Bonjour, my dearest tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the wondrous world of ballet’s most iconic garment – the tutu! Today, we’re embarking on a journey through the history of the tutu, all the way back to December 18th, 1906 – a pivotal year for the dance world and for the rise of the fluffy, beautiful tutu we adore today.
As you all know, my travels are powered by the magic of dance – performing ballet on stage lets me leap through the pages of history and I find the energy I need to share my passion for tutus with you all. This week, I hopped onto a charming vintage train – such a delight to feel the rhythmic chug-chug-chug, and then the delicious aroma of tea and scones – and landed in none other than the heart of the ballet world – Paris, darling! Now, this is a city that knows how to waltz in style, and believe me, the tutus here are nothing short of exquisite!
But before we get lost in the Parisian whirl, let’s set the scene a little. It’s December 1906. The crisp air bites with wintery delight. And the air, oh the air! It’s abuzz with the gossip of the latest ballet premiere. Imagine: grand theaters adorned with chandeliers, sparkling like a million stars. The anticipation in the air is as thick as the velvet curtain – every heart thrumming with excitement as the music begins!
It was this very date – December 18th, 1906, my dears – that one of the most famous ballerinas of the day, Anna Pavlova, made her debut in London at the Royal Opera House. You could feel the magic swirling around the theatre, my darlings! I just had to be there, and of course, I found myself swirling and pirouetting on stage alongside Anna in a most dazzling, frilled and frothy white tutu, (one that I will be borrowing for next month's post) – a vision of pure beauty and elegance! And it is Anna Pavlova who has given us such a delicious visual representation of ballet tutus and, if you are lucky enough, will catch one of her performances on film and can enjoy watching her float and twirl across the stage. She had this captivating ability to embody the magic of a tutu – an ethereal lightness, an embodiment of graceful beauty – it is simply breathtaking!
Now, you might be thinking, tutus have been around forever, right? Not exactly. The evolution of the tutu is like a beautifully choreographed story, unfolding gradually with each new ballet era, reflecting changing styles, trends, and advancements in materials. The 19th century was a pivotal moment. Back then, dancers wore flowing, floor-length skirts. You know, imagine those dramatic ball gowns swirling and swishing in a flurry of silk, perhaps a colour that might make the Queen approve? And as the steps and routines became faster and more complex, well, those cumbersome skirts were no use to our ballerinas! The idea was to create something lighter and more free-flowing. Something that wouldn’t hamper their leaps and turns. Can you imagine pirouetting in a flowing ballgown? Just imagine that, my dears, and then imagine the delightful freedom of a tutu!
But it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century – and I’m so glad that my travels let me be there to see it – that the short, frothy tutu we all know and adore really came into its own!
Think about it, a shorter skirt made for such effortless grace! Gone were the long, cumbersome gowns. This was the birth of the modern ballet tutu! And as the 20th century unfolded, the tutu blossomed, with every dancer and every ballet choreographer leaving their signature style on this iconic garment.
Oh, what a thrilling time it was! So you see, 1906 wasn't just any year. It was a watershed year in ballet, especially in tutudom. That year, not only did Pavlova's first London performance give a brilliant display of a truly fabulous tutu, but, it was also a year that brought significant changes to ballet in general, introducing the shorter tutus for the ballerina's beautiful long legs and those captivating poses that could only be fully displayed with this garment! I think a picture of Pavlova wearing a long ball gown just wouldn't have the same artistic impact and emotional punch, don't you think?
Oh my dears, we can't talk about tutus without diving into the delicious world of materials and styles. While the iconic white tutu will always be a timeless masterpiece, a world of tutus has blossomed throughout the centuries – tutús made of shimmering tulle, layers of light, ethereal gauze, a luxurious blend of silk and satin, and everything in between.
From the classical, elegant “romantic” tutu that sweeps across the stage, resembling a beautiful white flower, to the powerful, contemporary tutu that speaks volumes in sharp lines, modern silhouettes, and stunning colour, the world of tutu design has become incredibly creative. Each type, darling, tells a story. A tale whispered in tulle and ribbon – of romance, drama, and a love for dance!
From my travels, I’ve seen some fabulous, whimsical tutus in my lifetime! Tutus with stunning embellishments – ribbons, sequins, feathers and beautiful embroideries, giving it the perfect amount of “ooh la la”! Each detailed bead and feather adds a little magic, a little touch of enchantment to this beloved garment. And let’s not forget the most captivating detail – the colour! The sky’s the limit, dear. Imagine a swirling scarlet tutu for a firey flamenco number, or the elegance of a sea-green tutu that evokes the gentle shimmer of the waves, or the vibrant splash of sunshine yellow that reminds us of joyous ballet performances on the sunny, open-air stages, in a summer festival. I even spotted a black tutu in Vienna – dark and dramatic for a dramatic performance. I simply adore the visual contrast. The more I travel and perform the more colours and fabrics are introduced! I simply have to see if it suits me.
So as the world embraced this revolution of dance with its elegant, fluid lines, it did not fail to capture the imagination and artistry of designers worldwide! Imagine my excitement as I swish and pirouette, the tutu gently caressing my legs with its lightness, bringing life to these magnificent works of art.
And do you know, even our darling Victoria, the Queen herself, had a little weakness for the elegance and majesty of ballet performances. What did she like? She enjoyed a very formal, structured ballet. And can you believe she preferred the long, sweeping dresses that we all adore from the late 18th Century! Now that was some fashion that required so many frills, layers and fabric, even a petticoat. How the ballerinas managed those heavy gowns is just extraordinary and, as you can imagine, it makes for some rather delightful historical stories to enjoy and discover.
But this was back in the days when ballet was often referred to as “balletism.” How lovely! It wasn’t just a dance form; it was a spectacle. A world of enchantment that would draw in people from all walks of life, especially when it meant putting on a truly beautiful gown! I often think that the early ballerinas probably didn't fully appreciate what a beautiful invention the short, modern tutu really is.
I’ll leave you with a few thoughts. My dears, every time I see a new ballet production with stunning costumes and a brilliant array of colorful tutus, I feel the excitement bubbling up, and can't wait to share my experience with you, especially with my dear Tutu-Tuesday fans! After all, the tutu is much more than just a garment, it is an emblem of creativity and grace. Every step taken in it is a testament to the skill, passion, and dedication that ballet embodies.
Now, I have some grand plans for a tutu project for our beloved Derbyshire - I know everyone loves a grand show. My heart truly believes that everyone should enjoy the enchantment of a pink tutu – wouldn’t that be the best vision? Just imagine our wonderful community twirling, dancing, and spreading that tutu-loving magic all across the Derbyshire! What an incredible day of happiness, wouldn't it? Just like our beloved ballet tutu, let’s embrace every style and form of expressing ourselves. It’s time to bring our world a touch of tutu magic, my dears.
Until next time, let’s keep twirling and sparkling, and don’t forget – we’ll be back next Tuesday for another glorious dive into tutu history!
P.S.: Don’t forget to tag #TutuTuesday on social media to share your love for this enchanting garment and, as always, let’s all spread the tutu love! I’m so thrilled that you’ve chosen to join me on this exciting adventure! Now, darling, remember, every time you slip into your tutu, you’re embodying magic!
