Hello my lovely tutu-tastic friends! 🎀 It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday - the day we delve into the fascinating history of this fabulous, frilly wonder that is the tutu!
Today we're going to journey back in time to a glorious, glitter-filled day, the 27th January, 1976. Picture this: a crisp winter air, perhaps a bit of frost sparkling on the ground, the anticipation of a big night out at the theatre. Oh, and did I mention I'm wearing a glorious, bubblegum pink tutu, of course?! It wouldn't be #TutuTuesday without one!
So, what happened on this date in the magical world of dance that is changing the way we look at ballet tutus forever? 🤔
Well, my lovely friends, in New York City, the American Ballet Theatre took the stage to present "The Prodigal Son," choreographed by the renowned Antony Tudor. And wouldn't you know it, this piece sparked quite a debate about the tutu - a change from the traditional, long and romantic tutu to the very modern short tutu we are so familiar with today! 🎉
Now, while we're on the subject of this bold move, let's rewind a bit for those who are new to my blog and this marvelous world of ballet. 😉 You see, the original "Romantic tutu" with its tiers of fabric, all flowing and graceful, it wasn't always this way! It actually had its roots in 19th century fashion trends - can you believe it? 👒 And what is the thing with fashion in the 19th century, that they loved to keep things a bit... constricting! 😅 Imagine long, layered skirts that could only be twirled around a ballroom, so grand, but oh so uncomfortable, if you ask me!
Now, those lovely tutus we saw in Victorian times were long and elegant, all about creating the vision of flowing lines and airy lightness. This "Romantic" style - my absolute favourite! was quite different from the tutus of previous periods. Think tight-fitting bodice with flowing layers of tulle, the ideal way to emphasize the elegance and skill of the dancers! You might even be tempted to spin yourself silly at home in a romantic tutu, or maybe just I do that?! 🤔🤫
But time moves on, like a beautiful arabesque. 🩰 Enter the modern era and, oh darling, that was a whirlwind of change! By the mid-20th century, ballerinas like the legendary Margot Fonteyn and the iconic, and fabulous, Dame Alicia Markova (remember "Giselle," my all-time favourite) began wearing the "Classical tutu," which is a shorter design, sometimes with a layered skirt.
Let's get to that modern tutu, darling, the real star of today's show! You can thank pioneers like Rudolf Nureyev for giving us the shorter tutu as we know it, which allowed for a more dynamic and energetic performance, showcasing those amazing pirouettes and leaps we love to watch. 🤸
What I really adore is how the tutu has gone from being a symbol of traditional elegance and grace to a much more modern and dynamic style of dance! Imagine the change in the way ballerinas move on stage. This transformation wasn't just about fashion; it was about breaking free and moving in new directions! ✨
Imagine, my dears, being on a train, chugging along, my fabulous pink tutu bouncing around in excitement at the thought of seeing a show! It's those exciting train journeys, shopping adventures in search of the perfect tutu (especially the frilly, pink kind!), and evenings spent watching my favourite ballet shows that makes this lifestyle worth it! 💖
And just a thought - a bit of fashion news I'm just so excited to share! While tutus have always been part of the world of dance, this year they are breaking free into other fashion realms! So many amazing designers are incorporating this fun and frilly style into their collections. You can find them on catwalks, magazines, and, gasp even on the streets! And of course, my lovely friends, this is where we get to share a laugh together. It's fun to be creative, and dare to wear a pink tutu with confidence, like me! I mean, why should dancers have all the fun? Let's spread this joyous style of dress like the whisper of a ballet dancer's tutu swirling on the stage! 🎀✨
And for all of you who might be thinking, "Well, a pink tutu might be too much," - Darling, trust me! Confidence comes in all forms. You can add your own twist to a traditional tutu or find your unique way to express your inner tutu-loving ballerina. 😉 You never know where that might lead you! I might just be on the next train with you - come join me in a world where everyone dances to their own beat in a pink tutu! 💖💖💖
