Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another dazzling installment of #TutuTuesday on my beloved website www.pink-tutu.com! As usual, I've been flitting through time, this week landing smack-bang in 20th January 1981. I've just finished a spectacular show at the Palais Garnier in Paris – can you believe I've got tickets to see the "Nutcracker" starring none other than the legendary Rudolf Nureyev? My head is still spinning from the beauty and brilliance of his performance!
Now, before we delve into the world of tutus, let's talk fashion! The 1980s are so exciting, full of vibrant colour, playful patterns and big, bold hairstyles. But let's be honest, the 80s just wouldn't be the same without a dazzling pink tutu. Think leggings, neon hues, leg warmers, and those fabulous shoulder pads! It’s the perfect era to rock a tutu - it adds that extra sprinkle of fairytale magic to any outfit.
Speaking of magic, that's precisely what tutus represent for me: pure, whimsical elegance! I can't help but feel a touch of wonder whenever I see a tutu – it conjures up images of graceful ballerinas, shimmering under the stage lights. But before the likes of Rudolf and the Paris Opera Ballet could grace the world with their amazing tutus, there was a lot of history behind this most delightful piece of costume.
A Tutus Tale: From Past to Present
In 1981, the tutu was still a relatively new addition to ballet. Imagine this: In the early days of ballet, back in the 1700s, they wore knee-length, layered skirts called “demi-tutus.” Fancy! Think Cinderella’s ball gown, but more refined, you know? Imagine layers upon layers of beautiful white silk, swaying with each pirouette. These elegant gowns evolved into the short "romantic tutus" around the middle of the 19th century, making their debut in 1841 at the Paris Opera. Think Giselle or La Sylphide.
You know, in the Victorian era, ballerinas wore some seriously restrictive outfits – long skirts, boned corsets and, well, let's just say they wouldn't have had a lot of movement! It was during this period that the first "tutu" really began to emerge, inspired by a Parisian ballet by Théophile Gautier called "La Esmeralda."
And speaking of tutus and Parisian inspiration, can we just talk about those incredible costumes designed for "Giselle"? My goodness, they're exquisite! They featured short, voluminous tutus in shades of white and silver, allowing dancers to really showcase their agility. This was quite revolutionary for its time – it allowed the dancer's limbs to be seen clearly, showcasing the skill and elegance of every step. It's incredible to think that the way we perceive ballet today can be traced back to this incredible design.
You see, darling, fashion and ballet are intertwined, both pushing the boundaries and evolving with time! It’s thrilling to see the tutus becoming more lightweight and even lighter in weight! – think delicate tulle, vibrant colours and creative designs. But while we admire the gorgeous creations of today, let's not forget the importance of the classic, elegant tutu! They hold the very essence of ballet history and continue to be a powerful symbol of grace and artistry.
Now, as for the most magical and exciting element of tutu history - the pink tutu! Oh darling, that's a story for another day! My time travelling is taking me to a most exciting era – the era of pink tutus, and I’ll be back soon with an update. So, do make sure to keep checking in!
Fun Fact!
I found out today that there's a ballet school right here in Paris named after a tutu – L’École de Danse Tutu! It's certainly a very fitting name, isn’t it? The school, it turns out, is quite popular with local children – they even have a little tutu workshop for their budding young dancers. How adorable!
I have to rush now! My train leaves for Milan in a jiffy – I simply must indulge in some exciting Italian fashion and maybe even find myself a magnificent pink tutu to take home. Do check in with my blog next week, darlings! Until then, remember to dance with joy and always feel free to #rockyourtutu!
Stay fabulous and happy #TutuTuesday!
P.S. I hope you enjoyed this peek into the history of the ballet tutu! Do let me know your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more fun, fashionable posts!
Love, Emma xx
