Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another peek into the captivating world of ballet history. This week, we're taking a trip back to February 8th, 1972, and trust me, there's plenty of sparkle and twirling to be found!
Before I delve into the tutu time warp, let me just say, today was a fabulous day for shopping! I found the most delightful pink sequined top at Harrods - perfect for pairing with my go-to tulle skirt. You simply cannot go wrong with a touch of pink and sequins, my dears. It’s a universally flattering look, you see. Even the statues at the Victoria and Albert Museum looked a little brighter with a touch of my sartorial magic.
Speaking of magic, my recent trip back to the Victorian era reminded me that tutus weren’t always as ubiquitous as they are today! (Though frankly, they should be everywhere!). You wouldn’t believe the struggle they had to make it a staple of ballet. Let’s delve into some fascinating details about those early tutus, shall we?
Early Tutuland: Where the tutu tale began
You see, the "tutu" we know today wasn't born overnight. Its roots lie in the early Romantic era in France - très chic! We’re talking 1830s and 40s, a time of très elaborate and très impractical dresses.
Back then, ballet dancers swirled and leaped in long, layered, restrictive garments. Imagine attempting a pirouette in yards of stiff, heavy fabric! Imagine the heat!
Thankfully, the French ballet master, Jean Coralli, decided that women deserved something lighter, freer, and more elegant. Cue the rise of the first true "tutu"! (You might remember his name from his beautiful work Giselle - ooh, it’s such a heartbreaking tale of love and heartbreak, you’ll want to burst into tears and then immediately twirl out your sadness.)
(That’s a thing, right? You can twirl away your sadness, especially when you're wearing a tutu. I recommend it!)
These early tutus were often calf-length, constructed from tulle - a type of sheer netting. Lighter than silk and yet still incredibly airy and flowy, it allowed dancers to soar with grace and ease.
This invention - this revolutionary piece of fabric - changed the game entirely. Not only was the tutu aesthetically stunning - it redefined what was considered “beautiful” on a ballerina - but it was also incredibly practical for the leaps, twirls, and artistry the dancers showcased.
(You know me, darling, I have a keen eye for aesthetics. And I adore a story about a sartorial revolution!)
Fast forward to the 1970s: A time for innovation and experimentation
The early 20th century witnessed a blossoming of tutu styles. There was the “Romantic Tutu” – full-length, wispy, ethereal – and the "Classical Tutu" – shorter, more structured. This style was used more commonly by the companies like the Royal Ballet that had formed in the wake of the innovations in the French ballet.
(You see, darling, my knowledge goes back in time!)
Today, on February 8th, 1972, the ballet world is continuing to push those creative boundaries. It’s a truly exciting time to be a ballerina – for a fashionista – for an enthusiast of all things creative. The modern tutu – now more than a simple piece of costume – has become a statement. Designers play with textures, lengths, and colour – everything from black to silver to shocking neon. The only requirement? It must look breathtaking on stage! (Of course, a hint of pink never goes amiss.)
(You may think the tutu has reached its peak – but you, my darling, have seen nothing yet! You just wait and see what fashion wonders are yet to be revealed.)
*(By the way, I’m just itching for the next #TutuTuesday - I’ll be in Covent Garden this afternoon seeing the *Swan Lake – how lucky is it to see this classical piece in one of the most beautiful and elegant theatres in the world! Oh darling, I wish you were here with me! But let’s travel through history with me next Tuesday, shall we?)
As always, you can find more of my ramblings on the lovely pink-tutu.com. Spread the word - a tutu is for everyone! #TutuTuesday #PinkPower
*(Oh, and remember to pick up a pink tutu – or at the very least – a *little something pink to add to your wardrobe! Until next week!)
* Emma x*
