#PinkTutuWorld Ballet on Planet Earth on 2013-01-02

Hello darlings!

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another Pink Tutu World blog post!

I hope you’re all ready to twirl, because this week, we’re staying right here on Planet Earth – yes, Planet Earth – to delve into the world of ballet and its dazzling, beautiful history.

So, settle in with your favourite pink fluffy blanket, maybe grab a cup of peppermint tea (or a fancy pink smoothie!), and let's step back in time…

Ballet, oh ballet, how I love you! Even though I get to travel all over the galaxy with my pink tutu in tow, there’s something so magical and grounded about watching dancers pirouette and leap right here on Earth.

We can thank the Renaissance for the birth of ballet. Imagine – back in the 15th century, the courts of Italy were filled with glamorous ladies and gentlemen, and they were the first ones to show off their fancy footwork in what we now know as the early stages of ballet. These dances were more about stately poses and movements rather than the breathtaking jumps and turns we see today, but still! The foundations of what I know and love were set in that very time!

A century later, the dance style really took off in France, attracting even the King himself – King Louis XIV. This majestic king, known for his fashion as much as his rule, even danced ballet himself, giving it his personal seal of approval (and maybe a little bit of royal flare!) It wasn't just dancing though – there was the tutu! Well, it wasn’t quite like the ones we wear today, but it was a sort of costume for dancers that really elevated the art form.

Just thinking about a tutu gets my toes tapping. Oh, the graceful movement, the effortless pirouette, and, most importantly – the sparkle!

Early ballet costumes, even though I have to admit weren't that amazing by my standards, were practical! They were all about covering up and highlighting those graceful movements, but not getting in the way. Imagine, the first ballerinas weren’t swirling in tiers of delicate tulle – they were more about elegant robes and skirts that swished around as they danced! I’ve heard tell that even the gentlemen danced in tights with knee-length breeches, so perhaps not as extravagant as what we know and love.

The "true" tutu emerged in the Romantic period, that period in time where they really embraced elegance, beauty and love! Think elegant dresses with puffed sleeves and soft tulle. We've come a long way, but what I really admire about that period is how they highlighted the feminine aspect of ballet – it was a dance style that elevated women to the forefront, and that’s a truly fabulous thing!

In the late 19th century, there was a massive revolution in fashion – think Paris, the iconic City of Lights – and the tutu went through a significant change as well! The iconic fluffy, multiple layers that I just adore made its appearance! Those classic, graceful forms? They just started becoming more dramatic, more eye-catching!

From the Romantic Tutu with its swirling, single layer tulle and the ultimate tutu classic, the Classical Tutu that you probably recognise from those iconic ballet posters – oh, they just oozed elegance! I have to confess, darlings, the Classical Tutu is one of my all-time favourites. They say you can’t teach that level of graceful fluidity… well, you can always try, right?

Today, I love that the tutu has evolved so much! We see different styles for different types of ballets, but the core element remains – exquisite design that captures both movement and femininity.

So, here I am – just landed on Planet Earth for a quick visit, just a few weeks into the new year! This date, 2nd January 2013, brings so many exciting things for the dance world. Just on a whim, I hopped onto a spaceship earlier this week and joined some friends to see a gorgeous new performance by the London Ballet, a Romeo and Juliet piece! I absolutely loved the choreography – you know me, all about elegance and artistry – but this time, the performance just left me breathless! I don't know how they managed to create so much drama and emotion on stage, with each little move – every graceful turn and leap had its own meaning! And yes, the dancers wore tutus! Some classical, some more contemporary – but it was all incredibly eye-catching!

Right after the show, we strolled over to Covent Garden, just outside the Royal Opera House. This market in London is a vibrant haven for those who love fashion, from trendy street wear to vintage couture. This whole shopping area just pulses with creativity! It felt so right to take a little walk around with friends, enjoying all that beauty, because the costumes from Romeo and Juliet had totally fuelled my shopping spirit! I'm thinking lavender, silver and peacock blue – definitely my inspiration this week. But darling, you all know my weakness is a gorgeous pink tulle dress – maybe I’ll look for that as well!

You know me and my penchant for a good show! Later this week, I’m checking out the National Theatre – maybe catching a preview of something theatrical and dramatic! For sure, that will get my creative juices flowing – who knows what my next pink tutu outfit inspiration will be. Maybe an opulent emerald green!

Planet Earth – there's just so much to see, explore, and inspire. If you're in England, do join me for a delightful London day next week! Maybe we can even catch a performance together?

Remember to keep twirling, darling,

Emma