#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1891-06-16

Hello, my darling dance devotees!

It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and it’s a glorious Tuesday morning! It’s time to take a journey through the glittering history of ballet fashion with #TutuTuesday – where every week, we delve into the evolution of that magical, swirling masterpiece of fabric – the ballet tutu.

I’m writing to you from a beautifully breezy Paris today, with the iconic Eiffel Tower glistening in the distance, and the air buzzing with the scent of fresh pastries and the promise of Parisian charm. The perfect location to celebrate the story of our most beloved garment – the tutu! And I’m practically giddy to tell you, my lovelies, that today is extra special for our tutu time travel adventure!

Today, dear readers, is 16th June, 1891! A date that marks the day we first saw the "classic" tutu - the one we adore in our minds when we think of a ballerina! The tutu, in its elegant, short form! I think of it as the "proper" tutu! It's the epitome of grace, elegance and that floaty ballet aesthetic that we all admire so much, don't you think?

Now, some may think the classic tutu had been around since the 18th century, but darling, that's not the case. Earlier "tutus" were long and gathered and known as "Romantic Tutus" which we all love, don't we! They’re whimsical and gorgeous, and they give a much fuller silhouette – but they can feel rather clunky and heavy when you are performing.

The 1890s introduced the "Classical" tutu which allowed for an incredible combination of ethereal beauty and a grace that allowed the dancers to leap and twirl without those bothersome full, long skirts! Now, let me tell you, it was a glorious moment in dance history.

And just like all of us, dancers back then couldn't get enough of that delicate beauty and floaty loveliness that a short, elegant tutu offered! Just imagine it! Think of how much more free you would feel moving and spinning with such a beautiful garment fluttering around you! Well, the ballerinas in the late 1800s felt it too! And thank goodness, for such a glorious innovation!

But the story goes much further back in time…

If we journey even further back in time, to the days of the Renaissance, it wasn’t all fluffy frills and beautiful tulle. Back then, our dance divas were simply in…wait for it…long, full skirts!

That’s right. Before the tutu's creation, dancers had to try to spin and pirouette with the most awkward restrictions of petticoats and layers upon layers of fabric! Talk about getting all tangled up! And it’s funny to think of that in comparison to the flowy grace we admire today, don't you think? Imagine having to twirl and prance in long, full-bodied skirts! My, what a change there's been! It makes one appreciate the shorter tutu all the more, doesn't it?

And while you might think those cumbersome dresses would be incredibly uncomfortable to wear and to dance in, some may actually be quite pleased with that historical note – as it was much more suitable for a more genteel, and a much more prudish time. Let's face it, ballet was considered much more tame than it is today! Ballet was quite frankly seen as rather dainty and feminine. You might not have had to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions…unlike what happens sometimes today in certain dance schools...gasps in mock horror! I don't know about you, dear readers, but if I'm doing a pirouette I don’t want to be fussing with long skirts. I need every inch of fabric perfectly flowing!

Enter The “Romantic” tutu!

But then along came the late 1830s and an entirely new type of tutu – a “romantic” tutu – which introduced the graceful "flow" we associate with today's modern ballet! Now these were the perfect combination of feminine charm and practicality for dance – it’s just so easy to understand the adoration for these stunning dresses, and we can be grateful that they became such a popular costume choice for so long!

These tutus still came to the ankle, but were more delicate – just a touch of romance – with very full gathers, creating a softer flow. This led to more “floaty” dancing styles. That dreamy dancing in the ballet world that still graces our stages today… These beauties weren’t as short as the contemporary ones, but their elegant design certainly revolutionized the style! Imagine a ballet full of these! The stages would practically be filled with an ethereal mist. It was a true era of elegance and flow, my dears. I must admit, a rather dreamy era in which to imagine yourself dancing, don't you think?

But what about you? Did you know this is the day that the modern tutu was born?

*Do you remember your first time seeing a ballet tutu in all its glory? Tell us in the comments! *

So, I hope you enjoyed this little time travel expedition, and that we learned some important dance history today! We all love these beautifully crafted tutus! Do you agree?

I just had to gush a bit! It’s #TutuTuesday after all, and who better than Emma to get all excited about our favorite garment?! It wouldn't be a Tuesday without #TutuTuesday !

I'll be posting next week – and it’ll be a tutu treat – I promise. Don't miss it. I will be back for the next journey through history! You'll never look at the tutu in the same way!

Until next week my lovelies…

Remember, life is short, so dance your heart out – in your tutu, naturally!

Love,

Emma xxx

P.S. Now where did I leave that extra pink tutu for later?! This glorious Parisian air demands another whirl! Oh la la…