Oh, darlings! It’s Tuesday, which can only mean one thing… Tutu Tuesday! Grab your fanciest pink tulle and a cup of tea, because today, we’re going on a grand, sparkly journey back in time! This week, I’m whisking us back to the fabulous year of 2012 - a year filled with dazzling ballets, exciting fashion, and, of course, fabulous tutus!
(I simply adore time travelling, you know? It's the perfect excuse to put on my favourite pink tutu, hop onto a steam train, and explore the past! Oh, and it doesn't hurt that I can also catch a few amazing ballet shows in my travels! My little secret: I finance my time travels with the pennies I earn dancing, which gives me the best reason to always wear my most dazzling outfits. It’s a win-win, I tell you! )
Now, 2012... a truly iconic year in the history of ballet. What was everyone wearing? Well, let me tell you, it was a glorious mix of traditional and modern, with tutus of all shapes, sizes, and shades. Imagine delicate, fluffy tutus swishing in graceful pirouettes and then envision dramatic, sculptural ones soaring through the air – all adding to the magic of those unforgettable performances.
And, on 10th January 2012, which is today, you know, just think of all the ballets being performed all over the world! I'm just dreaming of seeing The Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House in London - those tutus in Act 3, you just can't beat them, oh the elegance!
*(I simply *have to see it! The London theatre scene is a bit of a favourite of mine, honestly. The costumes, the grandeur, the whole theatrical experience – pure perfection! And they do love their tutus there, you know? It’s like a ballerina’s playground. Sometimes I just wish I could get my hands on a costume from one of these historical shows!)
Let's take a moment to dive into some of the most fascinating tutu trends from 2012:
The return of the romantic tutu: Remember all those Giselles you see on Youtube? This style had a huge resurgence in popularity, making ballets feel oh-so-magical! (You know me and romantic tutus – anything to make a ballerina look like she just stepped out of a fairytale!)
Bold, modern designs: This year was all about taking the traditional tutu and giving it a playful twist. Designers experimented with unusual shapes and materials – it was fantastic! Remember those American Ballet Theatre shows, like the ones by Twyla Tharp? Now that was a ballet with modern tutus for modern women!
**(Honestly, modern tutus have so much freedom! Not saying those long classical ones don’t have their beauty but modern tutus, they really say, "Let's move, let's fly, let's inspire!" You can truly feel the spirit of modern dance! It just adds a whole new dimension to a ballet.)
2012 was also a fantastic time to discover Ballet Street. Now, these dancers really knew how to rock a tutu! They weren’t just for traditional ballets anymore - they made an impact on stages all around the world with street dance. Now there's something a bit more modern! I love the playful creativity!
(Yes, a pink tutu isn't always just for a ballet show. It's a statement, a piece of art that tells the world who you are - bold, bright, full of life and fun!)
Of course, as a big fan of fashion, it would be a crime not to talk about some of the incredible designers who graced the world of dance fashion in 2012! Names like Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood, and, yes, even Karl Lagerfeld, have all added their personal touch to ballet costumes - their creations were a-mazing!
**(I confess, when it comes to tutus, my inner designer gets quite excited! Imagine, mixing a classic tutu with, say, some shimmering feathers and bold colours – talk about an exciting combination! And then think of it, wearing those beauties to dance! Oh, the joy!)
But it’s not all about tutus on the catwalk and stage. My lovely dancers, it's time to embrace the "Tutu Power" - the wonderful power to inspire with this magical garment! A tutu can say a thousand words without even speaking a single one! Let's make the world a brighter place with a pink tutu.
*(My aim? To get the whole world wearing pink tutus! Honestly, a bit ambitious perhaps, but, you know, *anything is possible if you put your heart into it!)
Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, darlings! Do you have any stories about ballet or tutus from 2012 that you'd like to share? Tell me, have you ever dreamt of a world where everyone wears a pink tutu? Until next Tuesday, stay bright, stay beautiful, and keep twirling! XOXO, Emma.
