Ballet's Ballet Shoe Has A Pink Slip On: The Pink Tutu Takes Centre Stage
The world of dance is, much like fashion, cyclical, but it is seldom that a piece of sartorial ingenuity creates such an impression that it continues to inspire a new generation. The humble pink tutu has certainly proven to be one of those enduring wonders. While some will insist that white was the first colour of the tutus – there is some evidence to suggest that there has been pink at the heart of ballet's evolution. However, the enduring romanticism associated with pink for young ladies (a Victorian notion) is likely responsible for cementing pink as the definitive ballet colour.
We know of course that fashion dictates that ballet will be forever seeking new and creative expressions of this classic attire – and it's clear to see that tutus come in an impressive range of colours – and even sometimes have been accessorised with patterns (though there was one memorable incident when an infamous Russian dancer was almost banished for attempting to include silver glitter in his costume. There is no mistaking it; pink does remain a steadfast, iconic design statement and a timeless symbol of a tradition.
If I am to be honest, even I find it quite difficult to envisage a tutu that is not in pink, which is odd, I am sure, given my own rather impressive costume collection that includes many colour options for all different seasons (yes, it has happened more than once that I have gone shopping at the back of the theatre, not to pick up a pair of tights but to stock up on colours that the dancers were not going to use in a new performance.)
However, this particular infatuation is understandable. When you really look at pink it holds so much beauty and intrigue. Perhaps, this has something to do with our deep-rooted association with femininity and all the feelings that the colour represents. That feeling of innocent youth, and also an elegant elegance.
For example, take one of my very favourite tutus. There was an especially enchanting performance of Giselle – a classic with a breathtakingly intricate design, but it's also notable because its beauty was largely amplified because of a design choice that made it really sparkle. Not with glitter or other shimmering additives - simply by selecting a fabric that caught the lights.
Of course the pink hue had been there all the time, but that night, it became something more. Not merely a colour, but rather an impression, a mood - an atmospheric mood that made the evening’s story about the heartbroken ballet dancer become quite visceral - if I’m being honest, it’s almost as if I could feel Giselle's heartache that night.
From Stage to Street
Of course, there’s a very specific silhouette in mind when one thinks of ballet; those wispy fabric swirls and layers upon layers - so delicate, soft and charming. There’s also that inherent, delicate beauty that evokes a particular, distinct visual experience - an evocative expression of ballet. If we are being brutally honest, pink is not really suitable for all situations. Though that isn’t a deterrant at all – on the contrary - the pink tutu is very very adaptable; with some modern twists in fabrics it can become almost everything it should not be and can sometimes be quite radical; quite a fascinating expression of an art form – don’t you think?
As any ballet dancer can confirm - not only can a tutu make or break your evening, it’s also pretty critical to how much the ballerina needs to spend on it. Ballet can be quite costly, so while the ballet community might consider pink the definitive colour, a little investment on the dance floor, means we don't want it looking drab in the eyes of fashion. And certainly when on stage there is always that consideration - a tutu that matches the leotard – in all its elegant pink loveliness.
On the subject of matching. It’s well documented, that for much of ballet's history – matching is very, very crucial for a great performance, there have even been instances when some ballet companies were willing to lose their reputation – or rather they did – in order to find those perfectly matching pinks (of which some companies had vast stores!) Some may say that is just ‘getting lost in the details,’ but personally, I would argue it is a passion. A real dedication to detail and the overall experience of ballet. After all - even the smallest thing, like the way two garments meet - can truly determine a great performance – for instance, if your leotard looks off-colour from the rest of the ensemble (be it a costume, or, a tutu) - well then you have not yet reached your aesthetic destination.
And it is in that context, of the perfect look that a pink leotard comes to life. When you're thinking about those ballets that take the heart – those very human stories – that use the dance of the human body and its movement – and the leotard – that allows one to truly see the power and passion within it and within the ballet dancer who takes centre stage – well the only thing more appropriate than the ballerina's dance in those movements is the colour pink, that matches their elegant ballet tutu.
