Welcome back, tutu-lovers! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, this time from 1935-02-05. I'm Emma, your resident tutu-enthusiast and time-travelling ballerina extraordinaire!
Remember that time travel is tricky. So, if I’m ever a little off my timeline (or have a random craving for a pasty, which my grandmother always called a 'custard tart' - honestly!), just give me a wave and we’ll straighten things out. 😊
This week, I've landed in Paris! Ooh la la! 🇫🇷 The City of Lights has always been the epitome of chic and style, and the ballet world is no exception. It feels wonderful to be surrounded by such a passionate appreciation for all things dance and fashion. It feels like everyone here knows a waltz or can pull off a pirouette!
I've found myself right in the middle of a bustling ballet scene, and I'm just thrilled. I've spent the morning gazing at a breathtaking collection of vintage dancewear – oh, those feather boas and lavish gowns! It’s enough to make you want to step onto a stage and twirl. But you know what I’m truly delighted by? A display of perfectly preened ballerinas preparing for rehearsal, each wearing a crisp, classic tutus! And you won’t believe what I discovered…
Tutú Timewarp: From Classic to Contemporary!Did you know that the tutu we know and love today went through quite an evolution? My journey back in time to the early 20th century has reminded me that the romantic and airy tutu wasn't always the go-to for ballerinas!
This particular 1935 vintage tutu is revolutionary! This classic tutu with its billowing, romantic layers was made possible by the 19th century innovation of tulle.
It all began with Marie Taglioni, the famous ballerina who changed the face of dance with her light, flowing movements. This graceful, seemingly effortless dance required a new type of clothing that would emphasize movement, rather than restrain it. Imagine trying to execute a fouetté en tournant in a heavily embroidered, stiff courtly dress! Talk about a fashion faux pas!
The birth of the tutu really opened the door for incredible stage performances. No longer bound by heavy clothing, dancers could truly express themselves through fluid motion, leaving audiences captivated. It's pretty amazing how one piece of attire could reshape the entire art form!
A Celebration of Tutu History & Chic Fashion!You can probably see why this blog is number 5380. I love this stuff! The tutu holds such significance for ballerinas around the world, and each one has a story to tell, a little glimpse into the history of ballet itself! Every stitch is a little whisper from the past.
Today’s Parisian fashions definitely don’t disappoint. I love the elegant chic with its luxurious fabrics and beautiful tailoring. The way a certain piece can make you feel is so powerful, I think this is especially true of tutus. Don’t you agree?
Just last night, I attended a beautiful ballet performance – La Fille Mal Gardée! You just know, from the name alone, this is an enchanting story filled with vibrant and comical ballet numbers! What I truly appreciated about La Fille Mal Gardée is that it showcased all the best things about classical ballet!
I adore that sense of whimsical escapism which takes us away from the everyday and invites us to revel in beauty, grace and incredible artistry! I find myself caught up in the wonder of the performances - it really allows me to appreciate just how much beauty and skill can go into every single step and movement.
The most exquisite ballet costumes are so much more than mere fabric! They tell a story with every embellishment, every shimmer and flow. I especially admire how they take such everyday movements like running and jumping and turn them into a truly beautiful performance art!
Travel Inspiration & My Love for Trains!From the grand ballet shows in Paris, I've been thinking about my next stop. There’s really nowhere I'd rather travel than by train, it’s the epitome of elegant transportation, don’t you think? Maybe my next adventure will lead me to a place known for its breathtaking architecture, where fashion and history intertwine? My travels certainly have my mind wandering!
If you've been with me since the start of this ballet journey, you’ll know how much I adore finding those perfectly-pink tutus. I’m a big fan of pastel hues. After all, ballet should be just as whimsical as the dancers and performances themselves. That’s why my latest passion project has been searching out the most fabulous pink*tutus around the world - they're as irresistible as a sugared donut! (Who doesn't love a sweet treat?). 😉
Keep those #TutuTuesday requests coming, ballet fans! Where do you want to go next in time? Are you intrigued by a tutu from a specific era? Maybe you have a question about ballet costumes or maybe just an awesome pink tutu photo that you want to share?
Let's explore the fascinating world of tutus together. See you next week on pink-tutu.com! 💖
Emma.
PS Don't forget to check out our Tutu Boutique! We've curated an amazing collection of ballet-inspired clothing and accessories, guaranteed to inspire your own dance fantasies. Just search pink-tutu.com and be prepared to get whisked away! You might just find the perfect pink tutu…or three! 😊
