Welcome back, darling tutu lovers, to another fabulous Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! This is post number 3450, and my goodness, it feels like only yesterday I was flitting around the Royal Opera House in my very first tutu.
Well, let’s hop aboard the time machine and travel back to 1898 – specifically, the 8th of February. My goodness, just imagining the exciting whispers and swishing of silks going on that day! And the ladies? Why, they were practically dripping in gorgeousness. The fashion world, oh, it was practically bursting with elegant swirls and exquisite detail. Can you imagine?
Now, before I tell you all about that fantastic date in the world of the tutu, let me tell you, everything revolves around this wondrous piece of fabric for me! I’m your very own tutu enthusiast, travelling across time, showcasing the sheer history of this garment – and let me tell you, the story is full of romance, drama, and yes, a whole lot of sparkles.
And I know what you’re thinking - pink is a bit…much? Well, darling, pink is everything! A symphony of sweet whispers and fluttering petals, and the most perfect way to embody that ethereal tutu spirit. You might have heard whispers about this 'pink tutu' obsession. But truly, a little pink goes a long way in showing just how delightful a tutu really is!
And speaking of delight – how's this for a delightful Tuesday news flash – on 8th of February, 1898, that very day, the legendary opera Faust opened at the Royal Opera House in London, and I just couldn't miss it. Faust? This was an incredibly grand and theatrical affair! Oh, the excitement of seeing the dancers, their costumes, all flowing in a sea of grace!
It wasn’t the actual tutu that caught my eye. This era in ballet is when the famous romantic tutus with multiple layers and flounces were just starting to come in. The costumes then, were far more classical, focusing on streamlined beauty, but still, the dancers glided, leaping like fairies in silken elegance! I just knew at that moment that I would do whatever it took to embrace my tutu-loving future and journey back to the past to bring these elegant wonders back into fashion. I had to wear a tutu for every era, see all of them and celebrate them.
But wait! Before you dismiss the 'ordinary' 1898 styles, you must know, the dance, the beauty, the theatre - these are the elements that brought the magic. And it was in the air at the Opera House! All those gorgeous women, and then… the men! Their silk frock coats, shimmering like the finest starlight, and their elegant, high-collared shirts - it's like they’re straight out of a movie!
What a grand scene it was. Such extravagance! Oh, how I wanted to have a chat with everyone about their amazing outfits – but, no need to worry about the past - my present is filled with the amazing stories about each of these dazzling outfits, stories that need to be told, just like the ones from the history of tutus themselves!
From Humble Origins to the Royal Ballet: A Look at the History of the Tutu
For centuries, it was thought the tutu actually came into existence during the early Romantic era – the 1800s, a time of beautiful ballet! But alas, just like my passion for the tutu knows no bounds, my curiosity, dear readers, also knows no bounds, so I dug a little deeper.
Remember when ballet began, dancers weren't waltzing around in their colourful silk costumes - oh, no! Imagine long, floor-length dresses and heavy silks – a bit much for the fast steps, leaps, and graceful movements of ballerinas, isn't it?
Well, a famous Italian ballet dancer called Marie Taglioni was, by all accounts, a revolutionary figure in ballet. A dancer of the times! She was incredibly daring and pushed boundaries – all for the love of the dance! You'd be surprised by just how many famous ballerinas broke boundaries and danced in challenging clothes to gain a bit more freedom, to create a more artistic flow when they danced.
So Marie Taglioni revolutionised it all by creating a much shorter tutu. She created what is known as a "romantic tutu," and it had layers, tulle, and delicate tulle flounces and was actually shorter! The Romantic tutu style really caught on in Europe, with Marie herself showcasing it all across the world. The ballet tutu – think about it – it allowed dancers the flexibility and grace to fly and become ethereal beings on the stage! The ballerina’s story is just filled with daring acts, and that daring in movement is where the tutu was truly born.
