#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1978-02-21

Hey darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-enthusiast, back for another dazzling dose of ballet history! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, blog post number 7626, where we journey through time to uncover the story of the ballet tutu, one fabulous frill at a time. Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 1978, a year bursting with dazzling dance, breathtaking fashion, and… a healthy dose of pink, of course!

As always, I'm taking you with me! This week, I've managed to secure the most delightful carriage… I mean, a first-class train ticket to Paris! Paris is, of course, the beating heart of the ballet world, a city brimming with artistry, elegance, and… yes, you guessed it… a sprinkle of pink! This is a trip that's been in the making for ages, my darlings.

I've just stepped off the train and already the smell of croissants, freshly baked bread and the faint scent of exquisite perfume, hits me like a magical wave of Parisienne joy! I’m absolutely smitten with this city – just look at those impossibly chic ladies in their long coats and gorgeous hats. What a visual treat for my tutu-loving eyes!

Oh, and before I completely forget myself, did I mention that 21st February 1978 is a VERY special date? Because… well, on this day, the one and only Mikhail Baryshnikov had a special birthday! I don't need to tell you what a dance legend this gentleman is, right?

Now, back to the main event, my darlings - those spectacular ballet tutus! You won’t believe this, but back in 1978, tutus were already making quite the statement on the fashion scene! It's true! We've all seen how beautifully tutus have translated into high fashion, and the 70s were no exception. Imagine, a little sprinkle of ballerina chic, bringing elegance and grace to every-day fashion – that was a big trend back then, especially for those lovely bohemian looks! It was a gorgeous era! I even saw a woman today who paired a billowing floral blouse with a sheer skirt that reminded me of a ballet tutu.

Speaking of fashion, today is going to be a glorious whirlwind of shopping, a must when in the fashion capital of the world. I’m dreaming of some classic silk scarves for my hair, a stylish new ballet bag for all my accessories, and maybe even a little something pink for my own tutu collection. And just think, a whole selection of beautiful shoes and boots, that’ll be a fashion highlight!

As a seasoned tutu aficionado, my mission is simple, my lovelies: To sprinkle a little tutu magic wherever I go! I think the best way to spread some pink love today is with a lovely performance at the Palais Garnier! It's time for some real magic, and there's no better way than to enjoy a captivating ballet performance! I hear they've got a delightful performance of La Bayadere on tonight’s program.

But this post is really about #TutuTuesday, right? It's the day we dive into history, celebrate the elegance and grace of tutus and learn more about their amazing evolution, so let’s step back in time and delve into the origins of the tutu as we know it!

A Quick Trip Through Time

The evolution of the tutu has been an exhilarating journey, as grand and as captivating as the most refined performance of Swan Lake! The story begins with Marie Taglioni, an absolutely legendary dancer of the Romantic era. It was her elegance and artistry that helped spark a major change in the way ballet dancers dressed, forever altering the appearance of a ballet dancer. The “Taglioni” tutu, a flowing, knee-length, romantic tutu, created a new, whimsical aesthetic, moving away from the stricter, more formal style that dominated the court ballet days!

The late 1800s saw the introduction of the classical, “Romantic Tutu,” the tutu most of us are familiar with. This exquisite skirt of multiple layers of tulle (or sometimes netting) brought greater freedom and flexibility to dancers! Imagine whirling, jumping, and performing all kinds of wondrous moves, all with graceful ease thanks to this fantastic creation!

Now, fast forward to the early 20th Century and we arrive at the “Classical Tutu” as it was seen in ballets such as La Bayadere, The Nutcracker and, my favourite ballet, Swan Lake! Now this beauty had tighter fitting bodice and a wider, more voluminous skirt, creating a truly enchanting and spectacular stage presence for the dancers. It also gave the dancers the possibility to perform incredibly elaborate and precise movements while still looking truly exquisite and, naturally, incredibly chic.

We can’t leave this little excursion through time without mentioning the “Modern Tutu”, can we? This exciting style popped onto the scene during the mid-20th century, often made of multiple layers of tulle, providing fantastic freedom for expressive, daring dance moves, a bold, edgy yet elegant statement!

Oh my, I think my little history lesson has flown by in the blink of an eye. However, we haven’t finished quite yet.

The Magic of Tutús: From Stage to Street

My lovelies, tutus haven't simply been a part of ballet; they've had an electrifying effect on fashion! You see, a tutu is more than a dance costume, it's an iconic symbol of grace, imagination and sheer joy.

For years now, they've stepped out of the spotlight on stage and danced their way straight onto catwalks and into everyday life, becoming the epitome of playful chic!

Don't worry, you can be sure, my darlings, that I will always keep my tutu collection in a prominent position in my wardrobe! From glamorous cocktail parties to fabulous weekend getaways, these creations have a way of adding a sprinkle of magic wherever they go.

It’s not all about the pink (but the pink does make everything just that little bit better!), although, the world of ballet tutus, my loves, has seen everything, from crisp white tutus for the iconic Swan Lake, the beautiful lavender hue for the lovely “Lilac Fairy” or the rich, ruby-red costumes for some incredible ballet stories. It truly is a beautiful thing to witness!

As I step out of the Gare du Nord into a lively, colourful Paris, my love for the tutus really knows no bounds. I feel a growing passion to keep inspiring you, my darling readers, to dance a little more, to embrace a touch of whimsy and maybe, just maybe, to don a tutu of your own!

Whether it’s a ballet performance at the grand Paris Opera, a day out at a Parisian boutique or simply a jaunty stroll through the beautiful streets of the city, this is my goal, my darling loves! And until next #TutuTuesday, why not twirl your way into a day of ballet-inspired fashion? Embrace a bit of your inner ballerina, maybe even dress in your favourite shade of pink – it is the color of happiness after all! And remember, no matter where life takes you, the spirit of the ballet, that effortless elegance, is just a twinkle in your eye away!

Au revoir, my darlings, until next week, when I'll be exploring more ballet magic from this grand and beautiful city!