Hello my lovely tutus! Welcome back to another exciting edition of #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com. I'm Emma, your resident tutu aficionado, and I'm so thrilled you're joining me for a little time-hopping journey through the fascinating history of ballet tutus. This week, I've packed my most fetching pink tulle tutu (naturally!), my favourite travelling shoes, and a little notebook full of fascinating facts and observations - and we're heading to 1959, darlings!
I can't deny that I have an insatiable desire to journey through time. Now, I wouldn't dare tell you how I actually make it happen - you'd probably say I'm completely bonkers! It has to do with tutus and, let's just say, performing… You know I can't reveal all my secrets, but let's just say I've found a way to fund my adventures, which usually involves pirouette-ing across the stage under dazzling spotlights. Honestly, who wouldn't be inspired to dance with that sort of encouragement?
Oh, the joy of travel! This time, I hopped on a train - can't beat a train journey, darling - and arrived in London. Ah, London in the late 50s! The aroma of warm chimney smoke, the cheeky cab drivers, the music pouring from the pubs, the excitement, and the elegance of the theatre world… Pure magic!
The biggest reason I've come to this particular point in time, though? You won't believe what I found out - the history of tutus gets even more captivating the deeper you delve!
Now, while many people assume tutus were born and blossomed in the 1800s with Marie Taglioni's groundbreaking performance in “La Sylphide,” the reality is, the story's even more thrilling than we've been led to believe!
It’s believed that tutus have a much longer history! You see, way back in the 16th century (that's hundreds of years before Marie!), something very exciting was happening. Spanish court dances were featuring ladies in garments called “guardainfanta.” And do you know what? They were incredibly similar to the ballerina tutus we see today! The word "guardainfanta" means "child protector" because these ladies would be tasked with looking after a princess in her childhood, a serious job indeed! Their gowns were often quite ornate, fitted around the hips and ballooning out like a full, puffy skirt, reminiscent of the modern tutu silhouette! These lovely women must have been a sight to behold, gliding gracefully across the ballroom, adorned in these early tutus. Now isn't that remarkable?
Now, fast-forward to the early 1800s, and The Romantic era. Oh my, was this era simply divine! Imagine lush, opulent ballets with beautiful ladies dancing, a sheer dream! But you know what, darling? The early versions of tutus in these times didn’t exactly allow for ease of movement! I imagine a lady pirouette-ing in those weighty fabrics and multiple layers, all a little restrictive for that light and elegant look. Can you picture it?
Then, as the decades rolled by, those cumbersome, heavy tutus started to transform! We've Marie Taglioni to thank for this delightful change, my dear! The year 1832, and "La Sylphide" – bam, it all changed. The focus switched to an ethereal grace. Marie decided that a lighter, shorter, fluffier silhouette was needed for those dazzling ballet moves. Suddenly, dancing in a tutu was so much more natural and fluid - a sight to behold! Oh, how glorious!
So, where does this delightful story of the tutu lead us in 1959? It's a time of transformation in ballet, and there is a particular figure I am excited to highlight today!
Do you remember our darling prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn? She graced the stage with pure elegance, wasn't she a divine beauty? This time is crucial, for we see Margot dancing in an exquisite pink tutu at the Royal Opera House in London in this year. I simply cannot describe the artistry and finesse she poured into each step! And this gorgeous shade of pink! A touch of delicate blush on a perfectly sculpted tutu, reflecting the femininity of the dance... Isn't she magnificent, my lovelies?
The 50s saw a glorious burst of colours, with an emphasis on beautiful colours, elegant design and refined ballet. Just think of the fabulous ballet tutus seen in "Swan Lake", "Sleeping Beauty", "Giselle" – it's pure joy! Ballet became almost cinematic, capturing the hearts of the world, all adorned in these enchanting tutus.
If you get the chance, my loves, be sure to catch a ballet performance featuring Margot Fonteyn in your own time. And don't forget, while you are visiting London, have a browse in some of its beautiful boutiques! Maybe you'll find the perfect pink tutu to inspire your own graceful steps!
And there you have it, dear tutu-lovers, another amazing peek into our world of enchanting tutus! Stay tuned for another trip through time with #TutuTuesday next week. Until then, keep those toes tapping and remember - wear pink, and let your tutus twirl!
See you all next Tuesday on pink-tutu.com!
Yours in all things tulle, Emma
