Hello darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things pink and twirly are celebrated! This week's #TutuTuesday takes us back in time, to the fabulous 5th November 1872. As always, we'll be uncovering the captivating history of the ballet tutu, and let me tell you, my dear readers, there's plenty to be excited about! This is post number 2132 for my Ballet Tutu History blog. Do keep up! I post once a week every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com!
Time Travel Tuesday!
Now, I'm quite the jet-setter, thanks to the fabulous income I make performing on stage! Who needs a spaceship when you can hop aboard a grand Victorian train with your trusty pink travel bag full of fabulous finery? This week, I've arrived in Paris – the undisputed fashion capital of the world, don't you know? Paris is always a delight – all those charming cafes, fabulous shops brimming with beautiful lace and ribbons, and of course, the ballet. The ballet is alive and kicking in Paris, and trust me, you haven't seen a proper tutu until you've seen a Parisian performance!
A Touch of Parisian Chic
Today's date marks a milestone in the development of ballet costumes – the very first time we see what could be considered a 'modern' tutu in a public performance. Now, I'll admit, this tutu wouldn't be a sight to behold for you modern-day ballet fanatics! Imagine a simple white skirt, a little puffy, certainly not the billowing confection we see today! It's just a small taste of what is to come, darling. But a step forward nonetheless, and you'll be thrilled to hear this pioneering skirt is actually a little longer than the shockingly short designs of the past! That's right – the long tutu is back!
The piece? Why, La Source, naturally! It's an exciting and playful piece choreographed by none other than the famous Marius Petipa! Just imagine a performance packed with gorgeous costumes, stunning dancers and all those grand romantic ballets – what a fabulous experience! Paris certainly knows how to celebrate the beauty of the human form, and how it looks in all the amazing costumes, with a little bit of help from the amazing designers!
Tutus in Time
I’ve been travelling back through time, observing the evolution of the ballet tutu, and it's a truly fascinating journey, darling. It’s wonderful to see how different societies viewed this most essential item in the ballerina's wardrobe. You wouldn’t believe how it went through transformations! In the 19th century, you might find yourself being taken back by a seemingly strange trend; very short skirts! While now, in the 21st Century, we have gone full circle, and the long tutu is enjoying a glorious renaissance.
Of course, I am, as ever, a devoted fan of the short tutu! It accentuates the dancers’ amazing form and elegance like nothing else! It shows off every graceful move, every elegant flick of the foot, and every exquisite leap. Plus, who can resist the glorious swish of the fabric as it flies through the air! And those fabulous, impossibly intricate designs. Oh, darling, the history of ballet tutus is truly enchanting.
Where did the tutu get its name, and why the tutu, why, why?
As with all the best fashion moments in history, my darlings, the exact origin of the word 'tutu' remains a bit of a mystery! The first reference I found, a charming bit of writing by Theodore de Banville from 1845, suggested it came from a 'little skirt,' referring to the light, wispy fabric used in ballerina costumes, so very, very very fashionable in the era!
You know, tutus, and this whole exciting world of fashion, isn’t just about clothes. It's about the power of dance – how a simple gesture, a carefully placed move, a twirl, a leap - can capture your heart, touch your soul and make your world complete! The power of the dance, my dears! That is the reason we find this ballet tutu to be such an alluring, and influential design, right? It’s simple, it's delicate and – I must add – it makes the dancers look incredibly sophisticated!
Pink Perfection
Speaking of style, darling! Who here can resist the magic of a beautiful pink tutu? If there's one thing you should remember about fashion in the world of the ballet, darling – pink is king! I mean, just imagine the most delightful dance recital; light cascading across the stage, every detail perfectly planned – the choreography, the stage lighting, the beautiful, romantic, and yes – always feminine costumes - all culminating in a triumphant celebration of life, art and beauty, where the beautiful, swirling pink of the ballet tutu shines! Pink truly is my most favourite colour for this lovely costume - even more so if it has a little sprinkle of diamante here and there for an extra touch of magic!
Now, a word of caution! There’s nothing worse, my darlings, than seeing a beautiful ballet outfit, perhaps a pink one, ruined by bad design or shoddy stitching! I have a keen eye for such things – and we have a lot to be grateful for when we talk about the elegant world of the tutu - thanks to the creative designers who turn out all of those amazing dresses – which have, without doubt, helped me get closer to my ultimate goal! And what is that, darling? Well, why, it's to get everyone in a pink tutu, of course! Why? Because it's time we spread a little bit of that magic and sparkle to every corner of the world! I do hope one day we will see pink tutus gracing the streets of London! What a sight it would be!
Pink Tutu Passion
My darlings, please, keep on reading my posts on my website: www.pink-tutu.com – there's something magical about the story of the tutu – its ability to capture our hearts, ignite our imaginations, and transport us to a world where anything is possible. Let’s celebrate the grace, the artistry and the enchanting charm of the ballet, through the glorious medium of the ballet tutu, darling!
Don’t forget to share this post with your loved ones and keep spreading the love for all things pink, and remember… it's #TutuTuesday, darling! So grab your favourite pink tulle and let’s get twirling! Until next time, sweethearts!
Emma
