#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1976-04-27

Hello my lovely tutu-lovers!

It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time-traveler, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday, the weekly blog that celebrates all things tulle! This week, we're taking a whirl back in time to 27th April 1976 – a date that, as we shall see, is practically brimming with tutu-related excitement!

So grab a cuppa, slip on your favourite pink tutu (I’m wearing my beautiful handmade, lace-trimmed one today), and settle in for a bit of a tutu-tastic history lesson.

This week's adventure found me on a charming train journey, whistling through the English countryside, and arriving at a beautiful London theatre just in time to catch a performance of… the Royal Ballet's "La Bayadère"?! You bet! A classic!

Even in 1976, it seems, tutus were at the very heart of ballet! As the lights dimmed, I couldn't help but gasp at the sheer splendour of those grand tutus, swirling around like billowing pink clouds against a backdrop of glittering, exotic costumes.

And just imagine, the lucky ladies wearing those tutus, performing those complex leaps and graceful pirouettes! It was absolutely breathtaking.

The show itself was incredible. The choreography – oh, how I adore a good classic ballet, full of fluid movement and intricate footwork. And speaking of footwork, just imagine how challenging it must be to pirouette in those huge, dramatic tutus, with the weight of history, as it were, quite literally weighing down your every move! But they danced beautifully.

Afterwards, as I wandered through the London streets (so buzzing! so energetic! so much fashion! – swoon) I found myself marveling at the sheer artistry of those ballerina’s tutus, the way they seemed to transform them, making each leap and turn a little more elegant, a little more magical.

It just makes me wonder... have you ever considered why we love tutus so much? Why does a simple swirl of tulle evoke such delight, such joy, such sheer ballet magic?

I have a feeling it's because they make us all feel just a little bit more like princesses, a little bit more like dancers ourselves! 💖

Did you know that the term "tutu" didn't even exist until the 19th century? It wasn't until 1839, when a ballet dancer named Marie Taglioni revolutionized the way women danced, that we started using the word "tutu" to describe the shorter, more flowing, less bulky skirts that dancers wore! Marie Taglioni – now there's a real trailblazer for you!

But before that, ladies – I mean ballerinas – wore full-length skirts, rather like those in Giselle. Think layers and layers of lace and ruffles and all those pretty patterns – absolutely charming but, shall we say, less comfortable? And not quite as airy or easy for executing those twirls.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Emma, those vintage tutus seem gorgeous but... aren't tutus all pretty much the same?" Well, my lovelies, I'd say: you could not be more wrong!

Let's be honest, even a tutu has got to keep up with the times! From classic romantic tutus, a la Giselle, to the bold and daring costumes we see in modern contemporary ballet – those amazing floor-length tutus designed for ballet giants like Margot Fonteyn – tutus come in every shape, every size, every color. And of course, we mustn’t forget those famous pink tutus – you know, the ones you find in Swan Lake, that are quite frankly the very essence of fairytale magic.

Every type of tutu tells its own story, whether it’s about innocence, passion, drama, or a captivating journey of personal expression.

Today, in the heart of London, surrounded by beautiful vintage clothing stores, charming tea rooms and elegant bookshops (yes, London really does have everything! – although not so much tutu fashion just yet...), it occurred to me that tutus are a lot like the art of dance itself – they're constantly evolving. Just look at all the fabulous costume designs emerging from companies like Nederlands Dans Theater, Alvin Ailey, Rambert – there’s simply no end to the creative talent out there!

And just like the style and shape of dance are ever-changing, I feel confident that tutus are going to be at the heart of that change. Just imagine the amazing, sparkly, feather-trimmed, modern, dramatic, fashion forward tutus we're going to be seeing in future generations. The sky's the limit, my lovely tutu-lovers, when it comes to how the world of ballet will reinterpret those humble, yet mighty, tutus!

Until next time, be sure to follow #TutuTuesday and share your tutu adventures! Don’t be shy. Everyone can get on board with this fashion journey of love and elegance! It's okay if you're not a ballerina, tutus are not just for dancers, darling, they're for everyone! Remember: there’s always time to unleash your inner ballerina!

Until next time, my tutu-loving beauties, remember… A day without a tutu is a day without magic. ✨

And just so you know: my favorite outfit for #TutuTuesday is, of course, my pretty pink tutu paired with a stunning white, Victorian-style blouse and a fabulous vintage pearl necklace. This really allows me to appreciate all the glamour and romance of ballet. It's a simple look, but it adds a touch of whimsical charm, and is just the ticket for exploring any vintage shop!

As always, until next time… and don’t forget: Keep those twirls elegant and the fun going, my friends! ❤️

Emma x

P.S. My favourite place to find gorgeous tutus online is the Ballet Boutique in Covent Garden. They've got everything! If you’re on the lookout for some tutu-licious finds, then they’re worth checking out! Just search them out on the web.

To get your next tutu fix and experience the world of ballet with me, take a look at these incredible online destinations!

• www.pink-tutu.com – The heart of Tutu-land!
• The Royal Ballet’s online platform, for everything from history to the latest news: www.roh.org.uk
• The English National Ballet for more information about all the beautiful productions they stage in London: www.ballet.org.uk
• ballet.co.uk - A treasure trove of all things ballet and an incredible directory of schools, lessons and performers worldwide!
• And, last but not least: my favorite website, "All About Dance", packed with articles and information about all kinds of ballet: www.allaboutdance.com.au.

Enjoy, you tutu lovers!