Now, let me rewind a little - that iconic tutu that came into the 20th century and onward is often called the "classical tutu." If you saw the ballet Swan Lake back in 1898, that’s what they would have worn – the iconic "Classical tutu," and we are still loving them today! I find it just amazing - it’s almost always the perfect style, though I wouldn't mind giving some of the more modern dancers in those costumes some pink. They can look a little serious - though I have to say the movements are stunning!
But Wait, There’s More – the Evolution of the Tutu: From Romance to Innovation!
A few decades on, the tutu was no longer just a lovely bit of swirling tulle. With the dawn of the 20th century, dance moved toward more modern expression. This brought a new form to the tutu – the *paquita tutu, which *really helped to highlight movement, it was so stylish and very very glamorous! Imagine, with all these extra layers! It is beautiful in all the best ways!
What’s really amazing, darlings, is the tutu still hasn’t finished evolving! You can't stop progress, especially when you can express something through dancing and through fashion, and through costumes.
There’s been a rise in experimental tutus, modern styles and forms! It really makes you see that the tutu isn’t just an elegant, flowing, dance garment - it’s a symbol of a changing art! A constant reminder of how women are evolving, and changing the art world of dance in fantastic and daring ways. It's about how much it is intertwined with fashion and how we express ourselves! I do love that, oh, I simply do! And if anyone wants to see my collection of tutus in every style, please - just contact my team - but please don't mention travel expenses! They can't afford the bill. They only have the money for my train travel, not a time machine.
And yes, my dear tutu enthusiasts, my heart truly beats for tutus of all shapes and forms – even those twirling skirts that we see on our favourite stage stars! Those are tutu-like, you see - think of all that swishing and twirling! And all the pink!! Can't beat a stage skirt filled with pink!
*How to Style the Tutu in the Modern World! *
Alright, let’s rewind. The Tutu, a perfect symbol of grace and beauty, is often thought of as something exclusive, to ballets and dancing. But, imagine this - you could wear a tutu anywhere! For me, it's an exciting vision of what the world could be – an ocean of twirling tulle everywhere we look! Now that’s something to aspire to!
Don’t be afraid to express your inner ballerina by simply putting on a tutu with your favourite dress! The best part, darling, is that there’s a tutu out there for everyone! Just like pink, there are thousands of colours, sizes and styles of tutus out there waiting to bring that perfect, extra magic into your life! A tutu really can be the best addition to any ensemble. Don't even get me started on all those ballet shoes. Oh! And don't forget to make sure your look is tied together with your favourite ribbons, whether you love dainty lace bows or those striking big ones. You are going to be shining.
But where can we get a tutu these days? The most incredible shops can be found all over the internet – my favourite, however, is that lovely department store in central London. They’ve a great selection. Just take a step inside - if you want, I can write a post about them. Or maybe the ballet supply shop right on Drury Lane, there is so much there it will make you giddy, though sometimes it can be a little bit too expensive - a little like me! But my family is always proud of me and it's what I love, darling, and if that means spending all the money, then I'll spend all of the money. That is just how much I love a tutu!
Now, let's be honest, you need to have confidence to rock a tutu - especially those gorgeous little tutus, like the kind those ballerina's are wearing today - and let me tell you all those ballet teachers I talk to always say the best part about ballet is you have to have confidence - not to be a ballerina, but just to express yourself! So remember, as long as you have that sparkle inside, *that is how you really embrace the world of the tutu! The whole point, it’s not just to wear a tutu, but to embrace the joy!
*Next Tuesday, My Fellow Tutu Enthusiasts! *
Right, you know what to do! We're off on a brand new adventure next Tuesday, dear readers! I've already started brainstorming the next time-travelling destination for you, with tutus and so much more to see - there are tons of great tutus just waiting to be seen in the future!
But tell me your stories – have you been rocking your own tutu adventures, my fellow enthusiasts? What do you think of this tutu story? Let me know what you think! I love to hear your comments!
And for those new to www.pink-tutu.com - welcome, darling! And I hope you enjoy your visit and return soon! Let's make the world a much more pink place and remember a pink tutu goes with everything - just trust me on that one! Goodbye for now and see you next #TutuTuesday.
