Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's another #TutuTuesday, which means we're diving back into the captivating history of the tutu! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the glorious 14th of September, 1897, a time when the stage was alive with frills, flounces, and the most enchanting tutus you could imagine.
Oh, the thrill of time travelling! It was just last week that I was gliding through the streets of Paris, my pink tutu catching the eye of every passerby, whilst on my way to see "La Sylphide". The Palais Garnier! It's always a magical experience, so much history and the most exquisite dance. Oh, the costuming, and the ballerinas - they simply took my breath away! You wouldn’t believe the number of yards of tulle they had to sew in! And of course, the ballerinas themselves, ethereal and graceful in their diaphanous skirts, each twirl a masterpiece of artistry.
Today, however, we’re heading a little further east, to the Imperial Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Just a mere four months ago, Anna Pavlova, my darling, had joined the esteemed company, her dancing as mesmerizing as a sunrise. This enchanting theatre is the very place where some of ballet’s most significant moments are written! This, my lovelies, is where history, and tutu history in particular, come to life! And yes, my dear fashion-loving readers, my pink tutu was definitely causing a stir - I believe I even spotted a young Tchaikovsky peeking from a window!
So, where are we in our tale of tutu evolution? It's still a world of romanticist ballet, and our tutus are all about grandeur and volume. It's all about achieving that floating, almost supernatural effect, those dramatic, layered frills swirling about. If you fancy replicating the style at home, I’m recommending layers and layers of tulle! The more, the merrier!
This era, though, also holds another exciting evolution for our beloved tutu: the beginning of what we now know as the classical tutu. Yes, it’s time to say goodbye to the bulky, floor-length designs, my lovelies. The "bell shape," as they called it then, starts to come into play, showcasing the ballerina's limbs with newfound elegance. You see, in the classical tutu, less is absolutely more!
It's important to remember that during this time, the ballet world is awash with colour. You don’t just find the usual ballet pinks and whites - bold blues, yellows, greens and reds were very much in vogue! I do love to experiment with my own tutus - but my pink is always my staple! I always find a way to incorporate it into every ensemble - it’s always a must-have!
And for the ballerina, tutus during this time weren’t just beautiful to look at. They were a challenge to dance in! A symphony of movement, of skill, of athleticism, expressed through layers of delicate tulle! I can just imagine myself leaping across that glorious stage, the theatre's chandeliers casting a dazzling sparkle over my pink tutu as I twirl and spin, taking in the rapturous applause!
Speaking of dancing, my darling tutu enthusiasts, I'm currently putting together a special class for you. Just imagine: me, in my pinkest, most frilled tutu, showing you how to execute a grand jeté or a delicate pas de bourrée - a ballet masterclass right here in our little world of pink and tutus! More details on that to come soon, so be sure to keep checking your inboxes.
Until then, keep spreading the tutu love!
As always,
Emma, your tutu-loving, time-travelling, Pink Tutu blogger.
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