Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing traveller, Emma, here, beaming back to you from planet Earth, fresh from a whirlwind trip toâŚwell, Earth! You see, sometimes, you need to go home to appreciate the magic all around you. This week's post is all about remembering what makes this planet so special, and of course, celebrating the glorious fusion of ballet and fashion that's bursting onto the scene!
I landed back in Derbyshire, England, just in time to catch the National Ballet of Britain's December 27th show. It was Giselle (naturally!), a hauntingly beautiful story of a young girl who dies of heartbreak and becomes a wispy spirit in the forest. Can you even imagine? Dying because of a bad boy? Quelle horreur! The tragic romance had my heart in my throat, but honestly, darling, the tutusâŚwell, they were something else!
Speaking of tutus, did you know December 27th is International Tutu Day? Itâs a little-known fact, but itâs something I try to celebrate every year. Who can resist a fluffy, graceful cloud of tulle? Itâs a true statement of femininity, you know? Like the most whimsical, beautiful and expressive fashion statement ever created. It's not about hiding under a curtain of fabric, but embracing it, letting it fly and dance with every twirl.
Now, I know youâre all wondering: where can you find a pink tutu in Derbyshire? Well, naturally, the answer is a resounding âeverywhere!â My favourite find this week was in Matlock Bath, right by the glorious Derwent Valley Mills. This little boutique was brimming with stunning lace and ribbon, all ready to be whipped into a dreamy creation. Let's face it, if you can't get a pink tutu there, then where can you go? It was practically tailor-made for tutu-dreams!
Speaking of dreamy, the Derbyshire hills, painted in shades of wintery hues, have been inspiring me to think about the colours of pink! Donât worry, my love of all things pink is timeless, but Iâm exploring different ways to wear it. A dusty rose pink, paired with a deep burgundy velvet bodice, could be so elegant for a winter ballet, or a bold hot pink tutu, splashed with silver glitter, for a more avant-garde evening. This is Planet Earth for you, a land of creative contradictions.
For you aspiring tutu enthusiasts, let's delve deeper into tutu history. They have been part of ballet for so long it's difficult to think of ballet without them! The first tutus, worn in the early 1800s, were called "Romanticism tutus" because they looked like a full, bell-shaped skirt. Think of Marie Taglioni in La Sylphide! What a queen! Now, fast forward to the mid 20th century, and we see the rise of the "Demi-Tutu." Shorter and fluffier than the "Romanticism Tutu" and it looked perfect on those long, lean, dancers. If you havenât already seen Swan Lake, darling, do yourself a favour and book your tickets immediately! The contrast between the elegant, shimmering "White Swan" tutu and the wild, powerful "Black Swan" tutu is truly mesmerising!
Iâm going to talk more about my favourite âDemi-Tutuâ looks in a future post, but I did just want to give a little nod to them this week because, let's face it, you can't discuss the history of ballet without paying homage to the most essential, dramatic accessory there is â The Tutu! Itâs no wonder they've become such an iconic symbol of ballet around the world, representing elegance, artistry and pure, unbridled grace. They're truly a masterpiece!
For now, I'm off to catch a âStrictly Come Dancingâ repeat (a must-see for any tutu fan! The ballroom costumes are a total feast for the eyes). But donât worry, I'll be back next week with even more sartorial discoveries and ballet adventures from the depths of our fabulous, glamorous Pink Tutu World.
Until then, be sure to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest for daily doses of all things pink, fluffy and utterly delightful! And donât forget to spread the joy, darling â get everyone in the universe wearing a pink tutu! Itâs our collective duty, after all.
Yours,
Emma
xx
PS Just because the planet's been rather chilly recently, donât let it stop your tutuing spirit, darlings! Pink is the colour of warmth and sunshine, so if you're struggling to find the motivation, imagine a vibrant pink tutu under the warm glow of a cosy, fireside Christmas tree and tell me, isnât that the perfect visual for a winterâs day?
PPS If you need any help planning your next ballet outing, do get in touch! As always, your fashionable friend Emma is ready and willing to make your next dance experience one to remember.
PPPS Just a little reminder for all my lovely readers from around the galaxy: My Planet Earth Blog drops every Wednesday! So, mark your interstellar calendars and prepare yourselves for the latest pink tutu extravaganza. And don't forget, if you're reading this from anywhere beyond Planet Earth, you can access the intergalactic portal by typing www.pink-tutu.com into your spaceshipâs universal web search! See you all soon!
xx