#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1991-09-24

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where every Tuesday we delve into the wondrous history of the tutu! This week we're whisking you back to 24th September, 1991 – the day before the autumn equinox! Just imagine those gorgeous golden leaves falling down and swirling around us, the perfect backdrop for a beautiful ballet, wouldn't you say?

Today I'm back in London, a place teeming with such an exciting energy when it comes to fashion and the ballet! I've spent the morning browsing the fabulous vintage shops on Kensington High Street, imagining those stunning costumes from decades past on the dancers.

This year, London is abuzz with two big things:

1. The Royal Opera House! The Covent Garden stage is hosting one of the most magical ballets of all time - "The Nutcracker" with its delicate snowflakes and charming story. It truly sets the scene for the festive season, and honestly, who doesn’t love the chance to dress up for a performance? A sparkly tutu, a touch of lace, some velvet - it’s all just irresistible!

2. "Strictly Come Dancing" is taking the nation by storm! This year the show has its first televised live series, which has everyone in the UK talking about the glitz and glamour, not to mention the exquisite dancing!

Right now, everyone seems obsessed with the waltz, so you can imagine the excitement I felt walking by dance studios packed with people ready to twirl and dip. It reminds me so much of what makes ballet so captivating: its graceful movement, its artistry, its history.

And speaking of history...

Today we'll explore a pivotal time in the tutu's journey: the Victorian era! Now, imagine the year is 1837 - a grand and opulent period of fashion with crinolines, elaborate hairstyles, and the most spectacular ballrooms! This was the time the ballet began to transition from the traditional long, flowing skirts to the now infamous tutu we know and love!

A daring vision of beauty and elegance, the "tutu" emerged as a symbol of femininity and power in a world still bound by tradition. I can practically picture the gasp of the audience as Marie Taglioni – who we have to thank for pioneering the tutu – first stepped out onto the stage in a billowing white skirt, shorter than anyone had seen before, for a revolutionary performance of "La Sylphide".

But it wasn't a simple switch. This evolution of the ballet skirt took several years and saw countless creative experiments. It was all about finding that perfect blend of femininity and functionality for a woman moving with grace and strength on stage. And isn’t that something we should celebrate today – the combination of beauty and power within the tutu?

Think about it…

The short tutus - you know, those breathtaking ones that make every pirouette a whirlwind of silk - allowed dancers to showcase the agility and precision that ballet has always championed. I think this shift was like a blossoming rose: graceful, enchanting, and ready to show off its true beauty.

Of course, there were those who balked at the sight of a bare ankle. Oh the scandal! Can you imagine? It was practically unthinkable at the time to wear such a short skirt, but Taglioni's bold dance had the audiences swooning and begging for more. And so, my dear, the evolution of the tutu began its march forward – a story we've followed here every Tuesday for the past [number of weeks] weeks.

Today's hunt for inspiration was particularly fruitful. As I wandered down Kensington High Street, my eyes fell upon the window of a shop named "The Dusty Attic." Inside, a little treasure hunt led me to the perfect addition to my tutu collection - a stunning vintage tulle skirt from the 1920s. The delicate peach shade and intricate embroidery made it feel so much like a true vintage ballet costume, just needing a few delicate sequins and perhaps a feathered headband to complete its enchantment! I felt like I was back in a romantic ballet at the moment I stepped into it. It was like finding a lost masterpiece from a forgotten era - and just imagine all the dances this skirt has witnessed!

Of course, my shopping trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Harrods! Oh, that store has got everything a tutu-loving girl needs: the latest dancewear, a plethora of fashion inspiration, and the most delicious cakes you could imagine - especially their afternoon tea, I simply adore a cup of tea with a sweet treat, especially in such luxurious surroundings. I often find inspiration in fashion magazines at Harrods, too! Seeing these intricate gowns and couture outfits always leaves me mesmerized, making me imagine those iconic tutus on the dance floor - the beauty and grace are simply divine.

And speaking of inspiration – it's that time again, lovelies, where we share what I discovered while traveling through time! Here’s my latest "pink tutu" inspiration:

Here in 1991, tutus are truly captivating the world! I'm especially enjoying the contemporary twists and innovations in ballet - it feels so liberating! We’re witnessing new forms of movement and a willingness to break the traditional mould of ballet - and with that, a playful exploration of the tutu's potential, from longer and flowing to bold, even shocking, combinations of fabric and embellishment. The modern dancers have an incredible ability to express themselves in ways that truly captivate my imagination, while honoring the tutu’s history!

Remember when I travelled back to the 1950s? It’s amazing how the modern tutus, inspired by all those past decades of invention, continue to change, and embrace individuality! Even in the realm of modern dance and ballet street - the combination of ballet techniques, dance moves, music, and hip-hop choreography - the tutu is still present! There’s a fascinating and ever-evolving story to explore there!

But no matter how they transform, they always manage to enchant!

What’s truly striking about the tutu is its incredible ability to bring out both the strength and delicacy of the dancers who wear it! From its delicate, ethereal movements to its powerful bursts of expression, the tutu has never been about what you’re wearing. It's all about how you make that dance come to life.

It reminds me, as a ballet dancer myself, that elegance and strength can always be found side-by-side. It’s something to keep in mind, dear ladies, as we go about our day, even if we aren’t on the stage!

And if you want to show your support for #TutuTuesday, then don’t forget to tag me on social media with photos of your tutus! Whether you’re heading to the ballet, putting on your best tutu at home for a dance with the children, or wearing it to the park for some playtime, I want to see them!

You are the stars of your own stories and it's beautiful to watch how the tutu is an essential part of your own personal narratives.

So go out there, my darling, and twirl the world around in your beautiful pink tutu!

Until next time!