Hello darlings! Welcome to another Tuesday and another #TutuTuesday post. Iām Emma, and today, we're waltzing right back to 2011 to delve into the oh-so-fabulous world of tutus!
Remember how much I adore pink? (Seriously, you could say Iām obsessed). It makes me SO happy! Well, today I'm wearing the most beautiful pink tulle tutu - a masterpiece I found whilst rummaging in a Parisian vintage shop just last week. Absolutely divine! This one, my loves, has layers and layers of the softest pink tulle. It practically floats!
As we take a spin through the dance halls of time, let's discuss all things tutu. Because really, isnāt it amazing that a single garment can encapsulate so much history, artistry, and sheer glamour? This week, Iāve got a special treat - an enchanting exploration of tutus all the way from the 19th century. Get ready for a tutu journey you wonāt forget, my lovelies!
Back to the Beginningā¦So, the very first tutus? You guessed it, they weren't this full and frothy. Can you imagine having to do a grand jetĆ© in something as stiff as a cage? Ouch! Back then, the focus was on practicalities. Think: skirts, not twirling dreams. We're talking short, flat, and undeniably uninspiring. I just cannot imagine dancing in anything that wasn't swirling and magical! The thought makes me shudder!
Now, in 1839, Marie Taglioni arrived on the scene. This is where our story gets REALLY exciting. Can you believe she debuted her iconic role as La Sylphide in the ballet of the same name? It was the dance. She danced with a bare chest! But here's the Tutu Twister: Marie introduced a tutu like no other: the Romantic Tutu. Now this is my kinda tutu! It was short, yes, but much more soft and flowy.
Think delicate layers, beautiful silk, and that airy, almost ethereal feel. Suddenly, dancers were able to soar. (I think it was definitely meant to be, darling).
Then, a little while later in the 1880s, something fabulous happened. Our tutus became a bit, well, bigger! I know, the thought is quite revolutionary! This is when our Classical Tutus first entered the dance hall scene, and believe me, darling, it changed everything! Think larger, wider skirts. A lot more tulle! We're talking billowing beauty that looked like it belonged in a fairytale, and still looks absolutely breathtaking! This, my dears, is the type of tutu that would make any ballet enthusiast melt with joy!
These, darling, are the basic steps in our Tutu Timeline. Now we can add those magical ballet stories and designs. Like the ones in āThe Nutcrackerā with all the snow, or that show-stopping swirling beauty worn in āSwan Lake.ā These costumes add the sparkle, the magic, the stories that we hold close.
Now it's your turn to twirl!Darling, we're not finished with the magic of the tutu just yet! We're now firmly into 2011 and look whatās happened: modern dancers, those contemporary choreographers, and even hip-hop and street dancers are starting to love tutus as much as we do. It's like a tutu renaissance. You see the modern tutu all over the place now. On runways, and of course, the street - I've seen street style designers give it a wonderful modern twist! And why not, darlings? Why shouldn't a street performer get the joy of wearing one? The world has truly gone tutu-mad. And Iām loving it!
Itās amazing to think how the tutu went from something simple and functional to being such a fashion icon. Remember all the things you adore about the tutu? Well, think about how we can make them work for you:
Do you love pink? (Yes! Obviously I adore pink. It's the most gorgeous, feminine colour there is.) Then pink it is! And a bit more pink! It's fabulous! So you wear your tutu in your favourite shade.
Are you more adventurous? Try a bold colour that pops or go with different textures. Why not wear sequins or feathers for that ultimate statement? I can already picture it!
Are you loving the contemporary styles? Try a tutu with asymmetrical layers or with dramatic cutouts! This makes a bold statement with its fashion flair.
If you're searching for some more Tutu inspiration, darling, why not take a peek at what I wore this weekend.
Itās Thursday! The time is 9.30pm. This weekend, I saw "Sleeping Beauty" with The Royal Ballet, darling, you won't believe itā¦ I'm absolutely bursting with tutu excitement! I found a shop called The Tutu Collection in Covent Garden yesterday, and I nearly passed out! It was heaven on earth! They have literally everything and more than you could ever want when it comes to the magic of tulle!
I spent about three hours browsing. It was hard to pick from the beautiful selection. However, I think Iāve just decided on the most incredible shimmering red number! I know I said pink was my colour - but honestly, there was no resisting a tutu in this gorgeous shade. The silky fabric, the perfect cut, the incredible amount of layers... Well, you'll just have to wait until next week for the picture reveal! This week's picture will have to be my glorious pink number...it just can't compete with this stunner!
Travelling by Train - in style!Tomorrow, it's back to my home in Derbyshire. I can't wait to go. It will be so wonderful to feel the wind in my hair as the train rolls past fields. And I get to go wearing my new red tutu, obviously. Youāll need a good statement outfit when travelling first class - Iām looking for comfort with a little bit of elegant magic, wouldnāt you say?
Catch up next week when I'll be posting more pics and telling you about a magical, breathtaking performance from Birmingham Royal Ballet.
As usual, feel free to send me an email with any questions, darlings! Or share your tutu pictures! I just love seeing what my lovely readers are up to.
Much love, Emma xx
