#PinkTutuWorld Ballet on Planet Earth on 1997-04-16

Pink Tutu World: Post #103 - From Derbyshire to the Stars! ✨

Hello my lovely pink tutu princesses! It's Wednesday again, and you know what that means... a fresh post from your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing intergalactic explorer! 🩰🚀

This week I'm thrilled to tell you about my latest adventure. You see, last Wednesday, on the 16th of April, I took my spaceship The Swan Lake to the most amazing place... Planet Earth! 🌎

Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, haven't you been to Earth before?" And yes, I have. But trust me, this trip was different.

First of all, this time I had a special mission: to discover tutu history. Now, as any true tutu aficionado knows, the story of the tutu goes far beyond the 19th century Romanticism of the La Sylphide ballet. And believe me, it is a story worth telling!

I spent my days on Earth, surrounded by some of the most beautiful, opulent, and innovative tutus, some even predating the 1800s. In museums and archives, I was greeted by shimmering tulle gowns dating back to the Renaissance, the delicate and flowing fabrics of the 17th century courtly dances, and even some fabulous interpretations of ancient Grecian dress, some adorned with feathers and jewels. Oh, the glamour!

Tutu Trivia: Did you know, that tutus weren’t originally known by that name at all? They were called "skirts" or "frock" (and even "dancing costumes", imagine that!), depending on the type of dancing being performed. But when the tutu emerged as the recognisable costume we know and love, it took inspiration from traditional, everyday clothing of women from the countryside.

Isn’t it wonderful? Every tutu has a story, each piece of fabric imbued with the spirit of the women who wore them and danced in them. So, my dear pink tutu fans, keep an open mind when you’re choosing your next tutu, you’ll be adding to its history as much as anyone before you!

As well as delving into the past, I couldn’t resist doing a bit of present day exploring! My first stop was London, a true cultural epicentre with its breathtaking theatres and magnificent ballet productions. 🎭

The Royal Opera House was my absolute dream! I watched a mesmerising production of Swan Lake (who doesn’t love Tchaikovsky?), and I even managed to slip in a backstage tour, where I saw some stunning, handcrafted costumes up close. Talk about detail and craftsmanship, truly divine. 💖

Top Tip: If you find yourself in London, do yourself a favour and attend a ballet performance at the Royal Opera House. Not only is it a sight to behold, but there’s also something really special about sitting amongst fellow ballet lovers and enjoying the shared experience of witnessing world-class dancers at their best!

Of course, no trip to London is complete without some serious shopping. The boutiques on Bond Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street were a real delight. I had so much fun discovering gorgeous fabrics, and I even bought some beautiful silk ribbons for my tutu collection. It wouldn't be Pink Tutu World without an excuse for a little indulgence, right? 😄

Shopping Spree: As soon as I stepped foot in London I was struck by how creative and individual everyone was. The fashion was vibrant and colourful, and there were so many stunning accessories and pieces that I couldn’t resist adding to my wardrobe. But my favourite find? A delicate silver tutu brooch that glitters under the moonlight. You see, I like my jewellery just as glamorous as my dancing. ✨

Beyond London, I spent a delightful afternoon exploring Derbyshire, where I hail from. It’s a gorgeous region with rolling hills and quaint villages, and you’ll never find more friendly people anywhere else in the universe (though, my space friends are also pretty amazing!). I went for a walk in the Peak District, breathed in the fresh air, and reminisced about my childhood and the small-town girl I once was. Sometimes, you just need to come home to remind yourself why you are on this incredible journey! 🥰

While my trip was fast-paced (space travel does take a lot of time planning!), I had time to soak in some of the breathtaking English countryside, enjoy the delicious local cuisine (and some quintessentially English cream tea, of course!), and catch up with my family. My mum and sister even joined me on a picnic by a nearby lake, and it was a delightful, almost mundane experience, a complete change from the glitz and glamour of London and the grandeur of my space journeys. We reminisced about childhood ballet lessons, childhood dreams and how far I’ve come since then, but also reminded ourselves of the most important thing - how much we mean to each other. 💖

However, all good things must come to an end. It was time for me to head back to The Swan Lake, bid farewell to the charming and vibrant Earth, and resume my journey across the cosmos. As I gazed out the window of my spaceship at the disappearing blue planet, I was struck by the idea that beauty, and especially tutu-based beauty, really can be found anywhere in the universe.

From the graceful curves of the dancers on stage at the Royal Opera House, to the breathtaking natural wonders of Derbyshire, to the glittering ribbons adorning the shop windows in London… my love for tutus just grows with every experience I have. 🌎🩰

Tutu Mission: So, my dear tutu-lovers, this week I urge you to embrace the spirit of Earthly exploration in your own lives. Go outside, experience your surroundings, go on an adventure, visit somewhere new and exciting. Most importantly, go out there, strut your stuff and dance in your most fabulous pink tutu. The universe needs more pink! 😉

Until next week, keep shining brightly and remember…

Every day is a new dance in the Pink Tutu World! 💗

PS: Did you see what I’m wearing? I’ve paired this dazzling pink silk tulle tutu, with delicate silver sequins, with my favourite velvet cape!

And now for a little Q&A from yours truly!

  1. Do you have a favourite dance or tutu style?
  2. Where's your favourite place in the universe to find tutus?
  3. What's the most colourful and inspiring outfit you’ve put together with a pink tutu?
  4. Where do you see pink tutus in 100 years’ time?
  5. *Do you believe tutus can truly save the universe? 😉 *

Leave your answers in the comments below. I’ll be back next Wednesday with another fabulous Pink Tutu adventure!

#PinkTutuWorld Ballet on Planet Earth on 1997-04-16