Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu World, your one-stop shop for all things twirling, glamorous, and utterly fabulous!
This week, I’m writing to you from Earth – that’s right, Planet Earth, a gorgeous blue and green orb full of breathtaking landscapes, sparkling oceans, and, of course, some of the most extraordinary ballet productions in the galaxy!
It's a Wednesday, 2012-10-03, and my heart is overflowing with excitement – a perfect blend of tutus and travel! It feels like I haven't been to Earth in a cosmic age! But I wouldn’t be true to Pink Tutu World without stopping by to get a dose of this vibrant planet’s infectious energy.
As always, this trip wouldn't be possible without the magical world of ballet! A delightful series of performances last week across the Milky Way provided the perfect little fund for my little jaunt. Remember, my dears, it’s all about following your passion – and mine just happens to involve shimmering silk, beautiful costumes, and enough sparkles to light up the entire galaxy!
Today, I'm taking you along for the ride – exploring the streets, the stages, the divine boutiques, and, of course, all the ballet inspiration this dazzling planet has to offer! Because even though we are in different corners of the universe, we all have one thing in common: the undeniable joy of dancing and dressing up!
Derby Girl Does The World!
You know, Earth is really starting to feel like a second home to me – and for good reason. My home planet is a picture perfect patch of Derbyshire in England – all quaint cottages, rolling green hills, and the sweetest fresh-baked cakes imaginable. I adore my humble beginnings. However, there’s a world out there calling for me, and my little heart aches with a desire to see everything.
My trip to Earth today is particularly exciting because I am making a pilgrimage to London - the beating heart of the theatre world on Planet Earth. From the Royal Ballet to the National Ballet, this city has the most beautiful ballet houses I’ve ever seen! Oh my, the opulence of it all, it takes my breath away. The golden-trimmed velvet curtains, the opulent chandeliers sparkling with millions of crystals, and the sense of excitement that hangs thickly in the air as the curtain rises – ah! it is divine.
And while it’s easy to get caught up in the splendor of London's grand stages, let's not forget about the magical street performers that add another layer of charm to this lively city. I’ve been enthralled by the talented young ballerinas in Covent Garden - their dedication and joy shines brightly.
The Fashion Scene:
So my dears, what do we know about fashion on Earth? One word: DAZZLING. I love that the humans of Earth seem to appreciate the beautiful artistry of fashion just as much as they appreciate the artistry of ballet. Their street style is so inspiring, mixing bold colours with classic elegance.
I confess, it’s been a while since I was last in a vintage boutique - and I haven't bought a new pair of heels since my last visit to A Star is Born, the most divine footwear shop in the galaxy. So today, we are venturing to a special vintage market, followed by a spree at Harrods.
Now, some of you might be thinking, Emma, why are you obsessed with vintage fashion? To answer this question, I need to take you back to my early ballet training. You see, when I was just a budding ballerina on Derbyshire, the costumes I was blessed with were anything but stylish! Imagine, if you will, pale pink leotards and scratchy tights… not exactly Pink Tutu World material!
My grandma would say, a beautiful tutu is the sum of its parts. She was an incredible seamstress - my hero, my queen - and she was instrumental in shaping my love for vintage clothing. Every Saturday morning, my grandma and I would scour the dusty shelves of antique shops, discovering the most exquisite vintage dresses and tutus. She'd alter and repurpose these pieces, bringing them back to life. This tradition was so important to me, instilling within me an appreciation for the history and beauty found within a well-worn garment.
As a result, I love finding the most incredible, unexpected, and sometimes, utterly flamboyant pieces, giving them a new life on a ballet stage or, well, on this very planet, Earth! It’s truly magical!
Tutu History:
Oh! Do you know, one of the biggest inspirations for my journey today is an absolute legend of Earth's ballet history – the incredible Margot Fonteyn!
My grandma has the most captivating stories of Fonteyn. Back when Fonteyn was at her most captivating, the tutu as we know it had already undergone quite the transformation!
Did you know in the 18th century, the earliest forms of ballet costumes were pretty scandalous, consisting of hoops, flounces, and the most excessive embellishment you can imagine! Oh my, I wonder what it must have been like! Can you imagine what those grand jeté jumps would look like? It must have been so glamorous!
Luckily for us, by the time of Fontein, the tutu had gone through several evolutionary changes and had become the iconic, and undeniably glamorous garment we all love and know today. I have studied photos and historical sketches from those periods and I'm quite convinced Fontein had an unbreakable bond with the tutu, as she graced every stage with effortless grace and elegance!
If I could travel through time to meet any one ballerina in the entire history of ballet, it would have to be Fontein. Oh, I imagine the tutus, the dresses, the secrets! I'm getting giddy just thinking about it!
And while we’re talking about fashion, history, and beauty, can we talk about the evolution of the tutu? I have been enchanted by all the amazing transformations that the tutu has undergone through the centuries – a perfect example of fashion that is both iconic and timeless.
There was a time where the tutu was known for its massive volume – a kind of majestic explosion of fabric - and then the silhouette became lighter, revealing the dancers’ graceful limbs with all their breathtaking power. It is remarkable how a simple garment like a tutu can carry so much meaning – symbolising the elegance, strength, and ethereal quality of dance.
The best part? The evolution of the tutu is never ending! Every new performance, every new choreography inspires a new twist on this timeless fashion staple.
Just the other day, I was dancing along to a ballot piece called A Universe in a Tutu by a talented young choreographer who was so inspired by the sheer energy of space travel! I couldn’t help but want to dance in that tutu too. It was a vision in white with the tiniest little constellation of sparkling diamonds - just like the Milky Way itself. It truly inspired my journey today to Earth, I swear.
Pink is The Perfect Hue
As always, I am a devout believer that every ballerina, no matter where they may be in the galaxy, should wear a pink tutu at least once in their life! Why? Because it’s a symbol of confidence, empowerment, and joy.
On Earth, I found some tutus made with pale pink cotton candy fabric – perfect for a graceful waltz, a touch of sparkle from some shimmery silk fabric – perfect for a sultry tango – and a beautiful bright pink tulle that looked absolutely magical with a hint of a sparkly aurora borealis on it! Oh! To imagine that tutu dancing under a glowing Northern Lights.
Now, I know what you are thinking – Pink Tutu World – you’re so predictable! Pink is always the answer. However, to me, the world is too beautiful to relegate ourselves to dull, drab shades of colour, don't you think?
This little planet has the most stunning flora and fauna, sunsets and skies - all a symphony of bright, bold hues. So why not reflect those vibrant hues in the way we express ourselves? After all, a pink tutu is about more than colour. It’s about celebrating the magic and beauty that exists in every moment. It’s about dancing with confidence and letting your inner sparkle shine bright.
And of course, it’s about sharing the joy of ballet with the rest of the galaxy! If you're looking for a fun, fashionable, and fabulously energetic way to explore the galaxy, embrace your inner sparkle, and dance the night away, put on a pink tutu. Trust me. It will change your life. And it certainly changed my life for the better – leading me on this amazing cosmic journey and introducing me to the most vibrant and beautiful corners of the galaxy!
I can’t wait to share more adventures with you next week – because when it comes to tutus and travelling, the only limit is your imagination. Don't forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, every Wednesday!
Until next time, my darling, keep your eyes on the sky and remember - you are capable of achieving anything, if you believe in yourself. You are magical, you are beautiful, and you are absolutely radiant, and we’ll be dancing the universe together, one pink tutu at a time!
Ciao for now!
Emma, The Pink Tutu World Ballerina
