Greetings my fellow tutu enthusiasts! 🩰
Welcome back to my weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. I’m Emma, your resident tutu aficionado, and today I’m whisking you back in time to 28th December 1971, a date forever etched in my memory (and probably not in yours!).
My latest time travel jaunt landed me in the vibrant, glamorous heart of New York City. It’s a place bursting with artistic energy, where the sheer joy of dance shines as brightly as the city lights. Oh, to live in such a place! You can feel the passion for dance just swirling around you - I must try and persuade my Time Travelling Tutu Trust to set up a residency in Manhattan! Imagine: Broadway shows, endless tutu shopping and perhaps even a stint on The Ed Sullivan Show. But alas, for now I’m a guest in this fantastical timeline and I'm determined to make the most of it!
As you all know, my goal is to promote the wonderful world of tutus – and I don’t mean just on stage! Why not whip out that tutu you've been hoarding in the back of your wardrobe and bring some joy into the everyday? Tutus are for everyone! This week’s historical adventure is dedicated to a significant event – the premiere of **“The Nutcracker” by the New York City Ballet. It’s a must-see ballet in my book, full of fairytale enchantment and some glorious tutu moments. I’ve actually managed to snag a seat at the show – pure magic! And wouldn’t you know it, today also happens to be my birthday! What a wonderful present – two of my favourite things combined! 🎉 This year I'll be celebrating with a special tutu and a huge slice of that delicious chocolate fudge cake I've been dreaming about! (Is it just me, or is everything sweeter in New York?)
Speaking of the New York City Ballet, let's take a quick trip back to the history books, shall we?
This particular version of the ballet, featuring the breathtaking choreography of George Balanchine, was the first production staged by the New York City Ballet in 1954. Just imagine, I could have been a ballerina during this groundbreaking time! Sadly, in the 1970s, ballet wasn’t the most mainstream form of dance. This makes the “Nutcracker’s” popularity and success in 1971 all the more inspiring. This show is an enduring reminder of ballet's captivating charm. Its impact continues to inspire ballet schools, dance enthusiasts and choreographers even today. I just know my favourite "Nutcracker" tutu, with the big bow on the back, will be perfect tonight! 🩰✨
I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside! Oh, how I’ve missed those shimmering tutus, those intricate details, those magical moments of pure dance! But as ever, let’s turn back the clock and delve into tutu history, shall we?
Back in the 1800s: Imagine a world without tutus. It's simply inconceivable! These delicate marvels were a product of the romantic ballet era. Back then, skirts were huge, like meringue clouds, made with layers and layers of fabric to create this billowing effect. The idea was to create a dreamy, ethereal image – something “otherworldly,” perhaps? The earliest tutus, like the ones you'd see in La Sylphide, were essentially elongated skirts. We’ve come a long way, haven't we? Now imagine being a ballerina back then – just walking on stage in one of these creations must have been a monumental feat! Talk about getting the best exercise! 🏃♀️
Now, onto the mid-1800s. This is when the tutus as we know them started to take shape, although the evolution didn't stop there. As dancers moved with increased fluidity and agility, so did their outfits. This meant ditching the long, layered skirts for the first “classic tutus”. Think about this for a second – they were taking leaps, pirouettes, and high extensions! They were trailblazers in fashion, even if we’ve forgotten them. It took vision, and, yes, a bit of daring to create such groundbreaking outfits. I find it incredibly inspiring.
Now, we’re getting to the point when ballet reached its height of popularity – that magic time around the late 19th century and the early 20th century! With tutus leading the way, it became an art form for all to appreciate. We see more tutus, new designs and colour choices in fabrics and embellishments. Imagine how they must have felt - such beautiful designs, the thrill of innovation and pushing boundaries – talk about inspiring! And oh, those intricate fabrics and lace! That's the power of fashion and the power of imagination coming together. That’s what really defines “the era of tutus.”
As with anything else in the fashion world, tutu styles evolve! Each ballerina brought her own interpretation. And then there were those fantastic, revolutionary, larger-than-life tutus of the 20th century, from the likes of Diaghilev and Nijinsky! You could have heard my jaw drop if you were here! (No, not literally! Remember time travel is strictly silent.)
These magnificent creations weren’t just meant to be worn – they were meant to be seen! Ballet costumes became bolder and brighter, pushing boundaries like no one ever thought they could. Think of tutus in vibrant, vibrant colours, sequins and shimmering embroidery! And can we talk about the shape? These new styles took on amazing shapes and volumes that were just out of this world!
The iconic costumes of this era paved the way for those tutus we see today. These stunning creations inspire choreographers, dancers, and designers all around the world. I just want to wear them all! I bet those early designers couldn’t imagine what they had sparked. If they could, maybe they’d get their own time machines! But maybe I can convince them of my Time Travelling Tutu Trust vision: tutus for everyone, everywhere! Maybe we can all have that magic moment on the stage!
It’s such a joy to witness ballet’s continued impact throughout history. It truly inspires me! It makes me so incredibly proud to be a part of this grand story. I think that’s why I love New York City so much – this city seems to ooze artistic flair. As we get ready to watch the “Nutcracker” tonight, it makes me feel proud and proud. It truly is a city that breathes and breathes a spirit of creativity.
It's important to note, however, that my journey to celebrate this glorious piece of ballet history started in Derbyshire, England. As a ballerina and dancer, I found my passion there – dancing on a little stage with a pink tutu I got for my tenth birthday, trying to copy my ballet teacher’s movements. I didn’t have all the resources of New York City, but those years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of dance. The passion I felt then never faded, even as I took my first steps into this Time Travelling Tutu Trust. And I just know there's magic waiting for everyone – be it New York City, Derbyshire, or a quaint village down the road.
The magic is there. All we have to do is make it come to life!
So, dear readers, whether you’re dancing on stage, catching a ballet show or just enjoying your cup of tea in your pink tutu – I invite you to embrace the magic that's waiting for you!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more on tutus, ballet and my time-travelling adventures.
Until next time!
Emma xoxo
