Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things pink and fluffy are celebrated. Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to 1920 - can you believe it? Nearly a century ago, my loves! The world was a very different place, especially in the ballet world! Imagine, no leggings! No stretchy Lycra! I bet it was a nightmare trying to get that perfect arabesque in heavy, restrictive fabric!
Today, however, is all about celebrating the history of the tutu, because, darling, that incredible skirt of layers has had quite the journey, from stage to street, and everything in between! It's a journey that I simply have to share with you.
But first, a bit about me! As some of you might know, I’m Emma, and I’m your very own time-travelling tutu aficionado! My Derbyshire roots run deep, but my love for tutus? Well, that’s cosmic!
Today, we're right here in Paris. Now, if you're anything like me, you just about faint with excitement at the thought of being in Paris, eh? I mean, talk about shopping for chic Parisian tulle! Ooh la la! We’re in the thick of it – that intoxicating, exciting buzz you get as soon as the train arrives, with everyone in their finest, ready for a night of beautiful ballet. Honestly, there's nothing quite like it, is there?
Back to 1920, though! The Paris Opera Ballet is in full swing and, darling, we're witnessing the golden age of the Romantic era! Forget those impossibly rigid tutus we see today! Those layers of stiff fabric – think about them! They’d give you a right old stitch, don’t you think?
Now, picture this. The ballerines are all grace and ethereal elegance, wearing tutus so light, it’s practically like wearing nothing at all! This, my dears, is the real deal! Imagine a diaphanous cloud, crafted from tulle so fine you could barely see it! It’s practically weightless, designed to create those effortless movements that make you go ‘ahh, I wish I could do that!’.
But there’s something special going on in the dance world back in 1920! The tutu is evolving, and I'm not talking about some flimsy fabric! A new design has landed on the scene – the bell skirt. The tutus are taking a more, shall we say, practical approach – the bell skirt, darling, that’s the game-changer! It gives that glorious full look while still being a bit lighter! It’s as though the ballerines themselves have whispered, “We want to fly! To dance! To twirl with joy!” and the world of ballet listened!
Speaking of dancing, if you're feeling inspired by all this fabulous ballet history, don’t miss out on my ‘Pink Tutu Tuesdays’ dance class at the Pink Tutu Studio! (Did I tell you about the new dance floor I’m having installed, darlings? I can’t wait!) Let's take those classic steps and practice our perfect twirls, and maybe even invent a new dance move, just for fun.
For now, darling, that's all from me. We've explored the wonderous evolution of the tutu in this magical time. I hope it's sparked a little of your own tutu passion, too. Don't forget to pop back here next Tuesday for another adventure in tutu history – and maybe, just maybe, a new #TutuTuesday challenge. Don't forget to check out the pink-tutu.com website!
Until next time, happy dancing!
Love,
Emma x
The Evolution of the Tutu - A Quick History:Let's rewind the clock! The humble tutu has seen a lot, you know! The ballerina was born out of a theatrical spectacle: we all know the history of those early, short tutus. Those dramatic layers of tulle were like a swirling tempest on stage, darling! They created a visual spectacle.
Imagine, darling, those early ballerinas strutting their stuff in those tiny tutus, and you get the idea of just how important the skirt was! Imagine if I’d popped into the late 18th Century wearing my go-to fluffy pink skirt? Quelle horreur!
The first ballet tutu we recognise was in the late 1800s, darling. The tutus then were quite…strict, shall we say? But I think, as times changed and as the styles evolved, the tutu took on its iconic look and evolved to the style that became so popular in the late 1800s and 1900s!
And then came the iconic bell skirt. We all know those big, romantic twirls, the way it takes flight - amazing, eh? It gave those beautiful skirts a whole new air, a much more natural, flowy feel. It's hard not to admire its lightness, how it can swirl, drift, and then land gently with such grace. Imagine trying that with a heavy Victorian petticoat – that was one stiff, impractical thing, I can tell you! It's such a far cry from the free movement we see now!
The ballerina really was free to dance her heart out, and with so much grace and finesse, too!
What's in Store for the Future?What about now – 2022? It’s all about flexibility and practicality, darling, and tutus are as diverse as the ballerinas who wear them! So many designs – from the classical long tutus to those modern short ones – and a lot more variety than those early designs – they look utterly amazing on stage.
So there you have it, darling! Another wonderful #TutuTuesday, filled with pink fluff, dancing delights, and a pinch of fashion history! It's not always just about the look, darlings, but how those designs gave women more freedom of expression. And I hope you can see now, those lovely tutus have become more than a pretty skirt. They’re a sign of elegance and evolution. It's almost like fashion history is on display right before your eyes!
Until next time, happy twirling!
