Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday here on pink-tutu.com! This is blog post number 4405, can you believe it? Time really does fly when you’re twirling, darling!
This week we're travelling back to 1916, on 30th May, in the heart of the Russian Empire. Can you believe it's been nearly 107 years since that fabulous date?
Now, you know me, I love a good historical fashion mystery, so today, let’s talk tutus – and specifically, the fabulous evolution of ballet's most iconic costume!
Think back, darlings, to the elegant ballerina you last saw at the theatre. Imagine those impossibly flowing layers of tulle that seem to lift her right off the ground – those, my lovelies, are what we call tutus! And trust me, it's taken a few decades of evolution to create the beautiful tutus we see on stage today!
Now, let’s set the scene! Back in 1916, it wasn’t just a war that was brewing, darlings – fashion was changing too!
Imagine yourself standing in the beautiful and bustling Imperial Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with its incredible opulence. You're watching the dancers, clad in what we’d call a 'Romantic' style tutu, featuring layers and layers of tulle – it's long, very long! I mean, we're talking floor-sweeping length here! It’s a very elegant look, perfect for a fairytale setting.
Why were tutus so long then, you might wonder? Well, it all goes back to the history of the tutu itself. You see, originally, tutus were meant to symbolise a dancer's escape from the constraints of Victorian era fashion. You know, long, heavy gowns, tight corsets, all that business!
So, tutus became a way to free the body, and it certainly shows off those long limbs in a truly dramatic fashion! Can you imagine the airiness, the ethereal beauty of a long, billowing tutu moving on stage? It’s enough to give anyone goosebumps!
Now, imagine 1916 and a new kind of ballet is starting to become very fashionable. Think fast, energetic steps, jumps, and amazing turns. Now think back to those billowing layers of fabric on stage. I know what you're thinking - how could they possibly perform such dynamic steps with those massive, sweeping tutus?
Well, my lovely ballet enthusiasts, the time was ripe for a change – and change came! Imagine how fabulous those costumes looked!
They evolved, slowly but surely, into a much more practical and more dynamic style - a shorter, tiered tutu! Imagine, my dears, a beautiful swirling cascade of tulle around the dancer's legs.
We have to say, thank goodness they did! You’ve seen these in all those classic performances, my dear readers. You know the ones I'm talking about, darling! Think Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadère. All with beautiful, short and streamlined tutus.
That's right! These new shorter tutus gave ballerinas the freedom of movement and made their breathtaking technical skills even more eye-catching! You could actually see their feet in the air and, most importantly, appreciate the pure genius of those steps and leaps. Talk about a magical sight to behold, my darling readers!
You see, dear readers, fashion, just like ballet, is constantly in motion!
Now, just as we’ve seen the short tutu’s reign over classical ballet, what happens when we go back to the 21st century? Well, a fabulous fashion trend has returned and that’s the long, Romantic tutu! They’re now the choice for modern ballet pieces. Can you believe how stylish, theatrical, and stunning those tutus look? The evolution of this magical costume continues, darlings. And what does that tell you? Fashion – like ballet – is about breaking the boundaries, dreaming big, and expressing your individuality.
What more perfect way to do that than by twirling, prancing and jumping in a fabulous pink tutu? Now I've been thinking… you know I am going to add some new fabulous pink tutus to my wardrobe – because everyone deserves to express themselves in the way they love most! And that’s with a big smile and a lovely pink tutu, naturally!
What are your favourite tutu styles, darlings? Let me know in the comments below, and remember to spread the tutu-love!
I’ll be off to the ballet, where I plan to enjoy some fabulous dancing and a bit of shopping in some very wonderful shops. And darling, I just know it's going to be a great day to be dressed in pink!
Love, Emma
A Peek Behind the Pink Tutu:To my readers, you may be wondering how I manage to travel back in time. It all comes down to ballet – and not just the love I hold for it, darling! Every now and then, I perform, using my skills to finance those exhilarating leaps across time! Oh, don't you just love that? You’ve gotta live your dreams, my dear.
So, on the 30th May, I’ll be on stage in Derbyshire, ready to enchant the audience. Don't you love it when an old ballerina gets to live her best life?! I do!
I just love those stunning venues – like that majestic Bolshoi Theatre. Do you know, sometimes I think that being a time-travelling ballerina is just as glamorous as wearing a sparkling pink tutu.
See you next Tuesday, darling, when we’ll dive deeper into the amazing history of ballet and tutus. Don’t forget to grab your favourite pink tutu and twirl along with me. It’s always a happy time to dance!
