#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1912-05-21

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another peek into the fabulous world of ballet history!

This Tuesday takes us back to a time of opulent grandeur, when trains chugged across the land and the air was filled with the sweet melody of a waltz. I'm in London, dear readers, in the heart of a time when the world adored ballet, and its star? The tutu.

But I've got a feeling some of you are wondering, how did the tutu come to be? How did it evolve from its humble beginnings into the epitome of elegance? Well, darling, get comfy in your most glamorous attire, pour yourself a cuppa, and let's journey back to the beginning.

You see, when we're talking about the evolution of the ballet tutu, it's not about a singular, specific moment - it's a beautiful, ongoing story.

The "tutu" - that delightful name, isn't it? It didn't start that way. In the beginning, it was all about the tunic. Think of those beautifully draped garments worn in Renaissance era paintings! This tunic was the standard uniform of early ballet dancers. It wasn't the light and airy wisp we're accustomed to today. The tunic was heavier, flowy, and, shall we say, more practical for the movement style of the era. Think graceful leaps, slow and controlled turns... a world very different to our high-flying ballerinas of today!

The French, ever the fashion innovators, decided to have some fun. Oh là là!, they said. "Let's shorten this tunic, make it more streamlined for the steps, and see what we get!" The shortening happened gradually, the silhouette became leaner and less bulky, and from there... a revolution. The birth of the tutu we know and love was just a matter of time!

We can trace the evolution further to the 19th century, dear readers. Here's where the story becomes even more intriguing! You know how much we love tutus for their grace and delicate beauty - well, during this time, there was a new emphasis on simplicity. The movement in ballet was shifting, becoming more intricate, dynamic, and dare I say modern. The heavier garments, those lovely old tunics, simply wouldn't do!

The designers went back to the drawing board - just a tiny little board with a single goal: create a new silhouette to celebrate the newfound freedom and expressiveness of the dance! Enter the Romantic Period in ballet, and with it, the rise of the shorter, tiered tutu.

The dancer moved, the dancer became one with the music. It's a moment that sent shivers down my spine even thinking about it! You can almost see it, can't you? The flow of the skirt, the grace, the airiness... all creating this captivating movement on the stage. Simply divine!

Imagine this, dear readers - it's the 1890s, and Parisian ballerinas are wearing a shorter skirt for dancing, one which is becoming all the rage! That same Parisian, with their penchant for style and elegance, took that short skirt and gave it the oh-so-sophisticated, oh-so-French nickname 'tutu'. That’s right! The name itself is a direct testament to the revolutionary garment's beauty and popularity.

It is not just one tutu though. The story has so many exciting twists and turns, just like a thrilling ballet production! Throughout history, we've had many styles:

• The Romantic Tutu, which, we discussed already - this is the first tutu really, the classic shorter, layered skirt, light and billowing - you've all seen it.

• The Classical Tutu - remember our quest for simplicity, darling? Well, here it comes! Think swans. Think delicate, precise movements that bring us so close to nature. These tutus have less volume. They hug the body beautifully. Think, a dream of swans in a whisper of white tulle ... isn't it elegant? *The White Swan of Swan Lake - just iconic! *

• The Demi-Tutu, shorter than the classical and romantic, perfect for lively, spirited ballet styles. A more modern adaptation with that shorter length, and a very specific form!

• The Platter Tutu - remember the Romantic and Classical? They gave birth to the platter. Think modern ballet, think expressive lines, lots of movement... the fabric hugs the waist, and bursts out in that perfect rounded shape to match the ballerina's every movement.

There are so many styles, darling! Every variation comes with a captivating history. It's all so enthralling, isn't it?

Don't even think for a second, dear readers, that this little #TutuTuesday blog would be complete without my top-secret fashion advice. Now, you may not be a prima ballerina with a platter tutu - yet (I do have a dream of having everyone wearing a pink tutu! ). However, a bit of tutu flair in our wardrobe can truly brighten up any day!

Take my personal favourite - the classic pink tutu, the ultimate tutu. I adore how it can dress up almost anything - a simple blouse and jeans? Voila! It transforms your look with its effortless elegance!

You'll also want to look out for tutu-inspired pieces - sparkling skirts, frilly tops, anything that conjures up the magical essence of a tutu! You can wear a touch of ballet magic wherever you go, lovelies

Back in the beautiful and bustling London, what would a true ballerina in 1912 be wearing? Think of those incredible tutus and lavishly embroidered gowns - pure elegance! You might catch a glimpse of a ballet production (or maybe an opera? Remember those grand gowns?) at the famous Royal Opera House Covent Garden or perhaps the London Coliseum. Imagine how fantastic that would be, a real touch of glamour! There is so much beauty and inspiration from this time - you just need to know where to find it.

But even if a grand performance isn't in your future this Tuesday, I'd encourage you to step out and experience your own London (or wherever you might be!) and let your imagination fly just like a tutu. I believe a little touch of magic can turn every day into a special occasion.

Until next #TutuTuesday, my darling readers! Remember, life's too short to say no to a touch of tutu-infused joy!

Don't forget to join us over at www.pink-tutu.com for more captivating glimpses into the world of ballet history. And for even more fabulous tutu updates - you can follow me on all social media @EmmaPinkTutu

See you next week for more #TutuTuesday delights!

Love,

Emma

xx