#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1916-02-22

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-touting Emma here, back with another trip through the delightful history of our favourite dancewear! Today, we're hopping aboard the time train and travelling all the way back to February 22nd, 1916.

Hold onto your hats (and your tutus, of course!), because this was a year full of exciting things happening in the world of ballet. Let's delve in!

(Fun Fact: Did you know that today in 1916, a ballet based on the story of Cinderella was premiered in New York City? It's a bit different from the Cinderella we know today! This version featured more drama, some pretty dark themes, and was set in medieval times. But let's just say, it certainly wasn't the last time a ballet based on a familiar fairytale popped up.)

We can't talk about the history of tutus without a quick trip back to the royal courts of 16th century France. Now, even though this isn't our exact era, we owe a lot to the grandeur of the French royal court in setting the stage for what we consider “proper ballet attire” today.

Those majestic dancers of the French Renaissance were certainly graceful, but their outfits were quite elaborate. We're talking gowns with multiple layers, massive, ruffled sleeves, and sometimes, oh my, those hoopskirts! Picture an elegant swirl of satin, lace, and feathers – all while maintaining your balance on pointe! Talk about dedication!

Thankfully, a few decades later, Louis XIV, the “Sun King”, himself took an interest in dance. He even played the lead role in the ballet, Le Ballet Royal de la Nuit.

That's where things started changing. Think structured, symmetrical, and sleek – perfect for showing off movement. This is where we begin to see the foundation for the tutu, with the length gradually shortening.

We’re still in a pre-tutu world in 1916. We've got a long, flowing skirt that reaches almost to the ankle for the ballet ballerinas in those early years!

But let’s fast forward to the 19th century. It was an explosion of romanticism, expressive movements, and even more graceful, swirling tutus! Remember this: romanticism really emphasized lightness, delicate beauty, and the ethereal, so imagine soft and flowy materials creating this heavenly look. The dancers in these gowns? Well, they looked like they were made of mist!

Remember Maria Taglioni, who debuted the famous tutu for La Sylphide in 1832? I could chat for hours about that amazing choreography! Now, here's where the story gets interesting. Before her, women's dance attire usually involved very long, flowing skirts, sometimes covering the entire leg. Maria's Sylphide tutu - think, very, very short skirt ending above the knee – caused a stir! People couldn’t believe the audaciousness of the daring ensemble. It’s a landmark moment. Not only was it more practical for dancing, but it highlighted the ballerina’s body in a whole new way. It's the tutu, darlings! The one and only. The iconic costume!

The early tutus often featured very soft fabrics, like gauze, muslin, and tulle. Imagine being able to float across the stage, a delicate whirlwind of beauty, all thanks to this innovation in design.

Think of the silhouette! Long, elegant lines and a flowing movement for every step. That's what captured the romanticism of ballet perfectly! And then there were the embellishments – it's no wonder everyone loved ballet back then! Elaborate embroideries, sparkling jewels, beautiful hand-stitched details… truly works of art! It really emphasized those romantic themes of lightness and gracefulness.

It was an absolute masterpiece, a testament to the power of fashion and innovation in ballet!

Let's go back to our February 22nd, 1916. At the time, the ballet world was alive and well. Ballet companies were thriving! There was an eagerness to tell stories through dance, and dancers themselves were eager to push the boundaries, seeking more elaborate movement, flexibility and beautiful expression.

During our time, ballet was growing more complex. There were longer choreographed sequences and complex formations. You can imagine how vital it was to design attire that wouldn't impede any of those daring movements! It became essential that the tutus not only look stunning but move effortlessly with the ballerina.

While the long, traditional tutus were certainly still around, they began to evolve, sometimes becoming shorter. They might not have looked exactly like the “classical tutu”, which is what you often see today, with layers and a tighter silhouette. This version really hit the scene with “Swan Lake” in 1877, a turning point in the world of dance and tutu history. It was a complete game-changer!

But if we take a look back to 1916, let’s just say there was already a great diversity of tutus. From short and playful to those elegant, sweeping designs, ballet was taking inspiration from different styles and interpretations. And so it continues even today!

Now, remember those wonderful costumes of the romantic period? I often get questions on those from my readers - “Do those types of tutus exist anymore?" The answer is: Yes, sometimes! Some ballet companies still wear a longer version. This is especially the case for period productions. I remember seeing “Giselle” a few months back at the Bolshoi in Moscow - it featured stunningly elegant long tutus, oh so inspiring. And those swirling, flowing gowns still grace the stage sometimes – and believe me, those costumes always evoke a sense of wonder and awe!

But it’s not just the dancers who inspire me with the sheer grace and beauty of their dance; it’s the creativity of the choreographers and the vision they bring to each and every production. I love visiting museums around the world. A museum, darling, isn't complete without some gorgeous ballet history on display.

There are often costume exhibitions with dazzling designs that truly capture your attention. Even more wonderful – if you’re ever near the Royal Opera House, it houses its own ballet archive – a truly inspiring place! There you can see everything from drawings of costumes to early ballet programs. A trip down memory lane to the 19th century – how enchanting is that?

1916 was an exciting time in ballet, a moment before the rise of modern ballet, but the foundation for modern movement and storytelling was laid! Ballet itself was undergoing its own period of rapid change. Imagine being able to watch such a thrilling evolution in ballet history firsthand, right? Now, this is why I travel through time, dear readers – because you simply can't recreate this sort of awe-inspiring journey!

Tutus, as we know, hold so much meaning, a symbol of graceful beauty, dedication, artistry. From those majestic courts of old to the stage today, they're the embodiment of a story, a journey that always carries the enchantment of a magical dance! And it's why we all adore that ballet look, why everyone seems to adore a good tutu! Maybe, after all, that’s why I try to wear a pink tutu everywhere I go, right? Even when I’m visiting the Victorian Era or making a dash to the future. I just know that if I wear my trusty pink tutu, a touch of magic will always follow me, wherever I roam, be it the past, the present or the future!

Do you have any special stories from the world of ballet that have captivated your hearts? Remember to tag me on social media – I’d love to see your thoughts on our exciting #TutuTuesday. I am eager to hear about your favourite tutu moments, be they real-life experiences or inspiring bits of ballet history. Let me know on Twitter and Instagram, or share them on www.pink-tutu.com!

Until next Tuesday, darlings, keep twirling and remember, a world with a little bit more pink and a touch of tutu can never go wrong!

Warmly, Emma
xx