#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1980-11-25

Bonjour from Paris, mes chéries! Emma here, back for another thrilling #TutuTuesday journey through the history of the iconic ballet tutu. I've just finished a fabulously delicious croissant at a charming little café on the Champs-Élysées, and I'm bursting to tell you all about this week's historical adventure. This week, we're swirling back in time to November 25th, 1980. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, Paris? November? That's practically winter!" But darling, trust me, Paris in the autumn is like a magical dream! The air is crisp, the leaves are fiery orange and gold, and the fashion? Simply divine!

(Pause while I grab a delicious macaron for my journey through time... these little treats always boost my travel powers.)

I travelled by the fastest train in France to be here in Paris! You wouldn't believe the amazing sights I saw – beautiful rolling hills and charming little towns whizzing by outside the window! And don't even get me started on the glorious scent of Parisian bakery wafting through the carriages. Oh, to live here forever!

But I'm here for something much bigger – ballet, darling! This evening, I'm going to witness the crème de la crème of the ballet world – a spectacular performance at the majestic Palais Garnier Opera House! The opulence of the theatre itself takes my breath away - gilded balconies, velvety seats, intricate chandeliers - all under the twinkling Parisian night sky. I’ve already been shopping on Rue de Rivoli for the most dazzling outfit for this occasion - a pink feather boa, a silver clutch, and, naturally, the most delicate pink tutu, hand-crafted by the most talented artisans of Paris. I just can't wait to swirl around under the chandelier light!

(Okay, maybe I ate a second macaron... those Parisian pastries are just too tempting!)

This time, darling, we're in the midst of the Romantic Era for ballet tutus. They're dreamy, wispy, and ethereal! Think cloud-like, ethereal skirts, soft chiffon, and those gorgeous billowing sleeves – the epitome of fairytale princess dreams! The tutus are definitely shorter than they were in the past – those extravagant hoopskirts of the late 19th century are mostly gone, giving us a beautiful view of graceful, extended legs and perfectly placed arabesques.

Imagine Gelsey Kirkland, that darling of American ballet, wearing her tutu on stage. Or Mikhail Baryshnikov, who with one effortless leap makes the heart beat just a little bit faster! We’re witnessing some truly iconic ballet dancers grace the stage this very night – the legacy of ballet lives on.

(I’m adding a couple of dainty floral hair clips to my pink tutu... and my own signature pink-sparkly hairband.)

But I wouldn't be true to the Pink-Tutu blog spirit if I didn't bring you a little backstory about the incredible history of this sartorial masterpiece! We all know the tutus we adore, the billowing skirts and delicate fabrics, came about a long time ago – not all the way back to the dinosaurs, darling, but definitely before our beloved Parisian macaron.

Here's a peek into the tutu’s timeline for the day’s ballet dancers:

1832: Here comes the big one, the ‘revolution of the tutu’. Romantic era ballet demands that iconic “classical tutu” - short, bell-shaped skirts, layered with multiple tiers of tulle, giving dancers freedom of movement. We all have that glorious vision in our heads, right? Think Swan Lake with the beautiful tulle ruffles that look almost as if the dancers are wearing flowing feathers – simply elegant!

19th century: The tutu evolves. There are two distinct categories, the “classical tutu,” with that beautiful billowing shape we all know, and the "pagoda tutu”, the longer, tiered version worn by dancers performing roles like "The Sleeping Beauty”. There are other tutu variations with hoops and flounces for stage drama.

Early 20th century: The tutu is moving on. Ballet itself is evolving - think The Rite of Spring and its groundbreaking and thrilling revolutionary modern dance movements. It's all a bit more dramatic. The tutu itself, though, starts becoming a little less "classical." Designers begin experimenting with new textures, shapes and forms to suit the powerful, expressive new ballet movement. Think more modern materials like silks, jersey fabrics, and perhaps even more fitted shapes, adding drama to their looks and performance.

(Adding a little extra glitter to my pink ballet bag to be truly dazzling... after all, darling, every pink tutu deserves a sprinkle of magic!)

Oh my goodness, darling! We’re just hitting 1980, and November 25th is an interesting day. Did you know, that’s the day that The Netherlands formally changed its constitution into one that gave the government a larger role in policymaking and social welfare. I suppose this is the year we’ve truly started to see the impact of those glorious political and social changes we're hearing so much about...

(Oh my! I think I need a little French perfume spritz – you can't ever go wrong with a hint of Je ne sais quoi!)

I simply adore the powerful, inspiring connection between dance, fashion, and tutu styles throughout history. What began on the ballet stage in those magical, flowing dresses, with the tiers and frills and that amazing femininity, became fashion inspiration that we see reflected in couture shows on fashion runways throughout the decades. Just think of that classic ballerina look, the simple lines, the softness, the perfect blend of whimsical and graceful - they always echo throughout fashion trends!

(I can’t resist trying on a little Parisian hat with my pink tutu... it truly brings out the French elegance!)

Remember darling, you've already been graced by the amazing fashion of the Parisian - but just because you don't live in France, doesn't mean you can’t wear your own beautiful pink tutu. It’s all about that unique expression of yourself, don't you think? My lovely ladies of the world, let’s bring this tutu trend back. Get a beautiful pink tutu and embrace your inner ballerina! Dare to be different. Dare to stand out.

So darling, what do you wear to your special moments? Leave a comment and share your #TutuTuesday with the world. *Until next time, happy dancing!

P.S. Catch my performance next week on a brand-new Parisian stage! Bisous!