Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveler, bringing you another dose of ballet history. Welcome to post number 5634 on www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! This week, we're travelling back to a very special date: December 19th, 1939.
Oh my, darlings! If you're anything like me, you just adore the sparkle and excitement of pre-war London. That era held such glamour and style! But today's topic isn't just about fashion (though it will be involved, of course). Today weāre focusing on one of my all-time favourite subjects: the ballet tutu!
As a proud Derbyshirian, my love of ballet began way before I had the chance to wear a tutu, even one with layers of shimmering pink tulle! My Nana used to tell stories of Derbyās Royal Ballet (thatās right, weāre a proper ballet city!), and the magic it held for the townsfolk.
And speaking of magic, imagine this, lovelies: you're stepping into a darkened theatre in Londonās West End, the plush velvet seats cradling you in anticipation. The stage lights dim, and a spotlight pierces the darkness, revealing a beautiful dancer, their legs flowing through the air in a series of graceful leaps. They are adorned in a costume, one that holds history, tradition, and artistry in every single layer. Yes, my loves, we're talking about the ballet tutu!
Now, the world is still buzzing from the incredible "Giselle" performance just last week, a triumph of dance, emotion, and yes, you guessed it, amazing tutus! This time, however, the focus wasnāt on the Romantic era tutus with their wispy and floating lightness. No, December 1939 saw the world premiere of Sergei Prokofiev's masterpiece, "Romeo and Juliet". This beautiful ballet, brimming with love and passion, required a different kind of tutu. One that captured the power and emotion of Shakespeare's famous story.
But before we get lost in the romance, let's talk a little history! The ballet tutu as we know it has undergone some incredible transformations over the years. The classical tutus that many associate with ballet emerged during the Romantic era of ballet, with dancers like Marie Taglioni demanding more freedom of movement to showcase their artistry.
Gone were the restrictive costumes of the previous era! Imagine, lovelies, layers of silk, satin, and tulle forming a whimsical and airy silhouette, creating an ethereal image for the dancers on stage. It was revolutionary for its time, showcasing the beauty and strength of the female form through graceful, expressive movements.
This period saw the introduction of what we call the "Romantic Tutu". Think a beautiful, full skirt gathered and secured by a bodice, reaching just below the knee. This beautiful silhouette is the closest ancestor of the tutus we see in productions today, particularly for the corps de ballet, adding elegance and movement to those intricate formations.
And, my darlings, it is this period that I absolutely adore! The elegance, the lightness, the dreamy romanticism!
However, as time moved on, so did the design of the tutu! In the later years of the 19th century, dancers like Fanny Elssler and Lucille Grahn, known for their virtuosic footwork and powerful leaps, required a more practical yet still stylish design. Enter the "Classical Tutu", a shorter skirt, cut around the knee, designed to showcase a dancerās leg lines and quick footwork.
This was my "Aha!" moment, darlings. Remember the beautiful, streamlined design of "Swan Lake" that graced the stage only a few weeks ago? You bet that itās rooted in this classical period!
The evolution of the ballet tutu continued in the 20th century with designers like Madame Karinska revolutionizing the way we see and perceive the tutu. Experimenting with materials like tulle and introducing revolutionary innovations, such as "double-layered tulle", helped create a greater depth and complexity to the design. These advancements gave the tutu an incredibly layered and dynamic look that made a profound impact on the stage, while still allowing dancers to execute the complex moves necessary to create the enchanting and vibrant stage productions that continue to inspire us all.
Fast-forward to 1939! As the world watches London embrace the beauty of "Romeo and Juliet" in the midst of the mounting anxieties of the war, the new tutu is proving to be the perfect symbol of grace and poise amid global turmoil. In that historical context, the choice to premiere "Romeo and Juliet" in London at that time was certainly a bold move. Prokofiev's composition offered a sense of escapism and beauty at a time when hope needed to be reaffirmed. And guess what, darling? This particular design, with its elegant yet sleek lines, reflected a desire for a new era and a new stage in dance.
So, my lovelies, how does this connect to the history of ballet tutus? "Romeo and Juliet" inspired ballet companies all over the world to reconsider how tutus are designed and created for the modern age, exploring the versatility of materials, cuts, and silhouettes to produce not only aesthetically pleasing tutus but functional and inspiring ones.
Today, the evolution of the tutu continues! We have witnessed innovative designers working on revolutionary styles and experimenting with new materials. From modern dancers adopting the tutus with creative modifications to the new-wave designers crafting captivating, asymmetrical looks, the tutu remains a dynamic symbol of evolution in ballet.
This week, dear readers, let us remember that every single design choice holds a unique story of ballet history!
And for my lovely "Tutu Tuesday" family, keep dreaming, twirling, and reminding the world about the magic of tutus, because this amazing journey is only just beginning. And if you happen to be in London this weekend, why not enjoy the final performance of "Romeo and Juliet" before it goes off on tour? If itās even half as incredible as it was last week, it'll be an absolute dream!
Remember, my dears, fashion should never be an āall or nothingā proposition! Whether you are twirling in a billowing, classic white tulle tutu or dancing around your home in a cute little pink version, the point is to enjoy the moment and spread a bit of magic with your twirl.
Now, letās end with some fabulous news. The ballet store at Harrods has some absolutely gorgeous new pink tutus arriving tomorrow. Just in time for Christmas! It might not be āBallet in Time,ā but it's going to be quite a show to see how they are selling! I may even buy a couple of new additions to my wardrobe! Until next time, darlings, keep shining bright,
With love and lots of tutus,
Emma xx
