Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the glorious history of the tutu! It's a Tuesday, so you know what that means - another trip through time to uncover the fascinating origins of our beloved fluffy friends!
Today, my lovelies, we're going back to July 14th, 1896. Oh, what a magical year it was!
Now, if you're anything like me, you absolutely adore train journeys. The rhythmic chugging of the engine, the plush velvet seats, the quaint little teacups – pure delight! It’s the perfect way to travel in style and observe the world go by, especially when you're en route to a grand ballet performance, like the one I’m attending this very day. It seems that, for our ancestors, train travel was just as much a thrilling adventure as it is for us. In fact, the railways had been connecting the world with a whiff of glamour and exciting possibilities. Just think - the Ballet Russes, our favourite troupe, were travelling across continents on train journeys like this, spreading the magic of ballet far and wide!
Before I get caught up in the joys of travel, let’s talk about our tutus, darlings! This is a truly monumental day because, my darlings, it's the date when the 'ballet tutu' as we know it, was truly born! Before the 1890s, the skirt for a ballerina’s performance was quite a different beast – longer, layered, more theatrical.
Think La Sylphide in her full-length muslin dress – the very image of Romantic era ethereal elegance, and so much less practical.
Now, we owe a grand thank you to the wonderful Maria Taglioni, who graced us with her nimble and delicate moves! She is one of the women who paved the way for this shift, demanding a change that enabled them to show off their incredible talent and technical skill. And that’s precisely what we see in the tutu – a practical yet exquisite outfit, a pièce de résistance which has stood the test of time. Can you imagine trying to do a fouetté with layers upon layers of petticoats?! Shudders It's truly amazing to witness the evolution of the tutu through these eras.
Oh, and on a delightful side note, the tutu is just as wonderful for us as it is for the ballerinas! It adds that je ne sais quoi to any ensemble! So many variations, so many opportunities for glorious frills, a touch of sheer, a splash of colour... I swear, I could wear a pink tutu every single day and still feel completely different every time! It's true, a tutu never gets old.
But, back to 1896, my dears! Our tutus are still short, just above the knee. You’ll notice we are moving towards the fluffy tutu we all adore so much. This tutu - designed with an ingenious mixture of layers of tulle - truly shines in those high, majestic leaps and incredible arabesques. And you know what’s truly exciting? We’re beginning to see hints of the vibrant colours, and intricate embroidery and ornamentation on tutus!
But hold your horses, dearies, as there’s always a bit of ‘history in the making’ happening! While we're dreaming about tutus and gorgeous ballets, let's keep in mind the evolution is still underway. It’s such a fascinating process to watch as the ballerina takes center stage in ever-evolving ways. This time, the story is not just about dance but about style and costume – how beautifully it all blends together and reflects the spirit of the era!
And now, for some truly delectable news – there’s a delightful ballet on the roster today! I shall be attending The Sleeping Beauty, with music by the great Tchaikovsky! I’ve been reading the program, which boasts an exceptional cast with brilliant technique, all adorned with elegant tutus in their graceful hues! It's going to be a spectacular display of grace, artistry, and a love of pink tutus - perfect for any ballerina, even a time-travelling one!
Speaking of the spectacular, I have been enjoying some glorious window-shopping for everything ballet and glamorous, from the most perfect dance shoes to stunning outfits. Now, I know that a fabulous tutu is the core, the heart, of the perfect ballerina’s wardrobe. I adore discovering those special shops bursting with everything from ballet leotards and slippers, to stunning evening gowns – a real treasure trove for any budding ballerina! But then there are the accessories…oh, those captivating accessories that finish the look. I think, perhaps, a feather boa in pale pink would be delightful for the Sleeping Beauty this evening. Just imagine: it will twirl with each graceful turn, adding a bit of extra magic. And don't even get me started on jewellery - delicate necklaces with pearlescent accents are positively magical, and wouldn't you agree?
My dearest readers, this little time-travelling adventure is simply delicious, and not just because of the prospect of enjoying the grandeur of the ballet performance later on! It’s exciting to realize that our tutus, so essential to every ballerina's style and performance, are always evolving, becoming ever-more creative and beautiful with each passing decade. We can take so much inspiration from those elegant tutus – those magnificent bursts of creativity in colour, shape, and silhouette! Let us always embrace that delightful freedom, creativity, and pure artistry in fashion, for the tutu will forever hold a place in our hearts!
As I sip on some of that heavenly Earl Grey and write to you in this elegant vintage train carriage, I truly feel the glamour of the world spinning by and a warmth inside for the wonderful world of dance! I hope this Tutu Tuesday inspired you to appreciate the beautiful history of tutus and perhaps, if you’re so inclined, go to a local ballet performance! Until next week, dear ones! I bid you farewell and remember, wear your pink tutu with pride, every day!
And stay fabulous, my dears!
P.S. For some glorious pictures, my favourite ballet magazine 'Dancing Times' features images from the wonderful performance I'm seeing! Go find it - it’s the one with the magnificent cover featuring a beautiful ballerina twirling! You'll see that we are so very lucky to have been given such beautiful creations for our ballet enjoyment, wouldn't you agree? You'll want to be sporting your favourite pink tutu after a visit there! Remember to add some 'sparkly' to your own tutus if you haven’t already, it's a delightful little treat for the eyes! You can thank me later!
