Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, for another week of Tutu Tuesday! This week, we're travelling back in time, by train, naturally (and with my trusty pink tutu packed, of course!), to the 12th April 1881, to take a peek at the fascinating evolution of the tutu. Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a fabulous ride!
As you know, I adore ballet, the grace, the beauty, the dresses, and nothing says ballet quite like a perfect tutu. But this magical garment has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and that journey is one we'll explore today.
So, imagine yourselves with me in a carriage, rolling along towards London, on this breezy Spring day in 1881. It's all bonnets and bustles, horse-drawn carriages and the crisp air filled with the aroma of London fog. But tucked away from the bustle of Victorian London, in a world of delicate steps and graceful leaps, lies the ballet. This is where the story of the tutu takes flight.
For those of you who might be new to the wonders of the tutu (and where have you been, darling? You really must try one!), back in the 1800s, ballet was all about elaborate, billowing gowns. These werenât exactly conducive to a graceful arabesque or a daring pirouette, you see.
It was a legendary dancer by the name of Marie Taglioni, the original "ballerina", who dared to bare some leg, to allow those lovely movements to shine! She revolutionised dance with her use of a revolutionary tutu, a light and airy skirt that allowed for unhindered motion. Her innovative piece, made from layers of tulle, reached just above her knees, giving a glimpse of her shapely limbs and adding a sense of airy, ethereal beauty. This was the beginning of the tutu as we know it, my darlings.
Our 1881 journey takes us to the Royal Opera House in London, where the world-renowned ballet company is staging an evening of Tchaikovskyâs beautiful "Swan Lake." This exquisite performance is all about the tutus. And believe me, darlings, it's showstopping! The swans are majestic, their white tutus mirroring their grace as they glide across the stage, all thanks to the evolution of this magical piece of dancewear.
Speaking of swan tutus, they come in all shades of white, cream, and ivory, even sometimes sprinkled with shimmering sequins to add a touch of elegance. You know what I adore most, though? The pink ones! Oh, those gorgeous tutus, a cascade of pale pink tulle that looks like a cloud made of fairy dust. Isnât that divine, darlings? Iâm convinced Iâve seen a few pink tutus sneak into these swan dances over the years â some dancers are just born rebels!
Now, you might be thinking, âEmma, how come tutus are so much shorter than those gorgeous billowing gowns from your Victorian pictures?â Good question! The answer lies in the incredible evolution of dance, my darlings!
Over time, dancersâ steps got quicker, moves became more acrobatic. Those swirling gowns simply couldnât keep up. Imagine trying a grand jetĂ© in one of those â impossible, my darlings, just impossible! So, as dancers pushed the limits of their movements, the tutus adapted too, becoming more manageable, shorter and lighter, allowing for an ever-increasing array of stunning moves. The evolution of ballet was intimately entwined with the evolution of the tutu, just like the fashion trends in the world. And both trends, of course, continue to change with each decade.
In the mid-1800s, you would mostly find romantic, long, multi-layered tutus, known as âRomantic tutusâ, that almost look like a dreamy skirt cloud around the dancer. But as we head into the latter half of the 19th century, these tutus get progressively shorter and are even divided into distinct layers. Then, of course, come the "Classical tutus," which became the standard for ballet, characterized by their structured layers of tulle, with a short, fitted bodice, all designed to give dancers the freedom to express themselves in all those breathtaking fouettĂ© spins, chassĂ© steps, and all the rest!
But you know, darlings, the most captivating thing about tutus? Itâs not just their history or even their design, but their impact on the audience. A tutu, even in a mere rehearsal, transforms its wearer, giving an aura of grace, strength and even a touch of magic. There is something breathtakingly magical about seeing dancers move with the freedom provided by their ethereal tutus. It's more than a garment, darling â it's a symbol of all that's possible when we combine artistry and athleticism.
Remember to stay tuned for our next #TutuTuesday! What does 1881 mean for tutus in other countries? What does the world of dance look like? Join me for another trip back in time, as we continue exploring the wonderful history of this essential piece of dance attire!
I'm off to buy a pink tutu! See you next Tuesday!
Love, Emma x
Don't forget to follow me on social media @PinkTutuQueen and keep the #TutuTuesday conversation going!
Further resources: - "A Short History of Ballet and the Tutu" by Victoria Roberts - "Ballet Shoes" by Noel Streatfeild (a fabulous novel set in the early 20th century which I simply adored growing up)
P.S. For all you fashionistas out there: What are your favorite styles of ballet tutus? I'd love to hear what tutus get you excited about ballet, what kind of patterns you admire most, and let me know why! Let's chat! #PinkTutuQueen
