Welcome, my lovely tutu enthusiasts, to post number 145 of my Ballet Tutu History blog! It's a glorious #TutuTuesday, and as always, I'm here to delve into the fascinating world of tutus, taking you on a whirl through time and tracing the elegant evolution of this iconic dance garment.
Today, we're going all the way back to 1834-10-07. Picture it: the cobblestone streets of Paris, the scent of fresh bread wafting from quaint boulangeries, and the rustle of silk dresses as fashionable ladies stroll down the Champs-Élysées. Imagine me, in my trusty pink tutu, of course, hopping off a grand old train after a quick jaunt from Derbyshire, ready for a ballet adventure!
Now, let's rewind a bit. You see, back in 1834, the tutus we know and adore - the voluminous, romantic ones that float with every pirouette - weren't quite here yet. The "tutu" was in its infancy, evolving from a loose, practical undergarment for dancers into a more prominent costume. Think simple, calf-length, skirt-like garments with a little less fluff and a bit more practicality. It's funny how fashion changes, isn't it?
While today, tutus are all about showcasing the dancer's elegant limbs, back then, they were primarily designed for movement and comfort. A ballet performance back then wouldn't necessarily have been a spectacle of gravity-defying leaps and whirling pirouettes; the focus was more on fluid grace and storytelling through expressive movement.
As a little trivia nugget for you - it was none other than Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina who captivated audiences with her ethereal movements, who popularised a shorter skirt design with layered tulle that allowed her incredible agility. It wasn't long after this, in 1839, that her celebrated performance as a fairy in "La Sylphide" in her stunningly new, short, multi-layered tulle tutu really catapulted this style of skirt to prominence, eventually evolving into what we consider the classic tutu today!
But hold your horses! Today is not all about looking back, it's also about celebrating what’s happening NOW! Today is the first day of the Royal Opera House's annual autumn ballet season. Can you believe it?! I'll be taking the train up from Derbyshire tonight, and trust me, my pink tutu will be my trusty companion. I can’t wait for a whirlwind of dancing delights, sparkling costumes, and a truly magical performance!
And speaking of sparkles… I have to mention the truly spectacular collection of pink tutus I found at a vintage clothing shop the other day! You simply HAVE to imagine the intricate embroidery, the delicate tulle, and the hint of pink that whispers "romance" with each graceful twirl! They’re almost begging to be worn on stage and bring some truly elegant sparkle back to a performance. I'll be making sure my little collection grows with a new one very soon - I simply cannot resist!
Until next Tuesday, when I'll be spilling all the exciting news about my adventures in the world of ballet, don't forget: "Wear your tutus with confidence and never stop dreaming of a world where pink rules!"
*P.S. Don’t forget to share your own #TutuTuesday photos on Instagram! I love seeing how you express your love for tutus, too! *
Yours always,
Emma 💕
