#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2011-08-02

Hiya lovely people! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-travelling fashionista. Today's #TutuTuesday is taking us back to a time where fashion and ballet were absolutely booming: August 2nd, 2011! Buckle up your dancing shoes, darling, because we're about to take a little trip down memory lane!

Oh, before we start, let me tell you a bit about my travels this week. I landed in Paris, darling! Talk about a fashion haven! So much stunning chic and oh-so-stylish ladies with the most fantastic bags. Naturally, I hit the Champs-Élysées, picking up some adorable Parisian souvenirs and a brand-new blush pink tutu that wouldn't look out of place at the Palais Garnier itself! The trip wouldn't be complete without a delightful trip to the Eiffel Tower, of course. Such breathtaking views! But enough about my own adventures, let's dive into the tutu timeline!

Now, 2011 was a year when the tutu was really at its most glamorous. Think swirling romantic skirts, sparkling sequins, and layers and layers of tulle! (I always find it fascinating how many layers go into creating a proper ballerina’s tutu, don't you?) Paris was a hub of creativity in 2011 - the City of Light! - with many exciting performances on the bill, including the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet, and several fantastic smaller companies with a huge focus on traditional ballet. They certainly weren't afraid to use the iconic tutus in all their glory. You wouldn't have caught a ballerina without a tutu anywhere near a Parisian stage in 2011! You can actually still catch a glimpse of the tutus that made an appearance back in 2011 at the amazing Palais Garnier. I'd strongly advise popping in, darling, if you find yourself in Paris - It's practically a tutu sanctuary, and it's full of fascinating history about ballet and its most elegant garment - the tutu!

*2011 was truly a year for the romantic, classic ballet style. * We're talking Swan Lake, Giselle, and La Sylphide! Don’t get me wrong, modern ballet has its place but there is just something so beautiful about seeing these traditional tutus. They are the epitome of femininity and elegance - everything that makes a ballerina a ballerina! I just want to put on my pink tutu, point my toes and pirouette like my heart is made of spun sugar!

On August 2nd, 2011, we sadly lost a ballet icon. Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest male ballet dancers in the history of the art, passed away. What a legacy he left behind! I loved watching him dance. He was the ultimate example of a truly athletic and talented ballerina, an inspiration for every single person who steps on the stage, regardless of how old they are, and a wonderful role model to aspiring dancers. His dance career took off in 1961, when he was just 22. How absolutely amazing! This date serves as a great reminder to us all that no matter where we’re from, what age we are or how talented we feel - we can always reach our dance dreams with a little bit of passion, practice and determination. That’s the ultimate message I take away from his incredible career.

Speaking of careers and aspirations... How much fun would it be to go on tour? Imagine me hopping on a train with a troupe of talented ballerinas, my pink tutu and an abundance of sparkles and dreams, travelling across the country performing in various beautiful theatres. It would be so exciting, I could practically taste the adrenaline already!

Now, even though it's been a few years, tutus never go out of style, you know. I mean, just look at all the glamorous tutus being worn in the latest ballet productions! The ballet community in 2011 were passionate about keeping these wonderful dancewear pieces alive, and it truly shows!

Speaking of staying up-to-date on all things ballet... How exciting is the rise of online streaming services for ballet performances! It's made it easier for all of us to enjoy some of the most beautiful ballet moments without needing to get up and go anywhere. Just grab your favourite tutu, a cuppa tea and settle in to watch! I think it's brilliant! I am quite lucky, as my work in a time travelling tutu brings me to exciting performances from around the world - although nothing really beats that theatre vibe! I am actually working on a blog post all about how to get more involved in your local dance scene so make sure you pop back here next Tuesday for some tips.

This trip down memory lane has got me all inspired! I think we should make it a mission, dear readers, to bring back the tutus and embrace everything that they represent - grace, beauty, art, and that timeless magic that comes with a swirling pink tutu that you simply can't ignore!

*And if you find yourself rocking a pink tutu this week, remember to take a picture and hashtag it #TutuTuesday. I’d love to see it! Because, as they say, the more tutus, the better! *

Until next week, lovelies, keep your dreams big and your spirits even bigger.

With a sprinkle of pink,

Emma