Hello, my dearest Tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast, and I'm bursting with excitement for today's Tutu Tuesday! We're travelling back in time, all the way to 2011!
This week, we're going to be focusing on a rather exciting period for the tutu. Let's hop aboard my trusty time-travelling carriage and let's take a whirl through the wonders of tutus from a little over a decade ago!
The air is thick with the sound of twinkling music and excited chatter - oh, how I adore the buzz of a ballet performance! And today's journey finds us amidst the heart of this excitement. Right now, in 2011, London is buzzing with ballet-themed festivities! They’re staging a rather fabulous celebration of the tutu. I can almost hear the whoosh of tulle as dancers whirl around the Royal Opera House - pure magic!
Now, imagine this: a whole evening dedicated to showcasing the magnificent evolution of the tutu. From the demure Victorian romantic tutus to the voluminous and iconic tutus of the 20th century, the stage will be bursting with a whirlwind of styles and shapes. Oh, how I wish I could have been there to see it!
Speaking of which, I am ever so excited to share my own 2011 tutu wardrobe with you! I had just bought this delightful, delicate pale pink tulle tutu, just like spun sugar, at a delightful little shop near Covent Garden. The lovely shopkeeper even hand-sewed some sparkly sequins around the hemline. Absolutely stunning, wouldn’t you agree?
But, darling friends, it wasn't all about just admiring tutus back in 2011! Remember the ever-popular ballerina movies like Black Swan? Those were causing a big stir back then! We were seeing those beautiful dance-inspired looks all over the catwalks and in magazines - and the ballet shoe even got its very own style comeback.
I particularly loved this elegant pointy-toe, black leather ballet shoe with a little gold trim. Perfect for adding that ballerina chic touch to your favourite outfits, wouldn’t you agree? Why, I still have my favourite pair!
I popped into the Ballet Shoe Boutique just before leaving the time machine, you know, the little shop near Covent Garden. A must-visit for any serious tutu lover! And what did I find? My newest treasure! The prettiest blush-pink, lace-trimmed pair of ballet flats! Now, I can twirl around the cobbled streets of London looking as elegant and graceful as a ballerina – a bit more casual but no less stylish, eh?
As a fashion-obsessed ballerina, my 2011 wardrobe is full of tutus! Well, what can I say? They’re just the most delightful, twirly, joyful, graceful and whimsical things. And if I’m being honest, I’m very excited that tutus are still going strong even today! They’re definitely having a moment now, and everyone loves to see a lovely tutu in motion.
But hold your horses, darling friends! That’s not all! Did you know 2011 also saw the birth of Ballet Street?! That’s right! Those wonderful, inspiring performances in unexpected places like public squares, railway stations and streets! I am such a big fan! The movement and the excitement it brought to the streets - and, of course, the tutus! Oh my!
Just imagine a troupe of dancers gracefully pirouetting amongst the crowds at a train station! The beautiful sounds of music filling the air, all in honour of the ballet, a passion I hold very close to my heart! It is moments like these that truly make the tutu stand out. It is not just a costume, my friends, it is a symbol, a reminder of the magic that exists in our world, and a reminder to keep twirling and enjoying life’s delights!
Speaking of train journeys, I absolutely love exploring the world via rail, it’s so relaxing and peaceful - perfect for inspiring new blog ideas. It just so happens that a dear friend of mine had the most delightful birthday party coming up, in Birmingham, on the 6th of December. It was her wish to be treated to a magical ballet experience and as always, I love surprising her. It would also be the perfect chance to celebrate her birthday and to enjoy a wonderful weekend in the city. Of course, what would be a true Emma travel experience without a stylishly matching pink-tutu and train journey? Why, I packed an array of tutus in my special travel bag: pink, peach, silver… even a touch of white for evening! And, wouldn’t you know it? My little train journey turned into an unplanned tutu fashion show with all my fellow travellers, making them laugh and putting a big smile on their faces!
Let’s take a trip back to that gorgeous trip in 2011 to remember how to enjoy a proper tea party. It really is a treat, something special and unique for any tea-loving friend, eh? Imagine a room with crisp, white tablecloths and sparkling silver. A grand tiered cake stand, loaded with a delicious selection of sweet and savoury delights. Of course, we need those special pinky-coloured cupcakes. They were all the rage in 2011, I still love those! It wouldn't be a real tea party without some of those delicious cucumber finger sandwiches. The delicate slices of cucumber, just so satisfying. Oh, don’t forget to pick up some lovely floral-scented Earl Grey tea for an extra touch of fancy! It's the little things that truly make a perfect tea party!
Before I send you off into the week, my lovelies, let’s leave some Tutu Tuesday inspiration! Have you got a new tutu planned this week? Do you have a special event to attend? I’d love to hear about it. Remember, darling friends, whether it's on the stage, on the street, or even in your own home, the tutu is the symbol of graceful expression and joyous confidence! Never shy away from a little bit of pink!
Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday memories and style stories. You can find me on Instagram @PinkTutu, my beloved website, www.pink-tutu.com, and of course, right here on the blog next Tuesday for another grand trip down Tutu Lane. Until then, stay twirling and always keep the spirit of the tutu alive!
Love,
Emma xx