Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Itās Emma here, back with another scintillating #TutuTuesday dive into the fascinating world of ballet tutus. Today, weāre whisking ourselves back in time to 17th March, 1959, a date steeped in history and elegance, just like the glorious tutu itself! š©°
I just love whizzing through time! Itās not so easy though. Believe it or not, you canāt simply waltz through history, not if you want to do it right, and to keep a fabulous pink tutu as wrinkle free as possible! You need a very clever contraption that is powered by ballet. Each show I see in the past pays for my ticket home, and back to the 21st Century. So if you are thinking of having your own adventures, please ensure you have the means!
On this particular Tuesday, let's transport ourselves to a time when the world was captivated by the sheer magic of ballet. 1959 saw some incredibly exciting milestones in the world of ballet - especially on this date! The 17th of March marked a momentous occasion in the Parisian ballet scene! It was the night the grand Palais Garnier hosted the very first production of the Ballet of the XXth Century. What a truly momentous occasion, and it has been so thrilling to experience the electrifying atmosphere firsthand. I can't wait to go shopping after the show in all those fabulous shops along the rue de la Paix.
So tell me - what makes this date even more fabulous, darling? It's the birthday of the sensational Rudolph Nureyev, a name synonymous with artistic genius and captivating charisma. Born in 1938 in the breathtaking region of the Urals, he stole hearts with his breathtaking moves, daring athleticism, and expressive artistry. Can you imagine a life of passionate performance, travelling the world by train and performing in a glittering palace in front of a dazzling audience! Itās certainly not what I had in mind when I packed up my flat in Derby and headed off in search of adventures and tutus, thatās for sure.
I just love to feel that surge of excitement, the buzz of a bustling audience waiting for the curtain to rise, anticipating the exquisite dance moves and a performance of raw passion. That rush of emotions...simply magic! A dancer needs to find their inner spark to perform so beautifully and Nureyev possessed this quality in spades. That feeling of pure awe when he takes to the stageā¦ pure magic, simply magic!
His journey to fame, his artistic influence, and his incredible impact on the world of ballet is simply phenomenal! You just know it will have a lasting influence. Just like his love of the ballet costume.
A History of Ballet Costume, or a Quick Recap on Tutues:
In the world of ballet, costume is part of the storytelling, and its impact on the world of fashion canāt be ignored. What I love best are tutus of course! Itās been amazing to travel through time and watch their evolution! In the 16th century, dancing became an integral part of court life, and while tutus as we know them didn't yet exist, dresses were evolving to allow greater freedom of movement! Imagine the bustle of a ball and the intricate patterns of these dresses with delicate layers! So much colour, such flair and sophistication! This then evolved with the elegant pannier dresses of the 18th Century, providing support for skirts of great width.
The actual tutu originated with the Romantic ballet in the early 19th Century, and for my part it took me no time at all to see how amazing they looked! Their soft, flowing lines and layered design allowed ballerinas to express delicate steps and create a feeling of grace. By the time of the early 20th Century the tutu began to gain even more definition and a fuller skirt was favoured, particularly as dancers developed new, higher kicks and jumps. And now the iconic short tutu is an unmistakable part of ballet culture, offering a chance to glimpse the elegance of a dancerās technique while they fly through the air. I just love to look at the beautiful variations of these costumes, from the graceful elegance of the Romantic tutu to the full-skirted splendor of the classical tutus - thereās truly something about these delicate, airy creations that embodies the art of ballet!
Of course the tutu didn't come into the world of dance without a bit of struggle! Imagine an era when even womenās fashions restricted their movement - a time when women were limited in their dress, let alone their dance moves! However, dance had to have freedom to express movement, so the tutu was born to express, to inspire and to evoke that breathtaking ballet world - such elegant grace! There is something utterly enchanting about this costume and when I saw the ballerinas of 1959 in their glorious creations it was enough to inspire a love of this particular dress which is quite beyond anything I've experienced before.
I have an abiding love for tutus, the way the different designs flow and how the dancers can move gracefully - even in those longer flowing romantic tutus from the 19th Century, just think what freedom of movement these exquisite, swirling outfits give! They allow dancers to express stories in the movement, not just in their gestures! There is something incredibly feminine and glamorous about them! The intricate stitching and detailing is an artform all on its own! I adore those long tutus with delicate ruffles and exquisite floral detailing. Itās all just beautiful. I donāt know about you, but I'm just drawn to those tutus that add a layer of glamour and sophistication, don't you agree?
As you can see, tutus have been a huge part of the world of ballet since the very start and itās easy to understand why! This dance outfit really captures the spirit of this wonderful art form. From the airy light, flowy style of the romantic tutu to the more structured classical styles of the early 20th century, and the more modern designs which have evolved to take in the athletic moves of modern balletā¦ what a dance! I adore it all, but itās the simple and iconic form of a classical tutu which captures my imagination! And donāt even get me started on the magical pink tutus! Those pale pinks and bubble gum shades! How stunning! What a beauty.
Pink - The Colour of Hope, Fun and Delight
Pink is so very often seen as the most glamorous of colours - a delicate and sophisticated shade with an irresistible femininity that evokes that delicate ballerina look! Pink really does lend a real feminine allure and elegance - a very romantic hue for such a dramatic dance form. If youāve not got a pink tutuā¦ you must!
To finish my #TutuTuesday adventures, itās worth recalling this truly unforgettable experience, the Ballet of the 20th Century. It really made a profound impact on me! I was in Paris in 1959. My Parisian adventures certainly left their mark on me, especially those fashion shows! Such sophistication. It's funny, you know? Sometimes a fashion show feels even more inspiring than a ballet! Perhaps not, after all what's not to love about an evening at the ballet? But you do find real beauty in all the things in life. My trip made me think so very carefully about the way ballet can be truly a unique artformā¦ but then thereās those gorgeous designer fashions of the 1950s tooā¦ what is there not to love? The way the designer dress and the ballerina costume compliment one another... truly mesmerising, I think it's worth a thought! It really got me thinking.
Well, I think I need another tutu! Or at least to pop along to my favourite ballet and watch a performance of Nureyev's āDon Quixoteā. A masterpiece! A whirlwind of emotions that will lift you up into the magical world of classical dance! Do share your thoughts in the comments below about Nureyev or 1959 and, of course, let me know what your favourite colour of tutu is! Mine, of course, has to be pink - how about yours, dear reader? And let's make the whole world dance in pink, one tutu at a time!
See you all next Tuesday for a brand new blog on Ballet Tutues from www.pink-tutu.com. And do go and have a wonderful time shopping at my store. Enjoy all things ballet and embrace the world of the tutus.
Till next weekā¦ Emma š
(Emmaās Time Travelling Tutu Blog, founded 2023 - see our range of delightful pink tutus!)
