Hello my gorgeous Tutu-loving darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another delve into the fascinating world of ballet history! Grab your favourite cuppa and join me on a journey back in time, as we explore the fascinating evolution of the tutu - that fabulous garment which embodies grace, femininity, and a sprinkle of magical fairy dust!
This week we're whisking ourselves back to September the 3rd, 1833! Can you believe it? Almost two centuries ago! Let's pop on our time-travel tutus and prepare to be transported to the vibrant heart of the Parisian ballet scene. It's here, in the city of lights, that we find the tutu starting to bloom and truly blossom into the symbol of elegance we adore today!
Before we start, remember, this is the place to be for all your pink tutu needs. From your favourite stores and how to get that perfect fit to inspiration for your next tutuing escapade!
Now, picture this: The stage lights are shimmering, the orchestra is tuning its instruments, and the air buzzes with anticipation. The Parisian audience is buzzing with excitement, ready for a dazzling performance! They are about to witness a revolution in the world of dance. No longer are the dancers constrained by heavy, billowing skirts, hampering their every movement. Instead, they’re showcasing their graceful movements in beautifully constructed skirts which stop just below the knee, offering an exquisite glimpse of their legs as they pirouette and leap across the stage! It’s breathtaking! It's all thanks to the "tutu," and it’s a glorious sight!
And here’s the bit I find absolutely thrilling: The "tutu" is still in its early stages! This short, elegant skirt, that became an iconic part of the ballerina's wardrobe, wasn’t even a regular feature in the theatre just yet. Think about it! Imagine, dear readers, watching a ballet without a tutu! Unthinkable, isn't it?
Just imagine, those dancers, so beautifully dressed in flowing, multi-layered tulle, all shades of white and ivory! Can't you just hear the whispering fabric as they turn and twirl? Pure magic! The short tutu highlighted the legs and allowed for a level of movement never seen before, offering breathtaking glimpses of the dancers' graceful extensions. This, dear readers, was the beginning of the tutu revolution.
But why 1833? You might wonder, well, the answer is simple! It's because this is when the famed ballerina Marie Taglioni danced in "La Sylphide." Her performance in a stunning, white, diaphanous skirt is said to have sparked the evolution of the tutu as we know it! A graceful and magical creation. That short skirt, so simple, yet revolutionary, truly brought about a change in the world of ballet. And my fellow Tutu lovers, this is what makes our beloved tutu so special! It's about pushing boundaries, about expressing artistic freedom.
And on this September 3rd, in 1833, as I gaze across the swirling crowds and glistening stage, I know I’m seeing a revolution in motion. We’re witnessing a movement that would see the tutu become a symbol of grace, elegance and a powerful statement of femininity that we all know and love today!
Speaking of grace and elegance, there are just so many reasons why the tutu remains so important in the world of ballet. It is a symbol of beauty and elegance. A vision of lightness and delicacy. It truly is an object of art, adding a level of drama and magic that enthrals the audience, taking them to another world!
And don’t even get me started on the gorgeous colors! From the soft hues of ivory and pastel pinks to dazzling reds and vibrant blues, the possibilities are truly endless! Each color evokes a different emotion, adding to the story of the performance and its unique aesthetic.
Now, don't forget to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com for weekly updates on #TutuTuesday I post every Tuesday! This week I will be looking into a little tutu design magic! A little look into those amazing fabrics, the crafting process and where to find the most amazing ones! And, I promise, you don't want to miss my look at all the new fashion trends at next week's performance! I will also be sharing some gorgeous pics from my visit to Paris – did I tell you I'm a little obsessed with tutus and the City of Lights?!
Before we hop off the time-traveling express train and back to our present, tell me your thoughts! Which is your favourite shade of tutu and why? Where’s your favourite place to admire ballet dancing?
Stay fabulous and don't forget to spread a little tutu magic!
Until next time, darlings, Emma x
