#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2011-06-21

Greetings, darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another instalment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're swirling back to 21st June 2011 - a glorious summer day in London! Just imagine it: the sun shining down, birds singing their sweet melodies, and the delicious aroma of fresh strawberries filling the air... perfect for a delightful ballet adventure, wouldn't you say?

Now, let's rewind the clock and see what the world of tutus was all about on this very date, shall we?

Right back in the year 2011, ballet tutus were going through a real transformation, much like the fabulous gowns you see in those grand ballrooms on the silver screen. They weren't all stiff and starch anymore, oh no! Instead, we were seeing a gorgeous explosion of romantic designs. They were still a ballet staple, of course, but they were becoming much more fluid and free-flowing, showcasing the graceful movements of dancers in all their glorious fluidity. It was a true delight to watch! It was just what I needed back then as I was becoming less happy with all the stiff fabrics and more wanting something romantic, lightweight and more in touch with my inner fairy princess, if you will!

The "New Romantic" ballet scene was totally buzzing in 2011! Everything about it was just… magnifique! From the whimsical tutus that seemed to dance on their own to the stunningly intricate costumes that added a dash of glamour to every performance. Oh, how I miss the magic of those shows, the lights, the costumes and the beauty.

It felt like there was something truly special going on in ballet then – the stage was alive with colour, emotion, and the magic that only ballet could conjure. Imagine! Gorgeous layers of tulle cascading down to the floor, sparkling sequins shimmering like dewdrops on a summer's morning, and the most dazzling colour combinations that made your heart skip a beat. This was a glorious time for a little twirling time-travel!

But London, it's more than just ballet, you know. There are all those fabulous shops, darling, overflowing with gorgeous designs, everything from those fantastic frocks to beautiful hats that could grace any occasion. You could wander for hours and hours and never see everything! But my aim was ballet-related - so after my ballet, I headed to the shops to find an array of the newest fabrics and ribbons. You'd never guess, but I ended up scoring the most beautiful lilac and pink satin to make my own little dance bag, oh so perfectly pretty, with little ribbons hanging down. That was the dream of 2011. I remember dreaming about how wonderful it was! I even wore the fabric with my best tutu at my dance classes to impress the teachers and get a bit more attention. My fellow students did their best but none quite had that kind of eye! You can't teach style you have to live it!

Fast forward to the present, and those flowing, free-flowing designs from 2011 still have a special place in my heart. You see, tutus have a rich history, dating right back to the 19th century, you know! They started with something called a “crinoline” – a very rigid and starched framework worn under dresses to give them shape. Sounds less comfortable than our flexible tutus today, don't you think? They were quite bulky and not very good for jumping, honestly. Just think of what the dancers went through then. What incredible strength, courage, and athleticism. What great pioneers and dancers they were!

Then, we move onto the "tutu" as we know it! This evolved through a beautiful blend of style and practicality, becoming much more lighter and allowing the dancers to move freely and express their artistry without the stiffness of their predecessors. I’m sure it was like someone letting go of their first ever bike on a sunny day in June! It had been something new and exciting to do, so freeing and full of adventure - it is a little like what dancing must have felt like!

Through the 20th century, tutus transformed, just like everything else. New fabrics, like tulle and nylon, gave dancers the chance to showcase their elegant movements even better - lighter, more flexible and, oh so graceful. And let’s not forget about the amazing artistry and skill that went into every detail! Think delicate lace trim, glittering rhinestones, intricate beading, and delicate ribbons that brought a splash of romance to the stage, all beautifully brought together in harmony.

Now, think about 21st June 2011. It was the peak of "Romantic Ballet" with a huge sense of nostalgia and a hint of 1980’s glam mixed in. The ballet scene felt alive with joy. Everything from those extravagant, lavish stage designs that you can't help but adore to those spectacular shows with breath-taking costumes that gave ballet its heart-stopping style. We've come a long way since those first rigid "crinolines".

Oh! The 2011 “Tutu Revolution” took everything we knew about dancewear to new, even more beautiful, heights. From those super-delicate sheer layers of tulle to a captivating collection of swirling, ethereal fabrics, you felt the grace and joy radiating off the stage.

Now, if you are a tutu-enthusiast just starting out on your tutu-loving journey, let's face it: every ballet fan has a secret dream – to create the perfect tutu for ourselves! I have always felt drawn to creating. It’s in my blood! To me, fashion and tutu design go hand in hand. This is the key to elevating that special connection we have with the world of dance. If I ever get round to launching my own line I promise to share all the secrets with you my fellow ballet fans!

Now I have to dash as I have a grand plan to buy some vintage ribbons and some beautiful, shiny gold fabric, a must for my new collection.

Keep twirling, darling, and let me know how your own personal ballet journey is unfolding! Catch you next Tuesday!

With love, Emma, your Tutu Time-Travelling Guru!

(PS: Don't forget to check out my previous #TutuTuesday blogs! You can find them on www.pink-tutu.com!)