Bonjour mes chĂŠries! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveler, back for another #TutuTuesday with a trip to the utterly delightful world of ballet in the year 1910!
It's a positively splendid August morning here in London, sunshine dappling through the trees in Hyde Park, a crisp autumn nip in the air, and... well, of course, I'm in a pink tutu! One with beautiful little bows at the waist, just to add a dash of whimsy to this already charming scene. As ever, I can't resist twirling â who can resist a little whirl amongst such vibrant sights and sounds? But enough about my latest outfit (though you'll have to wait till Friday's blog for the full reveal!), today is all about delving into the fascinating history of our beloved tutu!
Letâs transport ourselves to 30th August 1910. London, buzzing with excitement. On this very date, the celebrated London Opera House, known then simply as the Royal Opera House, unveiled a dazzling new production of "La Bohème".
Now, I wonât spoil the show for those who haven't seen it â trust me, it's worth a journey through time, just to witness those soaring notes and poignant emotions! But, the thing that truly catches my eye is the choreography, which, like many productions of that era, was brimming with breathtaking ballet. And let's be honest, where is ballet without a magnificent tutu?
Speaking of which, 1910 saw the emergence of a truly spectacular style: the Romantic Tutu. Now, my lovelies, you might be thinking âtutus are tutusâ, but there is an elegance and a lightness to this design that just takes your breath away! Think gossamer layers, graceful movements, and the lightest of materials. Picture a fluffy cloud of tulle billowing with every pirouette! Oh, the joy!
Now, let's get a bit more practical and step behind the velvet curtain to discover how the Romantic Tutu truly came about.
Back in the early 19th century, ballerinas like Marie Taglioni, renowned for her ethereal grace, danced in a more cumbersome design known as the bell tutu. It was made from multiple layers of stiffened fabric, hindering freedom of movement and demanding immense strength. Talk about a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen! But then came the visionary mind of Marius Petipa, famed choreographer extraordinaire. He, along with Charles Didelot, revolutionized the art of ballet by incorporating more dynamic choreography. Now, this meant the need for a more flexible, fluid costume. Cue the Romantic Tutu, sweeping onto the scene like a dream!
Imagine a tutu of soft, flowing layers, light as air. This airy design emphasized lightness, fluidity, and, above all, grace â perfect for those impressive extensions and airborne pirouettes, donât you think?
Romantic Tutus, my loves, became the symbol of that period, with the ethereal ballet taking center stage. It was as if the Romantic Tutu transformed the ballerina into a captivating mythical creature, floating on stage with otherworldly elegance.
Of course, with the Romantic Era came some incredibly beautiful, and incredibly scandalous, dance dramas! Think âGiselle", "La Sylphideâ, "Coppelia", all featuring these breath-taking Romantic Tutus. I adore a story with some emotional depth, my darlings! It just adds to the artistic tapestry of it all!
Now, if you're like me, your thoughts are already racing! Perhaps the thought of "Giselle's" passionate heartbreaks, or the whimsical grace of âLa Sylphide" is swirling in your mind?
But my dears, our tale doesn't end here. The Romantic Tutu, even with all its charm and allure, did have its limitations. While it might have been wonderful for ethereal waltzes and ethereal pirouettes, it didn't provide the same level of support and flexibility needed for other ballet forms. The dance world needed a change â and wouldn't you know it? Change arrived!
Let's travel forward a bit in time, my dear readers, into the later 19th century and introduce the Classical Tutu.
While the Romantic Tutu captured hearts and graced stages for years, ballet continued to evolve. As choreographers and dancers pushed boundaries and experimented with new movements, they needed a costume that would match the demanding choreography and stronger lines of their newly developed dance techniques.
So enter, stage left, the Classical Tutu. A timeless masterpiece in its own right, this magnificent creation was the next step in our tutu odyssey! The Classical Tutu, as its name suggests, provided structure and strength, it also brought back a splash of romanticism in the use of its shorter, structured design that accentuated those powerful leaps and incredible extensions. Think graceful tutus made from layered tulle, typically featuring a stiffer, more substantial construction than its Romantic predecessor. A truly captivating blend of grace and dynamism!
The Classical Tutu, I must confess, quickly became the standard for the majority of ballet works and continues to this day to inspire ballerinas like myself across the globe! Think "Swan Lake", "The Nutcracker", and "Sleeping Beauty", to name just a few classics where the Classical Tutu reigns supreme. Just remember that âen pointe" dancing, that glorious feat of strength and skill, really came into its own during this period and the shorter Classical Tutu helped bring out that amazing dance skill to the full.
Now, even as a devotee to the gloriousness of tutus, I confess there are times when the ballet world goes a bit more whimsical. Let's not forget the glorious panoply of ballet styles that showcase a wider range of costumes. Take "The Firebird" as an example. There's no way that story would be the same without its vibrant and expressive designs!
So, while the Romantic Tutu and the Classical Tutu may have made their mark on the ballet stage, I want to remind you that our dance history boasts a diverse array of magnificent costumes! Each era has contributed a touch of magic to the art of ballet.
Of course, this brings me to the big question: what's your favourite tutu, my darlings? Is it the ethereal Romanticism of the "Giselle" Tutu? Perhaps you're smitten by the grand and elegant Classical Tutu of "Swan Lake"?
Personally, my heart still belongs to that breathtaking "La Sylphide" Tutu, its airy fabric swirling with a hint of whimsical magic! A truly mesmerizing sight! And what better time to explore these tutu wonders than with our latest edition of Tutu Tuesday?
Remember, ladies, it's not just about the twirling, it's about celebrating the dance, its history, its glamour, and, of course, those remarkable tutus that grace our stages.
Join me next week for more Tutu Tuesday fun as we explore the fascinating world of the ballet costume. In the meantime, get twirling and make your mark!
Until next Tuesday, darling dancers, stay fabulously fabulous!
P.S: Donât forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest in fashion and dance news. And, as always, remember to follow me on all your favourite social media channels. My handle? ThePinkTutu!
Keep twirling and sending those love!
Xx,
Emma,
Your Time-Travelling Tutu Enthusiast
