, in her delicate tutu, is surrounded by wisps of gauze, dancing in the ethereal light - truly breathtaking, darling! But my favourite part has got to be Giselle’s white wedding tutu - so dreamy! I might have to have my very own replica created, don’t you think? Maybe a fluffy white one, trimmed with delicate, sparkly sequins and a gorgeous touch of soft pink satin.
And of course, no Parisian adventure is complete without a trip to the Grand Palais Opera for the famous "Le Bal des Débutantes" . Such a glittering event! I absolutely loved seeing the young ladies – all of them, with their flowing, sparkly gowns and hair in classic French rolls. Now, that’s what I call classic elegance. The "Bal des Débutantes" is truly a symbol of Paris, a reminder of the enduring beauty of tradition. But, a dash of pink, a touch of whimsy and maybe a tulle embellishment wouldn't go amiss. Just saying.
*This week on Pink Tutu World, the theme is "Intergalactic Style", darling! * Have you spotted any amazing ballet fashions around the planet Earth? Share your tutu-licious finds in the comments! Until next week, stay fabulous, stay pink, and keep twirling!
Love, Emma xx
