Hello lovelies! Emma here, back for another whirl through the history of the glorious tutu! I’ve been gallivanting around Europe recently, a train journey through Switzerland with a detour to Paris, because darling, who doesn't love a Parisian fashion spree? The French know a thing or two about style, that’s for sure!
But, this week's #TutuTuesday is all about the 10th of May, 1898, a most memorable date indeed! We're heading to St Petersburg, Russia, the heart of ballet, for a peek into what the tutus looked like at the Imperial Ballet, back when they had tsars, and everyone wore layers upon layers of petticoats! (We wouldn't want our dear ballet dancers catching a chill now, would we?)
You see, my lovelies, the tutu, it's more than just a fluffy, delightful confection, a mere piece of clothing! It's a journey, a story, a testament to creativity and beauty, from the swirling Romantic tutus of the 19th century, all the way to the sleek, streamlined marvels of today!
So, let's dive into the history books, shall we?
Back in 1898, the tutus were quite the elaborate affair! Imagine layers and layers of soft tulle, tulle so fine you could practically see through it. This gave them a delicate, billowing appearance, like a fluffy cloud. But that was the look, my dears! This "Romantic tutu", as we call it today, had its own little secret. Those many layers meant an extra twirl! (Just picture the delight!) It gave a sense of weightlessness and fluidity, allowing the dancers to truly glide across the stage.
Now, my darlings, who doesn't love a touch of flair? In 1898, the romantic tutu was adorned with intricate embellishments – lace, beads, even sequins, adding a touch of glitter to the performance. And who can resist a little sparkle? (Not me!)
The style was heavily influenced by the iconic Maria Taglioni, an Italian ballerina who, in the early 19th century, dared to ditch the heavy, cumbersome costumes of the day and, dare I say, started a revolution? With bare legs and her floating skirt, she introduced a new age of grace and elegance to the stage, which still resonates with us today.
Today, dear reader, you'll see me dancing my way through time, wearing a similar tutu! It’s light, billowy, and undeniably fabulous! Just like my love for the colour pink, the Romantic tutu, even back then, was considered extremely feminine. My latest purchase, a blush pink tutu, is making its debut this week!
The sheer amount of history swirling within that single garment, the romantic tutu! Who would've thought? We owe so much to the ballet dancers, past and present, who embraced these styles, pushed boundaries, and redefined the world of ballet with their exquisite artistry and grace.
Now, I have to admit, while these tutus have all this grand history, they're quite impractical for everyday wear! Unless of course, you're wearing a pink tutu! They make any day a little bit more whimsical! It's a statement!
Don't forget to come back next week, lovelies! We'll be delving deeper into the world of tutus, exploring the rise and fall of the pannier, those fantastic Victorian-era structures that really give tutus the boost they need. And there's always time for a spot of pink, wouldn't you agree?
Happy twirling, and until next time,
Love,
Emma
P.S. If you happen to be in Derbyshire, England, pop by my ballet studio and say hello! I'll show you a few steps and we can even chat tutus! (Pink tutus are, of course, more than welcome!)