And that's really something isn’t it? The enduring legacy of this exquisite, graceful fashion design that has captured so many hearts. Ballet lovers everywhere - and ballet companies of all sizes – would agree - the simple silhouette of a ballerina's pink tutu and pink leotard, make for a very compelling visual - with enough elegance to leave everyone mesmerised.
The Enduring Symbol Of Pink Tutus: A Modern Look
To think that we are still talking about it even today, and how the simple shape of a tutu has lasted through the ages – well there’s nothing more compelling about the power of pink – because, to many of us who are devoted to this most spectacular art form (yes, I am talking about ballet of course!), it means something a little more.
Indeed. It speaks not just about the fashion – but also the tradition – and most of all a sense of the romance in its creation – all very magical indeed!
Of course – this classic silhouette isn’t limited to a single look either; ballet, is all about reinvention and interpretation - and indeed - one thing that is wonderful is that even after the centuries that have passed – this timeless tutu silhouette continues to have a contemporary edge. The way a ballerina can wear the piece - well this is truly what allows it to stand apart, in that timeless silhouette; a combination of a sense of grace and timeless design – the classic tutu – always brings in an essence of pure romantic beauty. But I think it is important to consider it for more than simply that - the pink tutu - the pink ballet tutu is a reminder that all aspects of ballet – both modern and classic - have an element of the feminine – if I am being truthful. For me it evokes memories of so many moments that I have seen the silhouette and its colour, used in countless ways - from an iconic interpretation to its less familiar incarnations in dance theatre. This of course, can include contemporary expressions that feature ballet-inspired movements and even elements of fashion.
Some would argue – perhaps that the modern era might see the silhouette disappear – as so many forms of creative fashion design explore, the concept of fluidity. - but again - I would say - a classic tutu can bring a modern appeal in that way. It is just so effortlessly stylish – it manages to find its way to suit each generation – it remains a popular feature on Instagram and fashion sites like Pinterest and this timeless, evocative look is certainly worthy of our adoration and appreciation – but one should be aware – you must have your heart ready when you do so – a heart ready for beauty – if you're ready to fall for it that is. There is that almost fairytale charm. It just adds an ethereal, delicate grace to it that makes the ballerina on stage and on camera look like they could practically take flight!
I think that this sense of playfulness is what gives the classic tutu that contemporary edge – as fashion is cyclical it makes for a classic and truly elegant timeless addition to the dancers ensemble and this allows this beautiful design feature of dance fashion to remain part of our dance and fashion narrative for years to come.
But what about the new?
Of course, one cannot discuss fashion without considering the latest, trendsetting creations – and certainly ballet is always a stage of modern style – and new interpretations of the tutu in shades of pink do come out each year, and some are more enduring, as fashion suggests – it does appear that our interest in tutus is continuing to take off – the modern ballet and modern trends seem to indicate we will not see it being relegated to the museum any time soon!
I can almost hear the ballet lovers of today asking what that looks like – what are the newer inspirations? - Well, the recent focus of fashion on the soft romantic look and the classic femininity – has seen some of the most beautiful new iterations in modern pink. - Of course we don't need a dance on a stage to feel inspired – it does appear that the modern fashion era seems to have fallen in love with the pink tutu - but let me just say, some designers have begun to create their own unique take - while staying in that beautiful ballet realm and giving some breathtaking reimagining - and with quite an inspiring and innovative – (oh, if you must know – a more muted shade) of pink (which might come with some very unusual designs on its skirt ) - it looks elegant – in a fresh – fashion-forward kind of way, though not quite what a ballerina would wear on a stage.
Well - I think – perhaps that makes sense in its own unique way, too. In ballet we seek – always a beautiful, compelling – (but above all) romantic effect that captures the viewer, that evokes that feeling of being entranced, to bring back the romance, which the pink tutu really captures – oh so eloquently! - if I am honest. After all – those lovely shades, it truly shows off the beauty and charm of this graceful shape of this iconic silhouette.
I know – for some of you this might be just another tutu - but - what’s wonderful about pink, as I’ve said, it’s that pink will continue to capture so many hearts, across fashion, culture and indeed - the world of ballet! And if there is one fashion item I wish I could pack in my handbag to use as I walk about in my day - well, I think it's the lovely pink tutu. Because who doesn’t love those very delicate swirls and layers?