#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: The Birth of the Tutu! (Post #4278)
Bonjour mes chers amies!
Well, hello there my darling dears! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire, and I am SO thrilled to be back with another post for your weekly #TutuTuesday fix! This week, my darling readers, we're embarking on a grand adventure to the magical world of tutus... the 1910s! Yes, we're going back to the birth of the very tutu we all adore!
Buckle your ballet shoes and hold on tight, because things are about to get totally dramatic!
Let me paint you a picture... we're in 1913, the air is alive with the spirit of the Belle Epoque. It's all about elegance, artistry, and of course, exquisite fashion! This era, darlings, was truly a golden age for ballerinas. They moved with such grace and poise, wearing romantic dresses made of soft tulle and silk. But as you know, a true ballerina needs more than just a pretty gown! They needed something that allowed them to fly and soar on stage! And thus...the TUTU!
Our journey begins in the vibrant heart of Paris, on this very day: 23rd December 1913.
Just imagine: It's a frosty December evening and you're in the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. A packed house awaits the debut of a brand new ballet: "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Igor Stravinsky, music that would change the world of dance forever!
This particular performance, though, wasn't just about the music... It was a revolutionary statement in dress! And let's just say the costume designers truly slayed this new look! They replaced the fluffy, billowing Romantic Era dresses with a more stark, stripped-back style, showcasing the ballerina's body. And voilร ! The iconic tutu as we know it was born! Tadaaa!
Oh darling, can you just picture the spectacle! This new tutu, much shorter than the Romantic era gowns, was designed to create a feeling of athleticism and energy . Just like a new flower, it sprung out from the old to take its place centre stage!
Can you believe it, my dears?! We have the debut of this remarkable new tutu to thank for revolutionizing the way ballet is seen and how the world sees ballet dancers. I tell you, it is nothing less than a magnificent spectacle! The short tutu was not only liberating for dancers, but it also created a breathtaking new silhouette for the stage.
This was no mere costume change, my dears, this was a bold declaration of a new era of dance. The birth of modern ballet โ which in many ways, is the style of ballet we cherish today!
Of course, since the early 1900s, the ballet tutu has evolved and become an essential part of balletic attire. I can't even imagine ballet without it! I mean, would Swan Lake be the same without the elegance and grace of the white tutus? No way!
From that pioneering day in the Theatre du Chatelet, the tutu has journeyed across the world, transforming stages into enchanted landscapes in countless performances. And oh, my dears, the tutu has evolved into endless variations: fluffy, classical tutus; simple and elegant ones; or the playful and whimsical short tutus you see in modern ballets today.
It's important to remember that while the tutu has evolved over time, it still maintains its ability to transform any ballerina into a symbol of graceful and elegant movement. And it's a timeless piece that continues to empower dancers across the globe.
Of course, when I go to my own ballet classes back in Derbyshire, I know you don't see me twirling in a professional tutu. Although... Maybe one day! I have to admit I am loving this more casual approach to ballet fashion.
Here I am, your pink tutu loving friend, celebrating the magnificent story of the tutu, a beautiful costume with a remarkable past.
I want to hear your thoughts, darling dears! What is YOUR favourite style of tutu? What do you love about it? Tell me everything in the comments below!
And if you want to go back with me to witness a dance masterpiece like "Le Sacre du Printemps", well... my time travel machine's engine is always running, ready to take us on our next exciting adventure!
I'm dreaming of pink tutus! Don't forget to join me next Tuesday for another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday at www.pink-tutu.com! I promise a thrilling adventure every week, and as always... dance like nobody's watching!
**Yours in tutus and sparkles,
Emma xoxo**