Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, darling dears! I'm your ever-so-pink-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger, Emma, coming to you live from a sweltering, yet exquisitely fashionable, Paris, where the only thing hotter than the summer air is the latest Parisian ballet season! Today, we're dipping our toes into the glittering history of ballet tutus, and trust me, the journey will have you spinning like a whirling dervish of delight!
Now, buckle up your dancing shoes, my darlings, because we're hopping on the train back in time! This week's date - 1893-06-27 - marks a pivotal point in tutu history. And just imagine, on this very day, there was an incredible performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, captivating the hearts of thousands with its graceful ballerinas and soaring melodies. This is exactly the kind of occasion I'd happily be spinning my own tulle at! But first, let's rewind a bit, shall we?
Before we talk tutus, we have to talk romanticized fashion. The early 1800s saw a blossoming of artistic and fashion sensibilities - the yearning for graceful movement, soft lines, and a little bit of the ethereal, that ethereal feminine beauty you all know I'm so gaga for! This was the perfect storm to brew a revolution in ballet and...the glorious TUTU!
But hold your horses, darlings, the tutu didn't arrive in a fully formed pink, pouffy glory. No, dear friends, it was an evolution. Picture this, the 1830s - imagine ballerina Marie Taglioni dancing in "La Sylphide." Now, think of the ultimate fairy - a light, airy, graceful silhouette. That's where the first tutus, called the 'Romantic Tutu', stepped onto the stage. This revolutionary, barely there style was made of lightweight tulle, with delicate ruffles, skimming the dancers' bodies in all its exquisite glory. The tutus were revolutionary - for the first time ballerinas were free to fly! No cumbersome layers, no restricting fabrics.
This delicate ballet-tutu trend is the start of the magical ballet wardrobe I love so much today! If you were a little ballerina in the 1830s and your dance class used these tutus, well darling, imagine! You would have loved these romantic ballet designs.
I must admit, these earlier tutus didn't look exactly like our modern, frilly friends. The first Romantic tutus, with their simplicity and minimal layers, still allowed the ballet to explore new narratives and emotions, expressing the lightness of a sylph, the joy of a fairy, the pain of a swan, or whatever other ethereal tale the choreographer dreamed up. Think airy, flowy, barely-there. They highlighted the delicate features and fluid movements of the dancers. But remember my darling dears, that light and flow is also what brings all the excitement of modern tutus to the fore.
Now, picture a train ride across Europe, or perhaps to Moscow or to St Petersburg to watch these incredible ballets and the enchanting tutus. Wouldn't that be lovely? I'd happily wear my own pink tutu, of course, to all of them. And just like that, darling dears, by the 1840s, the romantic tutu had completely redefined ballet! We saw more extravagant designs, layered with delicate layers of tulle, like swirling clouds of beauty. Oh, wouldn't I love to see those in real life! Imagine yourself as the ballet star wearing a tutu, whirling and spinning across the stage...Oh, wouldn't that be divine?!
And in that context, what was 1893 like? That year was a ballet wonderland! Imagine, my lovelies, Tchaikovsky's masterpiece Swan Lake, featuring some of the most mesmerizing choreography that's ever graced the stage! With their intricate costumes and expressive moves, the ballerinas brought the swan's tragedy to life - all within the exquisite artistry of a romantic tutu. You have to admit, those white romantic tutus are the epitome of ballerina beauty, their grace a delicate compliment to the movements and dramatic storytelling.
My dears, it's no wonder the Romantic Tutu became the benchmark for ballet costume design for decades. It's the quintessential silhouette for expressing that dream-like, whimsical nature of ballet, the embodiment of effortless beauty, graceful motion, and artistic freedom.
Of course, tutus have evolved! Now, we have the traditional tutu with layers of ruffled tulle, sometimes embellished with sequins, feather boas, or sparkly gems for that extra bit of bling. Each tutu can bring different narratives to the forefront! In fact, some modern ballerinas still wear the delicate, less-layered Romantic tutu, for their light ethereal, or fairy like ballets, but the beauty and evolution of the romantic tutus through the ages has only improved the art of dancing with these magical designs.
But as we celebrate the legacy of these tutus, let's not forget the essential role of the ballet dancer! Without their talent and dedication, the magic of ballet would be lost. These incredible women embody that graceful power. So let us give them our sincerest appreciation and give ourselves a round of applause for loving tutus!
And let's keep our tutus twirling, darling dears, because as the famous Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." And what more timeless style could there be than the exquisite, ethereal beauty of a tutu? It transcends time, trends, and fashion. It is pure artistry and graceful magic, forever woven into the tapestry of dance history.
So keep coming back every week for #TutuTuesday , my loves, as we continue to explore this delightful history together! And never be afraid to twirl a little extra today, no matter what you’re wearing. It might even inspire your own #TutuTuesday post - imagine! - You could be our next fashion sensation!
With love and tulle,
Emma
P.S. Did you know that the term “tutu” first appeared in 1898 in England? So, you see, the love of tutus is literally sewn into the fabric of British culture. So why not celebrate our English roots, my loves?
P.P.S. And don't forget to share your Tutu Tuesday moments on social media. Be sure to tag us @pink-tutu! #pinktutu #tututuesday #ballet #ballet history #vintagefashion
