#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1984-11-13

Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we celebrate the joy and elegance of the tutu!

This Tuesday, we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to the 13th of November 1984, a date brimming with ballet brilliance! Today, we'll delve into the glorious history of the tutu, tracing its evolution from the Victorian era right up to the mid-80s. Let’s begin!

I’m Emma, a tutu-loving fashionista from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England. It's my life's mission to spread the pink tutu gospel and get everyone swirling in a twirling symphony of joy. But don't worry, this blog is for all things tutu, from the traditional to the more modern designs, so even if you’re not a pink tutu convert (yet!), you’ll find plenty to admire here.

This week I travelled by train to Paris – ah, Paris – the city that's practically synonymous with fashion! And you can imagine how excited I was to discover some truly sensational pieces in the boutiques lining the Rue de Rivoli. Can you believe I found a stunning, vintage silk tutu that must be from the 1920s? Oh, the memories it holds! And for a modern touch, I snagged a bright fuchsia tutu that’ll surely become a star of my next performance.

You know how much I love to share my experiences with you, so, without further ado, let’s dive into today’s tutu history lesson.

In 1984, the ballet world was alive with innovative choreography, exciting new performers, and an ever-evolving design aesthetic for the tutu.

We have so much to thank the ballerinas of the Romantic Era (1830s-1870s) for! They pioneered the “Romantic tutu” - a longer, billowing skirt, crafted with several layers of tulle or gauze. This style highlighted the ballerina’s graceful movements and emphasized the lightness and ethereal quality of ballet.

As the 19th century progressed, the tutu began to shorten, eventually becoming the “classical tutu” we know and love today. It's a short, circular skirt with multiple layers of tulle, creating that iconic bell-shaped silhouette.

Fast-forwarding to the mid-80s, we see the “tutu” reaching the pinnacle of fashion, becoming not only a ballet essential, but also inspiring haute couture designers all over the world.

But it's not just the tutu’s appearance that makes it such a compelling piece of garment history! Let’s not forget its symbolic role in the art of dance. It represents fluidity, femininity, and of course, the iconic art of ballet!

If you happen to be in London this week, you can’t miss the chance to catch “La Bayadère,” which has been enchanting audiences at the Royal Opera House. A stunning masterpiece by Marius Petipa, this ballet boasts some truly incredible tutus. It’s a perfect example of how these delicate and glamorous garments add a breathtaking layer to the stories told on stage.

And while I’m dreaming of beautiful ballerinas in gorgeous tutus, I can’t resist mentioning some of the big names in the ballet world that were captivating audiences during 1984. My heart skipped a beat watching Rudolf Nureyev dance his way through “Swan Lake”! Such elegance and effortless grace. Then there’s Sylvie Guillem, known for her captivating performance style and sheer mastery of technique. Talk about talent! And can we even begin to discuss Mikhail Baryshnikov, the reigning King of Ballet?

To see these extraordinary artists grace the stage, and then head to a bustling Covent Garden to shop for a stunning new tutu – this is the life I'm meant for! It’s about experiencing the best in art and fashion.

Before I head back to my own time (after one last peek at those gorgeous ballet flats!), let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer joy that a tutu brings. A fluffy cloud of tulle that makes every step feel like magic? I think yes!

But that’s not all! We need to thank the incredible craftsmanship that goes into creating these delicate works of art. The delicate layers of fabric, the carefully stitched seams, and the way it all comes together to create that airy, beautiful, and powerful silhouette. It’s truly magical, just like ballet itself.

So, darling readers, grab your tutu, whether it’s a full-blown ballerina version or a playful little number. And don’t be afraid to add a splash of pink, as that’s my favorite! Let’s all twirl our way through life, embracing the beauty and joy that tutus offer.

Until next Tuesday, darling!

P.S.: For the latest tutu trends, follow me on Instagram at @pinktutuqueen! And if you're looking to make a tutu-licious statement, don’t hesitate to write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!